Alternatives to NSAIDs for Muscle Soreness?

LaRuse
on 4/27/11 1:26 am - Richmond, VA
NSAIDs are forbidden by my doctor's orders except in extreme cir****tances (like real injury, when I sprained my knee last November, and then, only with special precautions). 

Now that I am really ramping up my workouts, even with stretching, icing, and yoga, I am starting to get some real muscle soreness, particularly after very long runs or stair climbing (my new favorite cross-training exercise).  Back in the old days, it was nothing for me to toss back a couple of advil for a couple of days after a hard workout to ease the DOMS, but I can't do that now, and Tylenol doesn't seem to help.  

I have heard good stuff about foam rollers, but haven't yet given that a try yet.  Has anyone else tried them?  Is there anything else I can do aside from what I am already doing to help relieve some of the DOMS? 

Thanks,
Kim
Sue M.
on 4/27/11 1:36 am - Nantucket, MA
I'm a fan of two methods:

Foam roller - there's a cool grid-textured one I'm hoping to get for my birthday which is longer lasting and feels super good 

cold/ice packs or baths - as horrible as it sounds, if you can dunk yourself into cold water for any length of time after a workout, it really helps with inflammation.

Others swear by compression garments, which I will invest in eventually.
Read my blog, BARIATHLETE   I run because I can.

First 5K race October 4, 2009   (34.59)  PR 5/22/11 (27:26)
First 5 Mile: January 1, 2011 (50:30)
First 10K: July 4, 2010 (1:03.26) New PR 4/10/11 (1:01.14)
First 10 Mile: April 11, 2010  (1:46.15)
First 1/2 marathon: June 13, 2010 (2:22.21)  PR: 5/1/11 (2:17.30)
First Marathon: October 16, 2011: 5:47:20

Goofy Challenge: January 7-8, 2012
If you think you can, you can.  If you think you can't, you're right. - Mary Kay Ash
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