Muscle pain relief is no joke. This is especially true if you’re a person who suffers from hard-to-manage conditions like arthritis or sciatica, or stress-related aches and pains. It can definitely take some time to figure out what works best for you, whether it be stretching, Epsom salt baths or daily walks through the neighborhood. But what happens when you experience a flare-up, you need relief now and you can’t seem to pick the best muscle pain relief sprays and rubs? (This is where we come in—spoiler alert, we love this one from Biofreeze, while this option has Serena Williams’ stamp of approval.) Through interviewing medical experts, researching muscle pain relief and some hands-on experience ourselves, we’ve managed to compile a list of the very best muscle pain relief sprays, rubs and gels. Check out our top picks ahead.

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“Studies have found that topical NSAIDs can effectively reduce muscle pain and inflammation,” Helfrich says. She points to this 2016 study that found that NSAIDs offered ample relief for acute muscle pain. NSAIDs are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for painful health conditions like arthritis. Non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs can include aspirin and ibuprofen. Meanwhile, some common topical NSAIDs are diclofenac sodium 1 percent gel and diclofenac epolamine 1.3 percent patch. You won’t find too many of these on our list, since some require a prescription. Additionally, if you’re experiencing serious and ongoing pain, swelling and redness in your joints and muscles, it’s best to consult with a doctor. 

“Menthol and camphor [a common ingredient in remedies applied to the skin] work by producing a cooling sensation that can reduce inflammation and ease discomfort,” Parnacott explains. Helfrich echoes this by noting that “menthol-based products may provide effective short-term relief for muscle pain.” A 2020 article also concluded that OTC menthol gels and sprays were especially effective when it came to speeding up recovery after exercise-induced injuries. Menthol can provide a cooling sensation, which may feel soothing to an achy joint, muscle or bruise, and has been found to help with blood flow, too.

According to Helfrich, magnesium is helpful when used in either cream or oil form. She says that research is currently limited on its benefits for topical application, but it’s been known to “play a large part in muscle function and relaxation.”

Camphor is an organic compound found in trees. It can be used as a primary active ingredient in pain relief sprays, but it’s especially effective combined with menthol. The ingredient is typically found in topical lotions and creams and can help with irritation and pain relief related to arthritis, burns, fungal infections and more.

The choice between a gel or spray will mainly depend on the user’s personal preference, Parnacott says. “Sprays are generally preferred for large muscle groups or hard-to-reach areas, as they offer broad coverage and quick absorption,” he explains. “Gels may be more suitable for targeted pain relief and can be gently massaged into the affected area.” Helfrich says that both can be equally effective and will depend on the application method and the person’s pain level. “It’s essential to read product labels and understand the ingredients and their intended use,” she explains. “If you have medical conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before using any new pain relief products.” 

Muscle pain relief sprays and gels often come with cooling or warming properties, depending on which product you buy. Cooling sprays may have menthol or peppermint oil that immediately offers a chilly sensation upon application. Meanwhile, warming sprays will likely spread heat throughout the afflicted area as you massage it in.“ Cooling sprays are often used with acute injuries like an ankle sprain or a pulled muscle to help provide immediate pain relief,” Helfrich says. “Heating sprays usually contain ingredients like capsaicin, which produces a warming effect. They are commonly used for muscle soreness, stiffness and chronic pain conditions, as they can help increase blood flow to the area and relax tense muscles.”

After we chatted with our medical experts, we took a few more factors into account when searching for the best muscle pain relief products: 

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