Graphic of man in gym Using CBD for Muscle Recovery lifting weights

Using CBD for Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

Does leg day having you feeling down and out? CBD is a great product to use both pre-workout and post-workout. CBD is being used more frequently to help people recover from muscle soreness and for pain relief. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help speed up the healing process. Another CBD benefit is it can also help reduce the amount of pain and inflammation caused by muscle injuries, making it an excellent choice for those who want to get back to their active lifestyle or workout routine as quickly as possible.

CBD has shown to be an effective option for reducing inflammation and pain in a wide variety of studies, making it a promising option for natural relief from muscle soreness and stiffness. In addition, CBD has little to no side effects, making it a safe and effective option for managing pain and soreness.

Adding CBD to your workout routine

Muscle tension and stiffness can be frustrating and debilitating, but CBD products may offer natural relief. Start with a low dose and increase dosage gradually as needed to find the most effective amount for you and your body weight. When applied topically, CBD can provide localized relief to the affected area of muscle soreness.

Cannabis has been used for centuries to manage a variety of medical conditions. CBD, one of the main compounds found in cannabis, has been shown to be effective in treating pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive compound and will not produce a “high” associated with marijuana use. Derived from the hemp plant, it is also safe and effective with little to no side effects. Adding high quality CBD oils to your recovery products can help your fitness routines by reducing muscle inflammation.

The Benefits of CBD for Muscle Recovery

CBD has been demonstrated as effective in treating pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It is also safe and effective with little to no side effects. The anti inflammatory properties can help soothe damaged muscle fibers and promote workout recovery.

CBD topicals are an excellent alternative for those who do not enjoy the taste of CBD oil or who do not want to feel the psychoactive effects of THC. When applied topically, CBD can provide localized relief to the affected area. Apply a CBD-infused topical cream or salve before and after exercise or strenuous activity for best results. Other options for CBD include capsules, gummies, infused water, tinctures, or edibles.

CBD may help reduce inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. It may also help reduce anxiety for some by interacting with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor.

CBD may help improve sleep by reducing anxiety and improving pain levels. A small 2019 study found that CBD improved sleep quality in people with chronic pain. CBD may also help reduce insomnia and improve sleep in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a sleep aid CBD can be an extra help in recovering from training sessions. Regular gym goers can attest that getting enough sleep is one of the most generally recommended practices you need to be mindful of.

CBD has many potential benefits for athletes, including reducing inflammation, pain, anxiety and improving sleep quality. CBD is generally well tolerated and safe to take, but it is important to talk to a doctor before using CBD, especially if you take other medications.

Can a CBD oil help with muscle pain?

There are a number of topical CBD solutions that can help soothe sore muscles and promote muscle recovery. One popular option is CBD muscle rubs which are applied directly to the skin. These rubs contain CBD and other essential oils that can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Another option is high strength CBD salves. Salves are a type of balm that contains CBD and other ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin. These products are often used to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis and tendinitis.

Using a high-strength CBD salve can be an effective way to get relief from pain and inflammation. The benefit of a salve is that it can be applied directly to the affected area. This makes CBD salves a convenient option for those who don’t want to deal with the mess of topical creams or oils.

Using CBD in workout
CBD can boost your workout recovery

Helping Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

CBD is one of the over 100 cannabinoids within cannabis and has been the subject of growing research for its potential health benefits. CBD oil is derived from industrial hemp, meaning it contains negligible levels of THC and is therefore non-psychoactive.

According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD can help muscles recover from strenuous exercise by reducing inflammation and pain. The findings suggest that CBD could be used as a potential treatment for delayed onset muscle soreness.

“Our results indicate that CBD may help reduce exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage and inflammation,” said lead author Dr. Sheng-Jie Zhu of China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. “CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, so we believe it could be a potential treatment for exercise-induced muscle damage.”

To test their hypothesis, the researchers induced muscle damage in mice by having them run on a treadmill for 30 minutes. The mice were then treated with either CBD or a placebo. The researchers found that the mice treated with CBD had reduced inflammation and pain levels. In addition, CBD treatment also prevented the loss of muscle cells and significantly improved muscle function.

“This is the first study to show that CBD can help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation,” said Dr. Zhu. “Our results suggest that CBD could be a potential treatment for exercise-induced muscle damage.”

Improving your muscle recovery

While more research is needed to confirm this, the study provides preliminary evidence that CBD may help reduce muscle recovery time and reduce inflammation. Intense workouts can lead to a need for pain relief, and in clinical trials CBD appears to be a great option that can benefit athletes. This makes CBD products a promising natural remedy for elite athletes and gym goers looking for ways to speed up their recovery. For those looking for pain relief for overworked muscle fibers, the anti inflammatory properties can promote post workout recovery.

As with any supplemental dietary product, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and discuss CBD as a part of your health and fitness goals or weight loss plan. Many people from professional athletes to the personal trainer at the local gym have seen firsthand the beneficial effects of using CBD to help with body’s inflammatory response. Making workout recovery a quicker and less painful experience will help promote building that workout routine.

Picture of Sarah Rutherford - Contributor

Sarah Rutherford - Contributor

Sarah has been interested in plant medicine for over 20 years. She draws on her experience working in the health and wellness field and applies it to the CBD industry.