We’ve all been there: dreading the very act of standing up because of the pain and discomfort that will ensue. But whether you’re seeking relief from acute or chronic muscle soreness, CBD can be a powerful tool in your toolbox. This article will explore CBD’s role in recovering from muscle soreness and inflammation.
Table of Contents:
1. The Wide World of Muscle Soreness
2. Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
3. Using CBD to Manage Muscle Soreness
3.1 Why Put CBD on Your Skin?
3.2 What Effects Does CBD Have on Our Skin?
4. Putting It All Together
4.1 Post-Sports Recovery
4.2 Acute Injuries and Muscle Stiffness
4.3 Getting the Sleep You Need to Recover
4.4 Persistent Muscle Soreness and Pain
5. Tip for Speeding up Muscle Recovery
6. Final Thoughts on Using CBD Balm for Muscle Soreness
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1. The Wide World of Muscle Soreness
The benefits of CBD for sore muscles include a variety of physiological, psychological, and biochemical effects.
That said, CBD is not banned. It is not considered to be a sports enhancer. The World Anti-Doping Agency decided to remove its ban on CBD for this very reason. Research has clearly shown, however, that CBD is safe and well-tolerated in humans. [1]
In animal studies, CBD has been shown to produce robust effects, including: [1]
- Anti-inflammatory
- Neuroprotective
- Analgesic
Moreover, CBD may also promote the healing of traumatic skeletal injuries and protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with inflammation. Sadly, we need many more well-controlled studies in athletes to draw more firm conclusions around the utility of CBD for supporting athletic performance. [1]
RELATED: How CBD Works
But what about muscle soreness?
2. Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
One of the most common effects of exercise and sports is muscle soreness. Scientists use the term “Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage” (EIMD) to describe the collection of symptoms surrounding sore muscles. This includes: [1]
- muscle soreness
- muscle inflammation
- muscle stiffness
Exercise—particularly strenuous and unfamiliar exercise—can lead to ultrastructural damage to skeletal muscle myofibrils and the extracellular matrix. Myofibrils are the cells involved in muscular contractions.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network of macromolecules and minerals found outside of cells. Molecules found inside the ECM include collagen, hydroxyapatite, glycoproteins, and enzymes, which combine to provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding muscle cells. [1]
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But here’s the kicker:
EIMD leads to impaired muscle function and inflammatory responses. Inflammation is beneficial for the repair, regeneration, and adaptation of the muscular system. But excessive inflammation contributes to prolonged muscle soreness and the delay of functional recovery. [1]
3. Using CBD to Manage Muscle Soreness
Put simply, CBD helps to moderate and manage this inflammatory process.
More specifically, CBD can:
- stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (small proteins that signal the immune system to act)
- inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
- attenuate immune cell accumulation (reducing the number of immune cells activated)
- inhibit reactive oxygen species (a typical product of aerobic life, but excess amounts lead to molecule damage via oxidative stress)
While lower doses have been shown to have beneficial effects, there is a dose-dependent response. In other words, more is better than less. This is the good news.
The bad news is that there are far too few studies to provide concrete guidance around these clinical effects on humans. That said, there are a few studies worth discussing. [1]
One preclinical study investigated the effect of high-dose CBD on muscle-specific inflammation. In this study, CBD reduced the mRNA expression of certain markers of inflammation.
This leads to decreased plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers. CBD also led to improvements in the recovery of muscle strength and coordination.
RELATED: CBD Dosage for Inflammation: What You Need to Know
This is crazy:
Finally, CBD helped to reduce tissue degeneration. While this study demonstrated that CBD has the potential to aid in muscle recovery, we have not yet explored potential side effects on our muscles. [1]
While CBD tinctures and oils can provide systemic benefits, you can also target specific areas using CBD balm.
RELATED: The Side Effects of CBD Explained
3.1 Why Put CBD on Your Skin?
When it comes to topical CBD applications, the skin absorbs these compounds and can benefit the muscles found beneath it. Therefore, we start with the skin because this is where the journey of topical CBD compounds begins.
