Cooling Relief: How Does Menthol Soothe Pain?
Aug 23, 2021
Cooling Relief: How Does Menthol Soothe Pain?
Nobody likes being in pain. Sore muscles, stiff joints, and other aches can severely affect your quality of life, but using menthol for pain can offer help in your efforts to live pain-free. There is a vast array of menthol products available, but the most commonly used is a mentholated ointment. At Tommie Copper®, we’re experts in helping people manage pain, and we want to help you understand just how menthol works for pain and all the benefits it can bring to you. So, let’s answer some questions and dig into how mentholated ointments and other menthol products work to soothe pain.
What is it?
To understand how menthol for pain works, we need to know what it is first. Menthol is an organic compound with a rather minty smell. It can come from natural sources like peppermint and eucalyptus, or it can be manufactured synthetically. Mentholated ointment has been used for decades as a cooling pain reliever for sore legs, tight shoulders, and other bodily pain. Instead of burning and heating the area to which it’s applied, like capsaicin, menthol “cools” the area.
How does it work?
Mentholated ointments and other products with menthol in them work by attaching to a neuronal receptor and ultimately “distracting” your body from the current pain it’s feeling. It doesn’t actually repair any damage in your body, like inflammation or nerve damage, but it can be a welcome diversion from irritable joints and sore muscles. Using menthol for pain is a great way to help manage everyday aches and pains that come from overexertion, injury, and arthritis. It provides the user with a pleasurable sensation that helps to temporarily counteract pain.
When should I use it?
One of the great qualities of menthol is how easy it is to use. From sprays to creams and ointments, there is a wide variety of ways to use this dynamic substance. If your muscles are sore from hitting the weights, rub it on the skin surrounding the affected muscle group. Sore joints from arthritis? Use a spray or mentholated ointment on the joint for relief.
Never ingest menthol for pain or use it on irritated skin — like a cut or rash. Apply a thin amount to the affected area and use it no more than 3-4 times a day.
Where can I get it?
At Tommie Copper®, we have creams, sprays, and rollers to help you effectively manage your pain. Plus, our formulas have all been developed to provide no-mess, easy application. So, you won’t need to worry about mentholated ointment that gets everywhere. We take pride in being the original trusted compression brand. We started it all, and we’re only going further with our products.
Shop all of our menthol products for pain and feel better now with Tommie Copper®!
