# Out of shape - Best pain relievers for muscle pain after exercise **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 1, 2016, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581 "2016-05-01T08:02:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/1 "2016-05-01T08:02:03Z")
Out of shape - Best pain relievers for muscle pain after exercise? Specifically my ass and legs are in pain. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/2 "2016-05-01T08:05:57Z")
Keeping in mind I am not a doctor, pharmacist, or any sort of medical professional… … I’ve long heard ibuprofen is best, as long as you don’t have a problem taking it. Your mileage may vary, use at your own risk, void where prohibited, and all the usual disclaimers. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/3 "2016-05-01T08:39:09Z")
Thanks Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![polar\_bear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ec9cab/32.png) [@polar\_bear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/polar_bear)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/4 "2016-05-01T08:50:01Z")
People take pills when they are sore after exercise? You learn something new every day. I just take it as it comes and it helps you not to jump into a next “training” while your muscles are still recovering. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/5 "2016-05-01T08:58:40Z")
But my ass is killing me! Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/not_what_you_d_expect/32/3246_2.png) [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/6 "2016-05-01T10:33:29Z")
Ibuprofen and a heating pad. Did you stretch before exercising? I hear that really helps to ward off this kind of soreness. Feel better. ---
**Author:** ![barath\_s](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90ced4/32.png) [@barath\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barath_s)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/7 "2016-05-01T10:46:05Z")
The Rice mnemonic is often applied to first aid for athletes overexerting > **[RICE (medicine)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RICE_(medicine))** > > RICE is a mnemonic acronym for the four elements of a treatment regimen that was once recommended for soft tissue injuries: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It was considered a first-aid treatment rather than a cure and aimed to control inflammation. It was thought that the reduction in pain and swelling that occurred as a result of decreased inflammation helped with healing. The protocol was often used to treat sprains, strains, cuts, bruises, and other similar injuries. > The mnemonic wa... As the link notes it is often extended with hydration and ibuprofen , or alternatively nsaids. While elevation is going to be difficult for your ass, you can try the others. As a possibly non clued in layman, I’ve noticed back and other muscles can sometimes get locked in to ‘tighten’ position where heat , electrostim and alternating ice and painkillers are applied. Trues also of spasming muscles. Practically this means I might try a hot water bath or bottle (for relaxing) and alternate that with ice pack cycles and normal temp cycles… A painkiller may not hurt, but if pain continues, refer cones into play… Not a trained professional so take advice with caution… ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/8 "2016-05-01T11:33:04Z")
> [@polar\_bear](#): > > People take pills when they are sore after exercise? You learn something new every day. I just take it as it comes and it helps you not to jump into a next “training” while your muscles are still recovering. It depends on how sore they are. And not everyone is going to be jumping into their next training session for a day or two. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/9 "2016-05-01T13:34:30Z")
There’s really no good evidence that any one NSAID pain reliever (ibuprofen, naproxen, sulindac, meloxicam, indomethacin, salsalate, ketoprofen, diclofenac, etc. etc.) is any better overall at relieving pain than any other. Now, different individuals may find that a particular NSAID works better for them than another. Likewise, acetamenophen (tylenol, non-aspirin) hasn’t been demonstrated as better or worse than NSAIDs for pain relief. It doesn’t cause GI upset the way NSAIDs can, so many folks opt for it. Basically find something that works for you, and use it if and when you need it. BTW, taking a dose of an NSAID here and there for pain will **not** reduce inflammation. That takes regular dosing for at least a few weeks to help significantly with inflammation. ---
**Author:** ![GrumpyBunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bc8723/32.png) [@GrumpyBunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrumpyBunny)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/10 "2016-05-01T13:48:40Z")
NSAIDs will probably be your best bet – they’ll help with any inflammation you have from overdoing the exercise. I also like e-stim for pain. Works nicely. ---
**Author:** ![barath\_s](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90ced4/32.png) [@barath\_s](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barath_s)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/11 "2016-05-01T15:44:40Z")
Duplicate post by error. Deleted ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/12 "2016-05-01T16:43:34Z")
Ahh DOMs (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) my least favourite part of returning to the gym. The pain is always the worst on the 2nd day. Best advice, keep moving. The muscles are stiffer and sorest if you lay around letting things get tight. Soak in Epsom salt baths, do some Yoga (I once got rid of it by doing a Hot Yoga class), light cardio, and most importantly, keep going to the gym. I know you don’t feel like it, but trust me. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/13 "2016-05-01T18:22:11Z")
> [@GrumpyBunny](#): > > NSAIDs will probably be your best bet – they’ll help with any inflammation you have from overdoing the exercise. Sorry, no. See post #9. Incidental use of NSAIDs does not reduce inflammation. That takes committed regular use in sufficient doses (like ibuprofen 800 3 x a day for 2 weeks). ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/14 "2016-05-01T18:51:43Z")
> [@Poysyn](#): > > Ahh DOMs (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) my least favourite part of returning to the gym. Its my most favorite part. Im addicted to it. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/15 "2016-05-01T19:07:07Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Its my most favorite part. Im addicted to it. Yeah, me too - but it’s a rare treat these days. ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/16 "2016-05-01T19:14:44Z")
IANAD, and I’m not licensed to prescribe, but I recommend a nice hot bath. Lots of them. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/17 "2016-05-01T19:30:31Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Its my most favorite part. Im addicted to it. Me too. Although, the pain does seem to subside after you’ve been going for a while on a consistent basis. I remember when I first started going back after a long hiatus. Just bending my arm to brush my teeth was a painful task. ---
**Author:** ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/18 "2016-05-01T19:31:55Z")
> [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](#): > > Ibuprofen and a heating pad. > > Did you stretch before exercising? I hear that really helps to ward off this kind of soreness. > > Feel better. Stretching before warming up is not recommended. Runners once stretched before running but it was found out that this could do more harm than good. Runners now stretch after exercise, or at least a warm-up run. The same should be true for any exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/19 "2016-05-01T21:19:09Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > Its my most favorite part. Im addicted to it. The normal achiness from lifting/pushing hard is GREAT! The horrible, I-am-completely-hobbled-and-can’t-move is less good. It really only comes in like that when you get back after months off. ---
**Author:** ![snfaulkner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snfaulkner/32/433_2.png) [@snfaulkner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snfaulkner)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2016, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/out-of-shape-best-pain-relievers-for-muscle-pain-after-exercise/753581/20 "2016-05-01T21:45:16Z")
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