4 Ways to Fix Sports Induced Aches and Pains

There’s nothing quite like hockey in the Rockies, right? The fresh mountain air chills your lungs like nature’s vapor rub, overwhelming and somehow still refreshing. The weather is perfect for a quick pickup game, but what happens if you’re feeling too sore to play?

The United States has 1,900 indoor hockey rinks, but only 500 outdoor rinks. It would be a shame to waste such a glorious day feeling sore instead of slapping the puck around all night. You’re definitely not alone, though.

A quarter of all Americans have suffered from pain lasting longer than 24 hours, and countless other millions have suffered from acute pain. If you are constantly flummoxed by aching muscles, cracked ribs, and black eyes, here are some creative ways to help the pain go away.

1. Cannabidiol Oil
   CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in Cannabis Sativa, or the industrial hemp plant. CBD hemp oil contains less than 0.03% THC, the psychoactive component of the plant. CBD can also theoretically reduce production of a chemical that regulates pain in the human body, thus possibly reducing pain itself. And according to Lauren Maxwell of Medicine Man, “Cannabis is the next big trend for health and wellness!”
2. Massage
   Massage therapy is an important part of any post-workout schedule. Sometimes your muscles tighten up and it becomes too tense to handle. Massage therapy often requires continuing education and years of practice to fully understand. Sports massage therapists take their job extremely seriously and produce results for Olympic athletes regularly.
3. Grit
   You are a hockey player, right? Get back out on the ice and quit whining! Seriously, grit and perseverance are linked to happiness. Happiness is caused by dopamine. Pain to grit, grit to perseverance, perseverance to happiness. This might be the most rewarding (and dangerous) way to cope with pain in the long run.
4. Aspirin
   If you have a headache or your muscles are simply inflamed (which they are, because you fell down all day), an aspirin or some other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug should do the trick.

And, of course, if the pain is severe or does not subside, it’s essential that you see a doctor. Dr. Louie Williams MD of Louisville Physical Medicine says that, “if you have consistent tingling and numbness, or if the condition does not improve after the initial home treatment, then you should see a specialist.”

Each year, heart disease kills up to 800,000 people, and playing sports can help improve cardiovascular health and save lives. So if you ever find yourself in a situation where you want to play hockey with your friends but are feeling really sore, try any of the tips above.