If you’re familiar with CBD and all of the benefits that come along with it, you might wonder if CBD is an effective treatment for muscle injuries and recovery.
It is entirely possible and simple to use CBD for muscle recovery. Because CBD naturally targets inflammation, it’s great at providing pain relief, helping you rest more easily, and, most importantly, helping you get better faster.
So, how exactly can you use CBD for muscle recovery? The answer is a little complicated, and it helps to have a good understanding of both CBD and muscle injuries.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is sort of a superhero when it comes to treating common ailments, both mental and physical.
As laws surrounding the legality of cannabis continue to evolve, so too does the public’s attitude toward CBD. CBD has become more and more accepted as a legitimate treatment over time, especially for chronic conditions.
So, why use CBD? What’s so special about it? Here’s a brief list of some of the most common reasons people use CBD to give you a better idea:
- Pain relief: CBD products or medical cannabis are emerging as possible alternatives for other pain medications, like opioids, that have a much higher potential for abuse
- Alleviate anxiety
- Fight insomnia
- Anti-inflammatory properties: great for treating pain related to muscles and joints.
- Anti-seizure properties, and potentially neuroprotective properties as well
As research into this area continues, we learn more and more about the hidden benefits that CBD has to offer.
There are numerous reasons to use CBD, and it’s almost impossible to list them all. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of CBD, check out our comprehensive CBD buyer’s guide.
How CBD Tackles Chronic Pain
As mentioned, chronic pain is a very popular reason to use CBD or other cannabis products. A variety of conditions can cause chronic pain, so the fact that CBD is so adaptable makes it a great option for just about anyone.
CBD tackles pain in the body thanks to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Within the ECS there are tiny proteins called receptors. These receptors interact with chemicals in the body and tell cells to respond accordingly.
It’s believed that CBD interacts with the ECS in a way that helps alleviate the symptoms associated with chronic pain. So, CBD interacts with parts of the body to produce a desired effect, much like other medications that we take.
Muscle Injuries: Treatment and Recovery
Anyone who’s experienced a muscle injury knows that they’re no joke. Muscle injuries can take a very long time to treat and to heal, and your recovery might include more than just medication (like physical therapy).
The pain associated with muscle injuries largely comes from inflammation. Inflammation is also the culprit behind the swelling that we often associated with torn/stretched muscles.
Muscle cramps, spasms, and injuries can all be quite debilitating. The pain can be so intense that it limits your movement partially or even entirely.
It’s important to remember that lots of activity and strain on an injured muscle will only prolong healing time, but it’s also not easy to completely cut movement and activity out of your life. That’s where pain medications usually come into the equation, but evidence suggests that CBD might be a promising alternative.
Is CBD Good for Muscle Recovery?
CBD is indeed beneficial for muscle recovery, so much so that it’s commonly touted as a natural alternative to other pain medications like opioids.
Because CBD helps tackle the root of most muscle-related aches and pains, it’s a great choice for managing discomfort on a daily basis.
In addition, CBD’s effect on the immune system may promote faster cell turnover and, as a result, a faster recovery.
CBD’s other benefits may also help facilitate an easier recovery process; having an easy time falling and staying asleep, for instance, might help your body get the rest it needs to mend damaged tissue efficiently.
How does CBD help muscle recovery?
As mentioned, a lot of the pain associated with muscle pain is due to the body’s natural response to injury: inflammation.
Even though it’s not necessarily harmful, inflammation can cause a lot of trouble. Not only does it make things painful, but it also causes swelling. By tackling inflammation right at its root, CBD can be a great tool for treating muscle injuries.
Using CBD for muscle recovery won’t necessarily mend your muscles for you, but it can make life a lot easier by alleviating some of your symptoms.
Products that contain both THC and CBD are more likely to produce stronger, better, and longer-lasting results. This is due to the entourage effect, a theory that suggests that a complete profile of cannabinoids in a product will make it more effective.
Can CBD help relax muscles?
Some research suggests that CBD can help slow or stop the release of secretions within the body that cause muscle spasms or rigidity, but more studies are needed in this area to confirm this truth.
CBD’s ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which extends throughout the body and controls muscle and other bodily functions, means that it does indeed have the potential to directly influence immune processes.
We already know that CBD helps manage pain, and it’s likely that it can help you avoid further irritation to your muscles.
If you’re struggling with muscle stiffness, give CBD a try. If you find that it improves your symptoms, it’s perfectly fine to use it as a muscle-relaxing treatment option.
Best CBD for Muscle Recovery
Full-spectrum CBD products in particular may be beneficial during muscle recovery. This is because full-spectrum products contain a wide profile of terpenes and cannabinoids, allowing users to experience the full benefits of their CBD.
Different products will require different consumption methods – for example, if you’re purchasing something like CBD flower, smoking or vaping will likely be your main method of consumption.
Those with muscle injuries might find products that target a specific area of the body to be the most effective. Topical creams and oils can be great for just that; as they are absorbed through the skin, they provide pain relief and lessen inflammation.
If you’re looking for more general and long-lasting relief, edible products like capsules or perhaps a tincture might be best. Still, it depends on both your personal preference and what sort of experience you’d like to achieve.
When it comes to finding great CBD products for a reasonable price, no one does it better than CBD Facilitator. No matter what experience level you’re at or what products you’re interested in, our shop has something for you.
How much CBD should I take for muscle recovery?
The amount of CBD that works for you depends on several factors, including the type of product you’re using, the severity of your pain, and your physique.
Those who are taller or weigh more, for instance, will likely need a larger dose than smaller individuals to feel the same effects.
For muscle recovery, it’s likely that you’ll need a relatively strong dose to experience true pain relief. For some, a strong dose might be as low as 100mg; for others, much more may be necessary.
A good rule of thumb is to follow dosage instructions provided on the packaging of your product, especially if you’re new to the product.
No matter what, it’s best to use your CBD products daily. CBD is not a habit-forming substance, so it’s safe to use it regularly, and you’ll actually notice better results if you do so.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for muscle pain?
CBD oil generally produces effects within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption. If you use your oil sublingually (under the tongue), you may experience effects in as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
These effects generally last at least 4 to 6 hours, but these times can be influenced by the size of your dosage as well as the other factors discussed above.
If you find that your CBD oil wears off too quickly, it’s not a bad idea to try a stronger dose or consider adding a second dose later in your daily routine.
Takeaway
Muscle pain and injuries are among the most frustrating ailments out there, but it’s likely that all of us will deal with them at some point. Fortunately, using CBD for muscle recovery is entirely possible and actually a great alternative to other medications.
As always, if you’re dealing with a serious muscle injury or intense, long-lasting pain, it’s important that you speak with a doctor. Even though CBD can help provide relief, some injuries might require more intensive care or long-term treatment.
Be sure to stay safe, and happy medicating!
