Sore muscles and aching joints are an all-too-common complaint for those leading an active lifestyle. But does it really need to be this way? While some might tell you to simply push through the pain, we think this is terrible advice.
Instead, we’re strong advocates for listening to your body and developing recovery routines that work with your natural healing processes. Supporting your body in this way is one of the smartest ways to reduce post-workout fatigue and avoid injury due to overexertion.
Why Sports Injuries Need Smart Recovery Solutions
Sports injuries from overuse are not the same as injuries from misuse. This is an important distinction. When your thighs hurt following an intensive hike, this is not the same as pain from a sprained ankle.
If your pain is the result of an injury, you should follow the RICE protocol of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. You might also want to visit a doctor if you don’t see an improvement after a few days.
But when it comes to pain from overuse and overexertion, you can safely manage your pain and get back to exercise without much concern. In short, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) does not demand the same recovery routine as a genuine injury. In fact, movement can even be beneficial in preventing further stiffness.
There is an increased understanding and appreciation for these nuances, which has led many fitness enthusiasts to develop ever more unique and outlandish approaches to pain management.
While anti-inflammatories offer short-term benefits, this isn’t a long-term solution, and many would prefer to explore natural, topical recovery tools that fit seamlessly into their daily routine.
Topical products formulated from cannabis plants are paving the way for a holistic and gentle approach to pain relief following intense exercise.
What Are CBD Gels – and How Do They Work for Sports Pain?
CBD gel is a topical product applied directly to the problem area. This works in a very different way to oral CBD drops, which provide support for the entire body. With CBD gel, you can target problem areas, including injuries.
The active compound in CBD gels is also known as cannabidiol. This is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plan and it is known to interact with our endocannabinoid system.
Another well-known cannabinoid is THC, which is a controlled substance in the UK and around the world due to its ability to cause a “high” effect. Medical cannabis is highly restricted in the UK, but it may be used to treat rare forms of epilepsy and nausea linked to chemotherapy treatment.
Unlike THC, CBD does not get you high. Instead, it supports the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for sending messages between different types of cells. It isn’t fully understood how CBD supports this system, but one theory is that it prevents the body from breaking down anandamide, which is a fatty acid neurotransmitter used by the ECS.
ECS receptors are present throughout the body, including in the skin. This is why topical CBD gels for sports injuries can be so effective.
Our products don’t just contain CBD. They offer a choice between natural warming and cooling compounds, designed to help replicate the effects of hot and cold therapy. In short, it’s like having a bag of ice and a hot water bottle to hand, without the mess or hassle.
Our products contain natural ingredients that work in harmony with the body’s natural functions. The result is a holistic way to tackle injuries and promote the ideal conditions for healing without resorting to oral medication that puts pressure on the liver.
Key Benefits of Using CBD Gels for Sports Pain Recovery
Taking oral medication for sports injuries might help to mask the pain and deliver some anti-inflammatory benefits, but it also offers diminishing returns. Pain medication like ibuprofen and Naproxen are not suited for long-term use due to the impact on your stomach and liver.
Sports injuries from strain and overuse are better approached with a holistic approach that takes into consideration how the body heals itself. Using a warming CBD gel before exercise helps to prime the muscles and prepare the body for movement by increasing blood flow.
After exercise, a cooling CBD gel will provide the same effects as an ice plunge – a firm favourite in the fitness recovery to help speed up recovery and prevent injury. This restricts blood flow and helps to combat inflammation, while also helping to promote restful sleep.
Choosing a natural product will allow you to avoid the overly chemical scent associated with many petroleum-based medicated gels. This can make individuals very self-conscious, as the smell can be quite overpowering.
Spotlight on HEMPE’s Hot & Ice CBD Gel Combo
For the ultimate pain management kit, you need HEMPE’s Hot and Ice CBD Gel Combo in your life. This combined approach to pain management allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of hot and cold therapy without the mess or stress.
These products fit seamlessly into an active lifestyle, offering a holistic approach to sports recovery that works in harmony with the body’s natural processes. The warming gel is ideal for the morning or before a workout to help wake up tired muscles and sore joints. It’s also perfect for spot treating bouts of pain throughout the day to prevent injury from derailing your plans.
The cooling gel is perfect for after a strenuous workout and before bed. Restful sleep free from cramps and discomfort is an essential part of the healing process, so this is just one way that the hot and ice gel combo can deliver targeted relief.
Each product is available in different sizes, from a sample size sachet up to the HEMPE Hot & Ice Combo 150ml option that delivers excellent value for money.
The natural formulation not only helps to support recovery, but it also helps to support your skin. It contains nourishing ingredients like hemp seed oil and vitamin E to care for your skin at the same time.
When Should Athletes and Active People Use CBD Gels?
These products fit seamlessly into an active lifestyle and can support your training and recovery goals. These are just some of the ways that our customers make the most of the hot and ice gel combo:
- After workouts, long runs, training sessions and matches as a highly effective way to cool muscles and prevent excessive inflammation.
- On rest days to help prevent and manage DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
- In the morning and before exercise to help wake up muscles and loosen up stiff joints
- Alongside physiotherapy treatment, sports massages and home rehab routines to help promote healing.
CBD vs Traditional Pain Relief Gels (Voltarol, Deep Heat)
A common question we hear from customers relates to the key differences between our CBD gels for sports injuries and traditional pain relief gels like Voltarol and Deep Heat. The key difference is in the formulation and the quality of the ingredients.
Our approach is to focus on natural ingredients that support your body in a natural and holistic way. Our CBD gels are not petroleum-based, and they focus on natural ingredients to do the heavy lifting.
Our formulations in the Hot and Ice gels are also vegan friendly, cruelty free. If you’re taking a holistic approach to your health, you want to make sure the products you use are not only kind to your skin, but also kind to the environment.
Final Thoughts: Getting Back to Movement, Faster and Naturally
A CBD gel isn’t going to be an instant fix or a miracle cure for sports injuries, but it can form part of your broader recovery routine. The heating and cooling mechanism can mimic the role of hot and cold therapy, making them ideal for warm up and cool down routines.
Our 150ml combo pack offers the best possible value for those looking to upgrade their recovery routine. Whether you are injured and looking for an effective method to fast track your road to recovery, or you’re looking for an effective way to stave off injuries through effective warmup and cooldown routines, this product range can help.
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