Can a CBD Sports Cream Help with the Pain? Let’s Find Out

Can a CBD Sports Cream Help with the Pain? Let’s Find Out

Athletes are no strangers to pain. No matter what sport you practice or what level you’re at, everyone knows the feeling of sore muscles or achy joints. Depending on how often you’re practicing or competing, being in pain can not only limit the enjoyment of your sport, but it can also make you less likely to participate in the first place. While engaging in sports will always run the risk of a little soreness, there are ways to try and reduce the amount of time you’re in pain. 

CBD infused sports creams have been popping up all over the place as an alternative to traditional sports creams you might find at the pharmacy. But will they really work to reduce your pain from playing a sport? Let’s find out! In this article we’re going to discuss:

  • Why CBD is infused into a sports cream
  • How a CBD sports cream may reduce pain
  • How and when to use a CBD sports cream
  • Are CBD sports creams effective?

Why Use CBD with a Sports Cream?

Having CBD in a sports cream is a great way to feel relief quickly and effectively. 

CBD sports creams are easily applied to your sore muscles giving you the relief you need.

Athletes who want to excel at their sport should have a certain pain tolerance in order to reach their full potential. Even if you don’t consider yourself an athlete, if you still play sports, you know there’s always the risk of pain when you’re training. Most people who experience pain when they participate in sports are ready to accept it, since it does not typically interfere with their enjoyment. Although experiencing fatigue and discomfort is common, the pain that comes as you push yourself to work harder can be used in a positive light to make yourself better, each and every time you play.

The same also goes for an exercise session--instead of quitting when you get uncomfortable, if you push through it (although not at the risk of injury) you might find yourself a little closer to your fitness goal. Needless to say, when you’re active, either with an exercise regimen or by participating in a sport, pain is a part of the picture. But what can you do to treat it and feel ready to go at it again? The answer for you might be with a CBD sports cream. 

 

cbd for pain infographic

CBD infused sports creams take the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBD and infuse it into a cream with other ingredients specifically designed to reduce inflammation and pain--such as menthol, arnica, or lemongrass. CBD is used in this context because it may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Although you can choose to use CBD orally or topically, many athletes choose to use a topical because you can apply it directly to the problem area. 

While you're searching for a CBD sports cream, it’s important to note how the CBD in the cream is extracted. When additional plant compounds are left in (or removed) you may find that it plays a role in whether or not the CBD sports cream works for you. 

  • Full spectrum CBD. The natural plant compounds, terpenes, and other cannabinoids (including up to 0.3% THC) are left in with the CBD.
  • Broad spectrum CBD. The THC is completely removed but other plant compounds, terpenes, and cannabinoids are left in.
  • CBD isolate. Everything else is removed except for the CBD.
infographic of methods of extraction for cbd

What type of CBD sports cream you choose is up to you. Some people may find one type more effective than another, it can vary from person to person. 

How Can a CBD Sports Cream Get You Pain Relief?

Why you should be choosing CBD Sports Cream over the other stuff

person running in front of mountain range
When you play a sport, you’re used to pushing yourself to reach your goals. If your muscles are painful afterwards, a CBD sports cream could help you out.

We know that CBD is used in sports creams primarily for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but how does it work to bring you relief? CBD in a sports cream works with your body’s endocannabinoid system to provide you with targeted relief. When you have soreness or pain after an intense game or training session, chances are your muscles hurt. This is due to the fact that tiny tears have occurred, and now need to be repaired in order for you to build strength. So to avoid sore muscles, using a CBD sports cream may not only limit the inflammatory response, but also the pain that comes with muscle recovery.

CBD could be able to help with the type of muscle pain that comes with playing sports. It increases the amount of pain-relieving endocannabinoids, allowing your muscles to heal, but without the soreness that typically accompanies it. Applying a sports cream as a topical allows you to target the place that’s painful--you can soothe the inflammation with the CBD and the other cooling ingredients included in the cream, and maybe even reduce the pain of muscle repair and recovery. 

If you’re interested in trying a CBD sports cream, consider these benefits:

infographic illustrating cbd benefits

  • Reduces inflammation. As we mentioned above, CBD works with your body to help reduce inflammation as a result of overexertion.
  • Helps with pain management. CBD may be able to influence the body’s pain receptors to limit the amount of pain you feel. 
  • Alternative to NSAIDs or opioids. Whether you play sports a lot, or just like to enjoy it when you can, no one wants to deal with the negative side effects and long term conditions that can develop as a result of consistent NSAIDs or opioid use.
  • Promotes muscle recovery. Muscles need time to recover, but this can also be painful. A CBD sports cream could limit the amount of pain and inflammation you have, allowing you to get back to your sport faster. 
  • May improve sleep quality. Your muscles use sleep to recover, but if they're painful, can prevent you from getting the rest you need. CBD may be able to help you wind down at night with less pain, allowing you to sleep and your muscles to repair themselves.

How and When to Use a CBD Sports Cream?

CBD Sports Cream can be helpful if you use it at the right times.

deep relief cream container
A CBD sports cream after an intense game could help you feel less sore and be ready to get back to your sport. Image courtesy of Seventh Sense.

You’ll know exactly when to use a CBD sports cream, because your body will tell you! After a game or competition, your muscles might be sore. If you’re training, the same is also true. This is a great time to use a CBD sports cream like Seventh Sense’s Intensive Deep Relief Cream.

This cream uses 1,000mg of hemp-derived CBD as well as the soothing properties of menthol and arnica to help your muscles feel less pain. Simply apply the cream to the site of the problem, and allow it to absorb into the skin. If you don’t get the relief you need, feel free to reapply as needed. CBD sports creams can also be used before a game, competition, or training exercise. If you know it’s going to be particularly intense and you have a muscle that might need a little extra care, consider applying the cream before and after your session. Applying a cream to the problem area targets the relief, ensuring you get it exactly where you need it most. 

Will a CBD Sports Cream Be Effective?

It’s important to buy the appropriate strength of CBD sports cream

Depending on your level of pain, you’ll want to invest in a CBD sports cream with the right amount of CBD. Everyone has their own threshold of pain, and if yours is intense, you’ll want to make sure you get a CBD sports cream that reflects that. Make sure to consistently use the cream to decrease muscle inflammation, and remember it’s safe to reapply as needed should you not find the relief you need after one application.

"This cream literally feels like a miracle cream to me. I don't feel instant relief but if I consistently use it for 3-4 days on the same pain it takes the pain almost completely away. I suffer from a rotator cuff issue & many muscles from hard core crossfit workouts. Oh and I absolutely love the smell! Highly recommend. " Amy W (Verified Buyer)

CBD sports creams are a great alternative to traditional over the counter or prescription creams made for pain. Their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties can target where you need it, and can have you back out there playing the sport you love.