Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Health and Wellness
  3. The Best Balms to Soothe Sore Muscles

The Best Balms to Soothe Sore Muscles

By Elizabeth Swanson July 10, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
woman sore muscles
Credit: Getty Images
Rachel Piskin, co-founder of ChaiseFitness and a former professional ballerina, shares her top product picks to help ease the pain.
Start Slideshow

1 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
woman sore muscles
Credit: Getty Images

Whether you're upping your intensity at the gym, trying a new class, or just starting a new regimen, changing up your exercise routine is really beneficial for your health—but you probably know that it also comes with soreness afterward. Although it's that good soreness, the one that says "I must have done something right in that barre class," tight muscles can begin to feel pretty restrictive and frustrating after a while. We've all been there: Whether it hurts too much to shampoo your hair in the shower or you have to move especially slowly when squatting down to reach the bakeware on your lowest shelves, muscle soreness can make even the simplest of everyday tasks a challenge. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain.

Stretching, of course, is number one, and Epsom salt baths will help ease tension and provide a great excuse for a self-care break. We've also found that applying balms, gels, and ointments on sore muscle areas can work well, too. Take it from a former professional ballerina, Rachel Piskin, co-founder of Pilates-inspired workout, ChaiseFitness, and former dancer in the New York City Ballet, who relies on balms when her muscles feel tight. And if anyone knows how to soothe this type of pain, it's an athlete like Piskin. That's why we asked her to share the balms she keeps on hand, and recommends to her clients, to help ease the pain.

Here, she reveals a variety of her top picks. No matter what area ails you, these rejuvenating picks will help.

1 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salonpas

Salonpas Deep Relieving Gel
Credit: Courtesy of Salonpas

A fan since her dancing days with the New York City Ballet, Piskin says, "I love the gel, but the patches are also amazing for sore muscles." And the non-greasy formulation lasts up to eight hours.

Salonpas Deep Relieving Gel, $7.97,

amazon.com

.

2 of 9

3 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Naturopathica

Naturopathica Sweet Birch Muscle Rub
Credit: Courtesy of Naturopathica

"This is one of my go-tos for topical soothing relief—you can use it anywhere," says Piskin.  "It's amazing for sore muscles and stiffness in general, but it can also be used as a preventative treatment."

Naturopathica Sweet Birch Muscle Rub, $32,

goop.com

.

3 of 9

Advertisement

4 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eir NYC

Eir NYC Cooling Butter
Credit: Courtesy of Eir NYC

This in-demand balm (it's sold out on a majority of sites) is made with Arnica and can even be applied to cuts and burns. And because it's a true balm, it's mess-free and is easy to use when you're traveling, says Piskin.

Eir NYC Cooling Butter, $24,

eirnyc.com

.

4 of 9

5 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

NOW Solutions

NOW Solutions Castor Oil
Credit: Courtesy of NOW Solutions

"I recommend castor oil to my clients often," says Piskin. "If your feet hurt from a long run, or you have inflamed muscles, rub castor oil on them and wrap your feet in plastic wrap. Pull on a cozy pair of socks before bed and wake up to relief. It's an ingredient in a ton of balms, but I also love simple drops."

NOW Solutions, Castor Oil, $5.23,

amazon.com

.

5 of 9

6 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Papa & Barkley

Papa and Barkley Releaf Balm
Credit: Courtesy of Papa & Barkley
Everything You Need to Know About CBD

Made with soothing oils from cannabis, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and lavender plants, "this is a CBD option for those who are looking," says Piskin. "The scent is relaxing and the texture allows for easy massage into the sore spots."

Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm, from $20,

papaandbarkley.com

.

6 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Biofreeze

Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel
Credit: Courtesy of Biofreeze

This classic is "great to use for a quick fix—I love the convenience of the roller application," says Piskin. "It's perfect to toss into your gym or travel bag."

Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel , $11.49,

amazon.com

.

7 of 9

8 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dr. Bronner's

Dr. Bronner's Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm
Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Bronner's

There are no synthetic ingredients in this natural pain reliever product made up of a blend of soothing and moisturizing oils like arnica, camphor, menthol and avocado. Pus, a little goes a long way, so it will last a long time. "Try rubbing it on sore feet after a workout or a night on the town dancing," says Piskin.

Dr. Bronner's Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm, $11.99,

amazon.com

.

8 of 9

9 of 9

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

DoTerra

DoTerra Deep Blue Rub
Credit: Courtesy of dōTERRA

This rich cream is formulated with pure essential oils that provide a cooling and warming sensation to problem areas. "This product is great to give yourself a massage with—really work through your sore muscles with it," says Piskin.

DoTerra Deep Blue Rub, $42.67,

amazon.com

.

9 of 9

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Elizabeth Swanson

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 9
    2 of 9 Salonpas
    3 of 9 Naturopathica
    4 of 9 Eir NYC
    5 of 9 NOW Solutions
    6 of 9 Papa & Barkley
    7 of 9 Biofreeze
    8 of 9 Dr. Bronner's
    9 of 9 DoTerra

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Balms to Soothe Sore Muscles
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.