Can Someone Explain Biofreeze?

[Mr. Bloom]

My chiropractor suggested that I use Biofreeze on my sore knees to deal with the repetitive motion pain (which is improving...).

What is it about this stuff (menthol creme) that makes it an effective substitute for an ice pack?

It seems to me that it creates the illusion of cold whereas ice packs really are cold... but it seems to be working

[limewave]

Someone told me to use some on my back today too, but I have no idea what it is.

[Kalidurga]

Actually, it's more of an icy/hot effect. The warmth eases muscle stiffness, while the cold helps to reduce inflammation. Great stuff! Did your doctor give you the roll-on version?

[makbike]

Is it any different than Ben-Gay or Icy-Hot?

[Mr. Bloom]

while the cold helps to reduce inflammation.

I've got the gel, not the roll-on.

But, is it cold or the illusion of cold?

[Eden]

I believe it is cold from evaporation that you are feeling. My favorite menthol based stuff is Absorbine Jr - it actually does work, it hard to imagine since its just menthol in an alcohol or witch hazel? base, but feeling is believing

[KnottedYet]

We used it a little in a clinic I worked in years ago.

It kinda works on the "spray and stretch" principle: you give a sensation to the skin over a muscle, and the body relaxes the muscle (responding to the skin sensation).

Same idea with some types of taping. (Kinesio Tape and inhibitory McConnell tape are the examples that pop into my head)

Nowadays, rather than using the nasty-to-the-ozone spray, physical therapists use an ice cube. Ben-Gay and Icy Hot and Biofreeze and such are similar ideas.

With the topical ointments it is the illusion of cold that inhibits the underlying muscle.

Whatever product works for you, go for it. Skin stimulation can be very effective!

[LBTC]

Years ago I used to use chiro recommended Deep Cold - same idea - a menthol gel. Thing was my cat Ted loves menthol! (go figure), so I'd have to hide in bed and completely cover myself up....he'd still try to get at the menthol. The whole struggle probably negated the relaxing effect of the gel!

He seems to not be as interested in the arnica and roman chamomile rub I use today. Thankfully - the stuff is pretty expensive!

Hugs & butterflies,
~T~

[ehirsch83]

i love biofreeze! i use it on my neck/upper back. My chiropracter also recomended it to me, but I originally received some in the goodie bag from a 5k.

It is also great for airplane trips!(and the roll on is 3.4 ounces, so you can take it on), helps with the stiffness of the neck/knees.

[SouthernBelle]

My cat loves vicks.

[aicabsolut]

I LOVE biofreeze. It's just cold. Not icy-hot. The menthol is a mild analgesic, but also the Ilex stuff in it is supposed to be a different kind of analgesic.

I think it'd be more effective on soft tissues than joints. It does wonders for my traps. I've put it on my ankle with sort of "meh" results. An ice pack for a joint is better. It should be just fine on your ITB--better than icing. Best to use after a massage (even self-massage) on muscles or ligaments and tendons.

By the way, don't apply it right after a shower. Hurts soooo bad. And wash your hands very well after applying.

[Celeste]

I love the stuff too.

I get a few sample paks from the Chiro to keep in my bike bag. DH gets a sore back when biking really long distances and it seems to help loosen him up.

The roll on is really good for home use. Easy to put on because you don't have to get your hands in all the mess.

Hope you feel better!