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!