You may be wondering if applying CBD will have any noticeable effects. What is CBD capable of doing inside our skin? Science has only begun to find the answers, but there are critical facts that are not disputed. Ultimately, using CBD for sore muscles offers a promising source of relief.
First, the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is found inside our skin. Along with pressure, chemical, and heat receptors, we also find cannabinoid receptors inside our dermis.
The cannabinoid receptors are involved in maintaining homeostasis. In other words, they help restore and maintain optimal functioning. Furthermore, the ECS helps the skin perform its critical role as a barrier to the external world. [2]
What’s the bottom line?
We know from research that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are located inside our skin. CBD acts upon the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as transient receptor potential (TRP) receptors, which play a role in inflammation, pain, and more. Dysfunction of the ECS is thought to play a role in various skin disorders, including itch, atopic dermatitis, hair loss, and acne. [2]
RELATED: Suffering from Eczema? CBD Oil Could Be Your New Best Friend
3.2 What Effects Does CBD Have on Our Skin?
Consumers report improvements in skin health, pain, dryness, and more after using CBD. Others report improvements in pain and inflammation as a result of suffering from arthritis. Generally speaking, conditions that involve inflammation appear to be the primary targets for CBD. But luckily for us, the benefits don’t end here.
Let’s talk about muscle soreness and muscle recovery.
RELATED: Recent Study Suggests Topical CBD Can Help Inflammation and Muscle Pain
4. Putting It All Together
CBD has been shown to alleviate pain, inflammation, and discomfort through actions on CB1, CB2, and TRP receptors inside our skin. These effects do not end at the skin but continue into our muscles below. (Click to tweet)
Through the ECS, using CBD balm can aid in muscle recovery after strenuous activity. It can also reduce the intensity and duration of muscle soreness through the effects on muscle inflammation. Ultimately, this results in alleviating muscle stiffness and discomfort when we need that relief the most. (Click to tweet)
A group of researchers released a review of original studies published in the journal Frontiers in Neurology. This 2018 review explored 132 studies involving CBD. They found that CBD can reduce inflammation in our bodies.
This partially explains why CBD helps improve pain and mobility, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis. Ultimately, the authors concluded that CBD has the following benefits: [3]
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidative
- neuroprotective
RELATED: SOL*CBD Balm—What’s in It and What Are Its Benefits
4.1 Post-Sports Recovery
CBD has been found helpful for those seeking relief after exercise or playing sports. Weekend warriors who suffer from their efforts can use CBD to decrease discomfort and enhance recovery. (Click to tweet)
The same goes for people who have arthritis and other conditions affecting their muscles. Muscle stiffness and muscle inflammation are interrelated problems that plague so many of us.
But you don’t have to take our word for it. Here are some great comments from real customers who use our CBD balm.
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excellent product "I have been using the balm almost a year. I use it whenever a muscle is sore, or arthritis acts up and quickly the pain is gone!!" — Lorraine M. |
RELATED: The Cannabidiol-Arthritis Connection
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Been using this for years "This CBD balm works great for sore and tight muscles. My husband and I are in our mid 60’s and pretty active. At the end of the day it’s our normal routine to apply this CBD balm to our aching muscles. I also use it on my hands. We get this every month with an auto renewal. That way we always have it on hand." — Mariann T. |
4.2 Acute Injuries and Muscle Stiffness
Now:
Whether you are dealing with post-activity soreness or the effects of an acute injury, getting immediate relief is essential. Our CBD balm is a perfect travel companion to bring with you on your weekend adventures. No matter how much you sweat, you know that it’ll be there to give you rapid relief. (Click to tweet)
Here are a few examples of how our customers have found this to be the case.
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Great product "After I fell and hurt my shoulder, this CBD balm help relieve the pain." — Gail B. |
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Love CBD Balm "I have been buying this product for a couple of years and I love it for my knees after biking." — Nancy M. |
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Excellent Product "We have used this Balm for well over a year, it excellent for pain relief and it works so fast. I have recommended to several people, have had them try some of ours and they ended up ordering they liked it so much. It is an wonderful product for aches and pain relief. I fell last winter on the ice, just so happened to be on my artificial knee so painful. I came in the house and immediately used this and had no swelling, bruising or pain. So glad I had it. Can't imagine being with out it." — Elaine B. |
4.3 Getting the Sleep You Need to Recover
Want to know the best part?
