I saw an interesting journal article the other day, where researchers were looking at ways to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It is very common for athletes to utilize ice or ice baths as a means to reduce muscular soreness after a hard workout, as this soreness can reduce the muscle’s strength and thus hamper performance. However, not every athlete has access to a cold whirlpool, or quite honestly the desire to dunk half their body in chilly water.
This study compared the results of applying ice to a muscle vs. using a 3.5% menthol analgesic gel to a muscle two days after maximal eccentric exercise that is designed to cause DOMS. Their findings showed that 20 minutes after application of the menthol gel, muscle strength was greater than both the control group (no treatment) and the group applying an ice pack to the muscle. In addition, the menthol gel group reported decreased discomfort as compared to the other test groups.
From previous studies, it has been shown how topical analgesics can reduce pain as well as quickly reduce blood flow following soft tissue injury. I found it interesting to see how the menthol gel could be used to help recovery when applied a full two days after activity.
A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. Pramod Johar, Varun Grover, Robert Topp, David G Behm. International journal of sports physical therapy 06/2012; 7(3):314-22.
Link to the research report: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3362986/
