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welcome relief for muscle tension

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Like many of us, I usually retain stress on my shoulders. This got worse in 2016 when I had a freak accident that left me with this chronic pain on my left should and arm. These are my go-to to prevent it or to rescue when the pain gets too harsh.
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Topical relief

 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
You probably know you should use any muscle balm when exposed to the sun, so these patches are god-send. I do carry with me so I can apply to my shoulder when needed.
(2 pack) Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch, 5 Count, Relieves Backaches, Strains, Sore Muscles, and Sprains
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
Oh gosh, who would I be without Tiger Balm? Acts quick in soothing the pain, smells good, and doesn't stain my clothes.
(2 pack) Tiger Balm Pain Relieving Patch, 5 Count, Relieves Backaches, Strains, Sore Muscles, and Sprains
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
Oh gosh, who would I be without Tiger Balm? Acts quick in soothing the pain, smells good, and doesn't stain my clothes. (Just don't use it when exposed to the sun. If you are heading out, prefer their pain relieving patch)
(2 pack) Tiger Balm Extra Strength Pain Relieving Ointment, 0.63 oz Jar, Relief for Arthritis, Joint Pain
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This one is specific to the neck and shoulder area - where my pain is usually worst, and it is quite efficient, if you suffers the same kind of pain than me.
Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub, 50 g – Shoulder and Neck Topical Relief Cream – Sore Muscle and Joint Relieving Cream –
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This one is so helpful when my elbow and wrist are hurting. Usually I apply on those areas and use it with a compression arm sleeve
Tiger Balm Arthritis Rub, 4 oz Bottle, Pain Relief for Arthritis and Joint Pain
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
I don't understand how, but the ultra in the name is not lying. This one is quick to act and efficient where it hurts.
(2 pack) Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Pain Relieving Ointment Non-Staining 18 gm
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
Another option for muscle relief is Arnica gel. Most of them work, this one included. It is topical and anti-inflamatory.
(2 pack) Boiron Arnicare Gel for Pain Relief of Joints, Muscles, and Bruises, Fragrance-free 2.6oz
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
A classic to anyone who deals with chronic pain. It works wonderfully, and you find different sizes more appropriate to the areas intended to heal.
Salonpas 8 Hour Pain Relief Patch with Camphor 3.1% & Menthol 6% for Back & Muscles, 60 Count
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
To be fair, I only take a medication when the pain is beyond the topical control. Tylenol does the deeds. I take three days tops, but you should take advice of you primary care or PT, who knows and understand your needs.
Tylenol 8 Hour Muscle Aches & Pain Tablets with Acetaminophen, 100 Count
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Accessories for home exercises

 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
I cannot afford not have an elbow sleeve. It holds the weight I would put on arms, so my shoulder is not overly charged with tension. I prefer the one size fit because you can adjust to your comfort, instead of squeezing your arm inside.
CleanPrene Elbow Support, Sustainable, Biobased Support, One Size, Fits Left or Right
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This helps me to keep my wrist and hand in the best posture possible, to avoid making it worst to my shoulder to heal.
Wrist Brace with Soft Thumb Opening for Mild Carpal Tunnel Tendonitis 1 Pair
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This is a great option for when you are going for a run or to exercise, you barely feel it in there, and it helps you to distribute the tension properly throughout your body.
ACE Brand Compression Elbow Support, Adjustable Brace, Black/Gray
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
I do practice yoga at home, so I can properly care for my body. And it does help. I believe my recovery time has improve since I began exercising with a certain consistency (I'm not crazy about it).
Yoga For Complete Beginners - 20 Minute Home Yoga Workout!
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
The density of this mat is perfect so I don't feel like on exercising on the bare floor. It helps to keep my body relax throughout the exercise routine, which is really challenging to me.
YR Thick Yoga Mat 1/2 inch Stretching Pilates Hi-Density Comfy Foam Exercise Mats Black W/ Bag
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
It takes a while for you to adjust to the sensation, but it works wonders. the pillow is a life-saver for me.
FitRx AcuPoint Acupressure Mat, Acupuncture Mat and Pillow Set for Back and Neck Pain Relief, New
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
this is a great begginer kit for you to practice yoga or simply start a stretch routine at home. It offers the support we all need not to injure ourselves when exercising on our own.
BalanceFrom 7-Piece Set - Include Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap, 2 Yoga Blocks, Yoga Mat Towel, Yoga Hand Towel, Yoga Strap and Yoga Knee Pad
 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
to add these to your stretch out routine will improve your muscle resistance, hence, you will get stronger and the flare ups episodes will diminish.
Gaiam Loop Band Kit, Includes Light, Medium and Heavy Resistance Levels, 3 Pk
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
To make your body more resistant is the trick to deal with chronic pain. Just make sure to find a reliable exercise routine - many many on youtube and even instagram.
The Original Stretch Out Strap with Exercise Book, Top Choice Stretch Out Straps for Physical Therapy, Yoga Stretching Strap or Knee Therapy Strap by OPTP
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
this one is really helpful when your tendinites is acting up.
Exercise Workout Band, Resistance Exercise Band, Tension Band, Pull Up Bands, Tension Rope, Chest Arm and Shoulder Stretch Bands for Working Out for Total Body Exercise (Multipurpose, Pink)
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At home hot therapy

 
Roberta Barbosa profile picture
To deal with muscle pain relief it's all about that hot and cold balance. And yes, you could go for a smaller pad, but I'm telling you your whole body will appreciate the warmth of this one.
Geniani XL 𝐅𝐒𝐀/𝐇𝐒𝐀 Heating Pad for Back Pain & Cramps Relief - Heat Pad for Neck, Shoulders, and Muscle Pain with Auto Shut off (12"×24", Navy Gray)
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
A more affordable option of a electric heat pad, also XL. I never used this brand, but I'm quite sure it does the trick.
Equate XL Electric Heating Pad, 6 Heat Settings with Auto Shut off, 12 x 24 in
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
Do you need this? Not really. The pad works just fine. Is it worth it tho? Absolutely yes. It helps with the relaxation of your whole back, which is a must to really heal chronic pain.
MaxKare 24"x40" Extra Large Heating Pad Flannel with 4 Heat Settings & Auto Shut-off, for Full Body Stress Relief-Navy Blue
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This one is designed for our shoulders and neck, which is really helpful if you end up falling asleep with the pad on (you shouldn't, but it could happen).
RENPHO Large Heating Pad for Shoulders Neck Back, FSA HSA Eligible, 19"x 24", Gray
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Roberta Barbosa profile picture
This heating pad adds massage to the whole thing, which we all deserve. It's not a deep tissue massage, but still, something.
Snailax Electric Heating Pad for Back Pain Relief, Vibrating Heat Pad Massager for Neck and Shoulders, Gifts