How to treat stiff muscles
1. Exercise
Exercising for 30 minutes each day (or every other day) can prevent most cases of muscle stiffness. Exercise keeps your muscles relaxed, and can even improve your mental state. Just don’t overdo it, because that’s when your muscles get stiff.
2. Baking soda bath
Add 2-4 heaped tablespoons of baking soda to a hot bath and climb in for rapid muscular pain relief. You can even try replacing the baking soda with ¾ cup of Epsom salt if you wish to.
3. Take supplements
Balance your magnesium and calcium levels by taking supplements, and consider making dietary changes.
Getting a good massage can work wonders for stiff muscles. A licensed masseuse will be able to relieve stiff muscles in a single session, sending you home pain-free and much more relaxed (consult your massage therapist regarding the best treatment for you).
5. Heat application
Simply applying heat to muscles causes the tissue to expand and increase blood flow to the heated area. You can do this by taking a hot shower or massaging the stiff area with a heating pad.
6. Relax & Meditate
Calm yourself down. By reducing the level of stress in your life, your body will relax as well, reducing the likelihood of tight and stiff muscles.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen are your best choices. Do not exceed the recommended daily dosage or take them for more than a couple of days at a time.
8. Make sure you’re hydrated
Drink water or isotonic drinks to keep your hydration and electrolytes at an adequate level. Men require 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, while women need nine (2.2 liters).
9. Stretch
Stretching your muscles when you wake up can prevent muscles from stiffening. It increases blood flow throughout your body, and prepares the muscles for the daily movements ahead.
Images by Deposit Photos.
