Many muscle rubs contain counterirritants which produce a mild, local, inflammatory reaction. Your body notices this reaction and “forgets” about the pain in the adjacent or underlying tissues
Medicated creams and ointments for muscle aches and pains are easy to use. They’re also readily available, and most do not require a prescription. However, if they are overused or used incorrectly they can cause harm.
In 2007, New York college athlete Arielle Newman, a 17 year old cross-country runner, died when her body absorbed excessive amounts of methyl salicylate, a common ingredient in muscle and sports rubs.
Read Also
Producers aren’t panicking over tariffs and trade threats
The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) surveyed its members this spring to get a sense of how trade uncertainty was…
Methyl salicylate and trolamine salicylate are the most commonly used counterirritants, with some formulations containing menthol and camphor. (The characteristic smell of muscle rub is often due to this menthol or camphor.)
The use of counterirritants originated with the use of plant material for aches and pains. The home remedy of a mustard plaster contains the counterirritant allyl isothiocyanate, and oils from the eucalyptus tree were used as topical pain relievers.
The salicylates naturally occur in wintergreen and sweet birch oils. Menthol is extracted from peppermint oil. Camphor trees are the source for camphor.
Today, counterirritants are prepared synthetically. Capsicum preparations are derived from cayenne pepper with the most common being capsaicin. They deplete a neurotransmitter known as Substance P which is responsible for pain messages being sent from muscles to pain receptors in the nervous system. Without Substance P, the messages are not sent and pain is not sensed. It does take time to deplete the stores of Substance P, meaning capsaicin may require up to six weeks for maximum effect.
When you use creams or ointments, and especially muscle rubs, you need to use them correctly to avoid problems. Always apply these products to intact skin and remember heat exposure and sweating will “open pores” allowing more absorption. Avoid tender areas such as your face, groin, or underarms because absorption may occur and irritation is more likely. Don’t cover the area or use a heating pad with a muscle rub.
Wash your hands before you apply muscle rubs to reduce your risk of contaminating the skin area with dirty hands. Also wash your hands after application to reduce the rick of touching another area with the muscle rub. Ingredients such as capsaicin can produce stinging and burning if you accidentally
touch another part of your body such as your eye or mouth. Disposable gloves are a good idea and cotton swabs can be use to apply rubs to small or difficult to reach places.
When applying muscle rubs use only a thin layer and rub it in well. The massaging action of application may also help alleviate symptoms. It’s easiest to apply creams and ointments, including muscle rubs, in the direction of hair growth.
Read the directions for how many times daily you should apply a muscle rub and don’t exceed that number. If you remember that one fingertip-full usually covers both sides of a hand; two fingertip-fulls one foot; three fingertip-fulls one arm; and six fingertip-fulls one leg, you’ll be more likely to use the right amount. Too much and you risk absorption into the body and it’s expensive.
Keep in mind that creams and ointments, muscle rubs included, are indeed medications and need to be used correctly so that you will benefit from them and cause yourself no harm. Always read the list of ingredients and the directions. That’s how to be sure you know what you are using, and how to use it.
Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in health care and education
