Re: Is icey hot good for sore muscles?

Dear Tracy,

Generally speaking, yes, products like Icy-Hot have beneficial effects. 
They have been around for a long time. Most of them started out as 
concoctions found in the trainer's room. I fondly remember our trainer, 
nicknamed "Chops" who had about eight different colored salves in hyge 
plastic containers. They all were unique to some degree. Some went on 
muscles before practice, some after practice, some after practice and 
before 30 minutes in the "thera-bath" (a deep tub one sat in and soaked 
the affected limb - either cold or hot) and some after the bath.

Basically - when inflamation occurs we try and "cool" it down to prevent 
further swelling. This is done in 15 to 20 minute segments about 3 to 4 
times a day for the first 24 to 72 hours. After that heat is used to 
dilate the small vessels in the affected area to spead up healing and 
resolution of inciting event. Again, it is usually applied for 20 to 30 
minutes four times a day or more. There is room for flexibility with this. 

Products with capsacin target "substance-P", a type of pain transmitter. 
The "P" is rapidly consumed leaving a decrease in pain in the involved 
area. People with chronic discomfort and arthritis will make use of this.

Hope this helps.

Gerry Bock, MD