Don’t Endure the Pain! When Muscle Pain Occurs
“No pain, no gain” is a phrase that holds some truth but don’t believe it completely. Not every kind of pain leads to positive results. Whether you’re a cyclist or a runner, when muscles are pushed to their limits, muscle soreness is bound to follow. This may come in the form of post-workout muscle pain or soreness after a massage, which we often assume is normal. However, over time, this can unknowingly cause long-term muscle damage.
Imagine waking up in the morning and having to endure muscle pain so severe that you can barely move. Just thinking about it is exhausting. That’s why it’s important to regularly observe your body. When you feel pain, tightness, or stiffness, don’t ignore it take care of it immediately using the following methods.
1. Rest and reduce movement in the injured area
When we experience muscle pain, we naturally want to sit still rather than move around. However, sitting still for too long can actually cause muscles to stiffen. You should gently stretch and exercise the painful muscles with caution to reduce tension and help relieve pain. Getting enough sleep is also essential, as muscle pain results from internal muscle injury, which takes time to heal.
2. Watermelon juice can help
This is real not a joke. Research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that people who drank watermelon juice before exercising experienced less muscle soreness the following day. Watermelon contains antioxidants that help stimulate blood circulation, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the muscles more efficiently, thereby reducing muscle pain. If watermelon juice isn’t available, you can try cherry juice, beetroot juice, or orange juice instead, as they offer similar benefits.
3. Use physical therapy techniques
Stretching is one of the most effective ways to relieve muscle tension, restore flexibility, and strengthen muscles for daily activities. Stretching and muscle conditioning play a key role in improving blood circulation, which helps with nutrient delivery and waste removal. At the same time, these techniques help release muscle knots (trigger points), which require skilled hands to treat effectively such as those of the specially trained physical therapists at Stretch me.