5 Ways to deal with Sore Muscles

Yesterday was a fantastic Pilates session, but today my thighs are aching some.  Sometimes when you exercise you discover muscles you didn't know you had, but if the discomfort is a bit more than you can manage then there are simple and effective ways you can deal with it.  You can also do some form of light exercise the day after as this can increase blood flow and help with aches and pains.

5 Ways to Ease Sore Muscles

Foam rollers Similar to massage, foam rollers increase blood flow to your muscles through applied pressure—but without the hefty price tag, says Edelstein. And since you decide which muscles you work, you can make sure to focus on the areas that need the most TLC. 

Acetominophen Skip ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While they may make you feel better, they’ll also halt your body’s production of a group of lipid compounds called prostaglandins, which research shows help muscles heal. Acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) can help temporarily curb pain without preventing muscles from repairing themselves, says Edelstein. 
Stretching—after a warm up Limbering up relaxes and lengthens tight muscles, says Edelstein. But since stretching “cold” muscles can cause injury, she recommends waiting to stretch until after you’ve done a light warm-up. 

Heat therapy Warm temps can increase blood flow to sore muscles big time, says Edelstein. Soak in a hot bath, or if the pain is isolated, apply heat directly to the spot that’s giving you trouble. Many peel-and-stick heating pads can stay in place for hours and are thin enough to wear under clothing. 
Omega-3s Taking a fish-oil pill once a day reduces soreness and eases inflammation 48 hours after a strength-training workout, according to research published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Omega-3s—which are also found naturally in foods such as salmon, spinach, and nuts—may help boost circulation to sore muscles while also reducing inflammation. 

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