When you spend enough time working out, playing sports or running races, you’re bound to encounter some injuries. It’s unavoidable when living an active lifestyle. And while it’s important to take time off to rehab yourself back to good health, some pain can linger for longer than we’d like. So we searched the market for products and tools to help aid recovery post-injury or over-exertion. While we’d always recommend seeing a doctor if you’ve done serious damage, for the smaller stuff, these finds might just help speed up the get-well process.
Best Tools to Aid Recovery
Skip the frozen bag of peas in favor of these editor-approved must-haves. You'll be back in the game — STAT.
1. Tightly Wound
Wishing you could ice while you go about your day? Wrap an Arctic Ease wrap around the problem area. The product adheres to itself and gets colder the longer you wear it. When you’re done, put a few drops of water on it, throw it back into the jar and it will be ready to use next time you need it. ($10-$15, depending on size; arcticeasewrap.com.)
2. Roll Out
Give yourself some TLC with the SKLZ Barrel Roller, a must-have for self-myofascial release (SMR). You can target the affected area by lying or sitting on the product and massaging the soft tissue. This technique helps get the blood flowing and will also help to stretch the muscle, which over time will increase your mobility. ($40; sklz.com)
Any heavy lifting can usually use a little extra support. Whether you’re spending lots of time in the box or trying to hit a PR in your local gym, applying some RockTape to your back and shoulders may do you good. This kinesio tape provides a lifting mechanism to the specified area to help increase blood flow, therefore decreasing fatigue and accelerate healing. ($20- $40, depending on thickness; shop.rocktape.com)
4. Low Blow
The FootBalance Dynamic Blue custom-molded insert will make moving, running and jumping more comfortable if you have a case of plantar fasciitis or any other foot pain. After a full analysis by a professional at the retail shop, you’ll have a pair made for you on the spot. Oh, the power of healing! ($80; footbalance.com to find a retailer near you)
5. It’s Electric
Step away from the pillbox! Consult with your doc to see if you could benefit from electrotherapy with the AccuRelief Dual Channel TENS Device. Simply attach the wires to the electrode pads and place the pads on the targeted body part, whether that’s your lumbar spine, hip or shoulder. Choose a therapy program, adjust the intensity, and let the electric stimulation create more endorphin production to the area in order to reduce the ouch. ($50; carex.com)
6. Hot and Cold
Yes, frozen peas will provide relief and help reduce swelling. But every time you move, the bag falls off! Therapearl wraps feature Velcro straps to keep them in place, so even if you shift positions, the pack won’t. Chill it in the freezer, or pop it in the microwave for heat therapy. ($8- $30; therapearl.com)
7. A Leg Up
A lingering injury may not keep you on the bench, but it always helps to give it extra support while you continue playing. Increase blood flow and speed up muscle tissue damage by wearing a pair of SKINS RY400 Compression Tights. They wick moisture and provide comfort in the gym or on the field. ($140; men’s, women’s; skins.net)
Disclosure: All products featured on our site are hand-picked by our editorial team in the hopes of getting you closer to your health and fitness goals. We only recommend products we love and believe that you will, too. If you come across an affiliate link on our site, that means we receive a small commission should you decide to make a purchase.
