Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

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2009-03-09 8:04 PM

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Expert
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Morgantown, WV
Subject: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

In my course of battling IT Band (which has been going on for months, and months) I encountered an article on anti-inflammatory gel.  They also specifically mentioned arnica oil.

Any good suggestions for me?  Willing to try any really good suggestions for massage oils/gels etc.

2009-03-09 8:15 PM
in reply to: #2007416

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Master
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Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
Well...I have personally used an Arnica gel to help heal up some bruises...and it did seem to help for THAT purpose. However, I have not had much luck using the Arnica gel OR an anti-inflammtory gel called IB-Relief, to help bring down any type of inflammation. Sorry. I hope you have better luck with the stuff than I did. One more thing...the stuff isn't cheap. Well...the Arnica gel isn't too bad, about $7 or $8 a tube. But the IB-Relief stuff was $20, and I felt it was a total scam and waste of money.
2009-03-09 8:45 PM
in reply to: #2007416

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Veteran
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Sterling, VA
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

I have used arnica (both the gel and homeopathic tablet styles) successfully for bruises, muscle pulls and swelling. It isn't a miracle cure, but it does speed up the healing time compared to not using it (for me).

2009-03-09 9:54 PM
in reply to: #2007416

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
I got samples of the Mission Revive Gel at a race and have used it a few times afterwards.  It seemed to help, but I don't know how much it would help with an IT Band problem.
2009-03-09 11:07 PM
in reply to: #2007416

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Master
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Lafayette, IN
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
Generally speaking, creams/ointments/gels are formulated only to provide localized, "skin deep" treatment.  And looking at some info on Arnica creams, this looks to be it's mode of action.  In other words, you're not going to get the relief you're looking for.  My guess is, an oral anti-inflammatory is going to be your best option.
2009-03-10 5:13 AM
in reply to: #2007655

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Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

esc - 2009-03-09 9:07 PM Generally speaking, creams/ointments/gels are formulated only to provide localized, "skin deep" treatment.  And looking at some info on Arnica creams, this looks to be it's mode of action.  In other words, you're not going to get the relief you're looking for.  My guess is, an oral anti-inflammatory is going to be your best option.

 

I agree completely, well said.



2009-03-10 6:18 AM
in reply to: #2007416

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Champion
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Verona WI--Ironman Bike Country!
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
I use Arnica occasionally and it seems to provide relief, but I always wonder if it is just in my head.  I also take warm Epsom Salts baths for sore muscles and I swear it helps me recover faster.  No scientific proof, just personal experience.  And Epsom Salts is dirt cheap.
2009-03-10 7:45 AM
in reply to: #2007416

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Expert
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Morgantown, WV
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

Thanks everyone.

I don't want to take any more vitamin I (Ib profen) becuase I took it 3x a day (600mg) for a little over a month.  I also took it for almost 3 months last fall.  It's time for me to get off it.

I'm willing to try anything at this point, and this is something I saw suggested.

I probably wouldn't have had the money anyways...at $150 bucks a week (no insurance) the chiropractor is KILLING my budget.

2009-03-10 8:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
Over the years, I've used absorbine veterinary linament to good effect for muscle aches and soreness. I don't have IT band problems (yet), so I don't know how effective it would be for that. It exfoliates too.


Edited by mrheathen 2009-03-10 8:08 AM
2009-03-10 8:32 AM
in reply to: #2007416

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Champion
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New York, NY
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

Celadrin is a topical antiinflammatory with really good data.  (celadrin.com has many of the studies0

 

I think natural factors is the only company currently distributing in the US - if you have trouble finding it we have it in the office and can send it to you.

 

(this is my field of expertise - supplements...)

 

cheers,

 

cat

2009-03-10 11:12 AM
in reply to: #2007416

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Extreme Veteran
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Denton
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?
May I suggest ice?  If you want to use Arnica, take it in the oral form, most sports docs say that the gel isn't really that effective for inflammation.

2009-03-10 11:17 AM
in reply to: #2007416

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Expert
758
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Morgantown, WV
Subject: RE: Anti-Inflammatory Massage Gel?

I ice at least 2x daily.   This would be on top of that.

I'm hesitant to take anything orally: a cream only effects an acute area, if there were any side effects/reactions it would not be as bad.

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