Balms, creams and warming treatments for muscles

How a warming balm works on muscles

A warming balm contains active ingredients called rubefacients, like capsaicin extracted from chili pepper, which dilate small blood vessels in the skin and activate heat-sensitive receptors. The massaged area reddens slightly, warms up, and relaxes.

The massage is just as important as the product: by rubbing the muscle for a few minutes, you stimulate local circulation and relax the tissues. That’s why warming creams are popular in changing rooms during winter, on the calves, thighs, and lower back, before a match played in cold weather.

Other footballer care products

Heat has its opposite. Cold products are used as soon as a knock or sprain occurs, bandages support a weakened joint, and medical bags carry all the supplies to the edge of the pitch. All care can be found on a single page.

Before or after the match: when to use heat

Before exercise, heat prepares the muscle, in addition to an active warm-up that it never replaces. After the match or in the following days, it relieves stiffness and cramps, those painful muscle tensions that appear after unusual exertion.

The golden rule is simple: never apply heat to a recent injury. After a knock, a sprain, or a suspected tear, heat increases swelling. Cold is applied for the first forty-eight hours, and heat is only used afterwards, based on advice from a healthcare professional.

Precautions for using warming creams and pads

• Wash your hands after application: a residue of warming cream in contact with the eyes causes a sharp burning sensation.
• Not on damaged skin: avoid wounds, synthetic abrasions, and mucous membranes.
• Not under a tight bandage: trapped under a bandage, the product heats more and can greatly irritate the skin.
• Test on a small area the first time, as sensitivities vary from player to player.
• Warm pad: wrap it in a cloth and limit the application to twenty minutes to avoid burns.

Good times to stock up on warm products

Warm products are mainly useful in winter when the pitches are cold. Black Friday and the end-of-year celebrations come just before the severe cold, followed by winter sales and equipment promotions, then the French Days spring equipment sales, summer sales, and the resumption of training, when muscles get back to work. Clearance sales complete the offer, with orders prepared and shipped within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a warming cream useful in cold weather?

Yes, it provides a pleasant warming sensation in a cold changing room and helps the muscle to relax. It should, however, be followed by a progressive active warm-up before stepping onto the pitch.

Can you apply a warming cream on a cramp?

Yes, the cramp is the classic indication for heat, provided there hasn’t been any knock or sudden pain. If the pain suddenly appeared during a sprint, think more about an injury and consult.

Can children use a warming balm?

Some products are not recommended for young children, especially those containing camphor or essential oils. Always read the leaflet and seek advice from a pharmacist before using it on a child.

How long does the effect of a warming balm last?

The warming sensation generally lasts from several tens of minutes to an hour, depending on the product and individual sensitivity. So it makes sense to apply it just before warming up, not hours beforehand.

Should you shower after applying a warming cream?

Avoid very hot showers right after application, as this can intensify the burning sensation. After the match, a lukewarm shower and a mild soap are enough to remove any product residues.