Have you ever tried topical over-the-counter products for muscle pain? If you read the interesting New York Times article linked below, you might conclude that they don't work. According to the article, studies have found only limited evidence that over-the-counter topical analgesics are helpful for pain, and the research is so minimal and inconclusive that doctors from the Sports Medicine Center at the Mayo Clinic refused to comment even comment on the efficacy of topical analgesics, saying that, “There is no science to either support or refute the effectiveness” of the products. some doctors have attributed any benefits to the placebo effect.
Well, from a personal perspective i could not more strongly disagree. I have struggled with nagging back pain that is precipitated by standing or walking for several hours. However, when in Maui a few years ago and i did not have access to my regular tools, my naturopathic girlfriend at the time suggested I purchase some tiger balm. I reluctantly purchased it as i did not believe it would work at all but i was shocked at how effective it was.
I have never tried the products mentioned in the New York Times article, but i know for certain that tiger balm works very effectively for me. A few warnings on its use though:
I don't mind the smell at all but some people find it offensive. More importantly though if you apply it to your body you use your hands. It is very important to wash your hands after applying it (to the best of my knowledge the bottle doesn't warn you of this)
If you fail to wash your hands and you are a male and decide to urinate your hands will transfer some of the cream or liquid to the very sensitive and thin tissue on your penis and i can assure you from personal experience that this is not something you ever want to repeat.