An additional benefit of using CBD is getting a better night’s rest. While our minds sleep, our bodies are hard at work helping muscles recover and get stronger. Getting a good night’s rest is arguably the best thing you can do for those sore muscles. (Click to tweet)
This helps explain why so many customers love using our CBD balm before bedtime. See a few of these reviews below.
WATCH: SOL*CBD Cannabidiol (CBD) Infused Balm
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CBD "This has totally helped me sleep at night. Arthritis in the back and hips has a way of keeping you up." — Randia G. |
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Good Stuff "The Balm works well. I have Neuropothy and my feet hurt at night especially. I message them with the Balm & it seems to help. I've used it on my neck and back but the beeswax in it is very thick and tends to leave my skin sticky. I like that it doesn't have a "pot" smell like some others I've tried. Over all this is a very good product and I will most likely order more." — Suzanne P. |
RELATED: Using CBD for Insomnia: What You Need to Know
4.4 Persistent Muscle Soreness and Pain
Does CBD also help assist with more chronic muscle problems? Based on the many satisfied customers we hear from every day, it would certainly seem so. Back and neck pain are incredibly common in our society.
The pain and impairments have a dramatic impact on our quality of life. So finding relief is important, especially when we need to be ready to play with our kids or make it to Thursday night basketball.
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Helps me "This is the only CBD product that helps my neck pain. I have tried CBD tinctures, pills, Medicated cream/gels at every strength and they didn’t help. This does. Some how, this mix of ingredients along with the CBD oil relieves my pain. I do use it about 3-4 times a day but well worth it. I will continue to purchase and do recommend for people with chronic muscle pain." — Dukediesel |
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Only thing that helps "This is the only CBD product that helps calm the pain in my neck. I have huge trigger points that I have to get rubbed all the time or I can’t move my neck. I’ve tried every type of CBD product and this is the only one that works for me. I highly recommend. I have it on monthly order so I’ll always have it on hand. Well worth the cost." — Darlena M. |
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It really helped my Mom! "It took almost 6 months of bugging the care givers and the on-call physician, but they finally were putting it on the muscle and knees in her legs that were in constant pain more than just twice a day. When this finally happened, pain reduction was 80% and she was actually able to do physical therapy. Unfortunately, Mom passed away this last week, 2 weeks before her 92nd birthday... Thank you for making the last 3 months so much more pain free." — Nancy N. |
RELATED: Topical CBD: Benefits and Uses of CBD Balms and Lotions
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GREAT Infused Herbal Balm "This really great stuff! It helps me and my wife with various pains. This is a second jar and will buy more as we need it. Very happy with product." — Darrell M. |
5. Tip for Speeding up Muscle Recovery
Using CBD balm to target specific areas is one way to find the relief you seek. Other times we may benefit from the systemic benefits of using a CBD tincture. (Click to tweet)
Beyond the benefits of using CBD, here are more general tips to help you increase your muscle soreness recovery.
- Drink lots of water
- Get as much sleep as possible
- Perform gentle activity, such as light stretching and walking
- Do foam rolling on your tight muscles
- Fill your body with nutritious foods
6. Final Thoughts on Using CBD Balm for Muscle Soreness
Whether your sore muscles bother you at work or after soccer practice, finding relief is critical. Adults of all ages feel the effects of acute injuries and persistent problems, including sleep disruptions.
Breaking the muscle soreness cycle and helping your body regain optimal health is a goal that we often all share. So could CBD be the perfect weapon to add to your arsenal? Both scientific research and customer reviews indicate that the answer may be yes. (Click to tweet)
Here’s the deal:
Using CBD can help attenuate the inflammatory process to provide the balance needed to recover naturally. (Click to tweet)
Staying active can often be a matter of finding some relief and getting a good night’s sleep. But sometimes that is all we need to keep going. Discover whether our CBD balm can help you shift the scales for yourself.
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