what's the quickest way to get rid of soreness in muscles

**gundamzaku** · 12-27-2012, 12:56 PM

usually after playing 4 straight hours of badminton with very little break in between, like last night, my body is sore, from the shoulers down to my feet. mind you that this is muscle soreness, and not pain, so it's not anything bad. but somehow, as i am getting older, the soreness stays with me longer. it used to be just half a day when i was 19, now that i'm 34, it stays with me for at least a day if not longer.

in order to get rid of soreness, i have been told to drink more water, stretch a lot more right after i play, sleep, hot shower, and a massage. i know that professional cyclsts have these pressurized suits they wear when they go to sleep and the next morning, they are ready to ride another 100mi.

what is your experience with soreness and how do you cope with it besides the obvious, to "deal with it"?

**diverdan** · 12-27-2012, 02:09 PM

I tend to drink a recovery drink that has a lot of carbs and a bit of protein which comes in the form of a milkshake. Powerbar Recovery is good. Plenty of stretching after playing helps a lot to. Showering in cold water helps reduce any bruising. Age happens to us all!

**urameatball** · 12-27-2012, 02:13 PM

"pain is weakness leaving the body"... HOO-RAH! Drop down and gimme 20!

**gundamzaku** · 12-27-2012, 03:42 PM

Originally Posted by diverdan

I tend to drink a recovery drink that has a lot of carbs and a bit of protein which comes in the form of a milkshake. Powerbar Recovery is good. Plenty of stretching after playing helps a lot to. Showering in cold water helps reduce any bruising. Age happens to us all!

thank you, i'll look into recovery drinks and probably try to stretch after playing for the first time

but doesn't showering in cold water constrict the muscles a bit, which hurts even more???

**tigerlam92** · 12-27-2012, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by urameatball

"pain is weakness leaving the body"... HOO-RAH! Drop down and gimme 20!

ROFL!!!

When I first started, less pain now, I would always played so hard that I can't even move when I get home. When it was really bad I soaked myself in Epsom salt in my bathtub/jacuzzi. I used a lot of Chinese ointment as well. These allowed me to play hard five times a week. Not a good idea, but I also take an Alleve as well. The problem with this is that you may missed true sign of pain that your body is telling you. Also some light work out is good as well to loosen it up.

**Fidget** · 12-27-2012, 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by urameatball

"pain is weakness leaving the body"... HOO-RAH! Drop down and gimme 20!

Sage advice. I'll pass that gem on to the next pregnant lady in 12 hours of labour without anesthesia. Oh, the laughter that will ensue.

@ gundamzaku: The only thing I'd add is that your stretching and sleep and water are important every day, not just on game day. Muscles that are supple and strong already are less likely to suffer after exercise. Best o' luck.

**captaincook** · 12-27-2012, 07:30 PM

This is aging my friend. Ask me again in 10 years.

**forumer** · 12-27-2012, 11:56 PM

I used to have the same problem and it lasted for 2~3 days. It wasn`t until i come across dark cherry juice in the internet. I started by drinking 2 cups per day for one mths and the soreness was much much reduced. Nowadays im drinking 2 tbs twice daily as maintenance.I assured u that its not placebo effect, its is supported with clinical evidences. You can google n find that iys also laden with other health benefits. Here cheers to ur good health!!!

**vajrasattva** · 12-28-2012, 12:06 AM

acupuncture and full body massage...

good compression wear helps too

**diverdan** · 12-28-2012, 04:08 AM

Originally Posted by gundamzaku

but doesn't showering in cold water constrict the muscles a bit, which hurts even more???

Using cold water is supposed to stimulate blood flow and therefore will be more effective at removing lactic acid build up and reduce any swelling. Ideally using an ice bath is best. Failing that a dip in a cold pool or a cold shower will help.

The need to stretch post exercise especially when you get older is a must and a typical routine only takes 15mins. I would also recommend stretching everyday to help loosen you up.

**gundamzaku** · 12-28-2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by vajrasattva

acupuncture and full body massage...

good compression wear helps too

i started wearing compression shorts since a year ago and they soreness diminished on my thighs, but am i suppose to wear full body compression suit to take away all the soreness???

Originally Posted by diverdan

Using cold water is supposed to stimulate blood flow and therefore will be more effective at removing lactic acid build up and reduce any swelling. Ideally using an ice bath is best. Failing that a dip in a cold pool or a cold shower will help.

The need to stretch post exercise especially when you get older is a must and a typical routine only takes 15mins. I would also recommend stretching everyday to help loosen you up.

i have to start stretching, but that's when laziness kicks in and stretching goes out the window and pain comes in!!!