As I mentioned in a previous post, recovery is so important when it comes to training. For people who are, dare I say, a little obsessed with running and exercise (yes I fully include myself in that camp), we’re always after ways to get back to training as quickly as possible. There are no quick fixes obviously, not without becoming a full-time elite who has the beck and call of physios, dieticians, trainers, coaches, sponsors etc. etc., but there are small things that can make a difference and help us mere mortals out.
I’ve been sent the new Deep Heat Massage Roll-On to test out and I was quite intrigued by it. I’ve used the heat patches before and found them quite effective but as a one-time use thing, not exactly cost-effective. The gels and creams are all a bit messy… So a roll-on sounds perfect and travel-friendly!
Deep Heat is used to ease and loosen muscles. This is a new format as it’s applied through a rollerball applicator. It’s a drug-free way of reducing muscle tension and DOMs (delayed onset muscle soreness), increasing blood flow and without any stickiness. A key ingredient of the roll-on works by activating the TPRV1 receptors in our skin which alert the brain to a sudden change in temperature at the site of application. This can help realign muscle fibres and break down adhesions and scar tissue. Ideally it is to be used post-exercise or on injury-spots to help with rehab. You can even use it pre-exercise to help loosen muscles up ready to get going.
Thoughts? I really like this. The roller ball is great as it’s provides some good massage into niggly, difficult-to-get to areas (hello hips). Massaging with your hands is all well and good but having an actual ball thing is perfect. I often use a tennis ball to foam roll so this was a perfect for me. It was also perfect when my foot was niggling me.
It gives a gentle heat to the area and feels very similar to the cream. It has a light fragrance but definitely still smells like Deep Heat, though it’s not unpleasant. The lotion comes out very easily as you roll it onto yourself but my only qualm with it is if you want to really use it for massaging the area then they’ll be lots of lotion coming out. It makes the area of skin not sticky or greasy but just, well, covered in the lotion. I would then have to use my hands to massage it in a bit more. This isn’t that much of an issue as more massage isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s also very handy to take with you to races or pop in your gym bag.
The rollerball is available from Boots, Tesco and other pharmacies and supermarkets for £4.99.
Do you use Deep Heat?
Do you get regular sports massages?
Do you warm-up before exercise?
**Full Disclaimer: I was sent the Deep Heat for free in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own honest ones.**
When I played soccer every weekend [with about 4 or 5 games in 2 days] I would literally bathe in Icy Hot. My muscles constantly ached, were sore, tight, etc and I was just like a walking advertisement for that stuff. Too this day when I open up my old soccer bag I can smell the stuff!
Kat recently posted…Thinking Out Loud #76
Haha yes it’s the smell of race areas all over Britain too. We love the stuff!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Rants and Raves #28
One thing I’ve wanted to do is get a foam roll to add to my recovery or “light” exercise days!
Linda @ The Fitty recently posted…The Holistic Habits I’m Harnessing!
Yes definitely do it. It’s a great way to loosen up those tight muscles.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Rants and Raves #28
I always use deep heat when I have back pain and I actually love the smell. It’s a comforting smell I guess.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Slow Cooker Carrot Cake Porridge by Dannii
Yeah I’m with you on that. It’s a funny and strong smell, but it’s nice.
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Rants and Raves #28
I much preferred that one as I hate getting the lotion on my hands as it’s so hard to wash off. Although I always find that right away it isn’t too hot, but then a few minutes later it starts to burn and feels so hot. I didn’t use the ball as massage as I didn’t want to put much on!
Maria @ runningcupcake recently posted…Finally a parkrun pb!
That’s a fair point about the roller ball as it does coat it on quite liberally!
AnnaTheApple recently posted…Rants and Raves #28
Does anyone else get incredible itching a few minutes after using Deep Heat roll on ?
Yes i get really horrible itching and burning and the ball lets too much of the liquid out do its no good for massage think i will stick with tiget balm.
I’ve just been given some new red Deep Heat roll-on for some pain in my foot but the trouble is that I’m on several drugs for a present broken spine! I wondered if the use of Deep Heat would have detrimental effect of my use of prescribed morphine sulphate and gabapentin? Any help would be appreciated because there’s a long waiting time to see my GP.
Muscle massage is important in our healthy lives. Thank you for sharing your valuable article. Which time of the day is best for muscle massage?
-Regards
Edward Matheson recently posted…Best Push Up Bars For Strong Upper Body Muscle: Reviews & Buying Guide
I suffered from knee pain for several months which my doctor said was due to arthritis. I had PT, etc. and it didn’t help at all. An MRI was finally done and it was discovered that I had a torn meniscus. I was reluctant to have surgery. A massage therapist told me about something called a castor oil pack. I researched it online, made one up (cold pressed castor oil, cotton flannel, heating pad) and used it for 45 minutes for three consecutive nights with my leg up while watching TV. The pain left completely, but for insurance I continued the therapy for a week. Three years later and the pain has not returned. I eventually developed pain in the other knee and the treatment also alleviated that pain. I recently told a neighbor who is a retired nurse about this as she was suffering from chronic knee pain. She tried it and got the same results I did. She told me that as someone in the medical profession she would not have believed it would have worked until she tried it herself. I checked back with her a couple of weeks later and she was still pain-free. Now I wish I could come up with a topical treatment to restore nerve function to my foot and leg (drop foot probably due to L4-L5 stenosis). I think I need to try applying a castor oil pack to my lower back. I’ll let you know if it works!