If you’re someone who frequently exercises, you’re probably familiar with muscle soreness and pain. While it’s an inevitable part of the workout process, it doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable. That’s where CBD comes in. CBD, or cannabidiol, has been gaining popularity as a potential natural remedy for a variety of conditions, including muscle pain. In this blog post, we’ll explore the relationship between CBD and muscle pain post-workout and discuss how CBD may be able to help alleviate discomfort and promote faster recovery times.

What is CBD? 

CBD, one of many cannabinoids, has recently been legalized in the US and North Carolina. Unlike THC, another well-known compound found in cannabis, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects or a feeling of being “high.” 

Instead, CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, mood, and sleep. Specifically, CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which may help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote a sense of relaxation.

CBD can be consumed in a variety of forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and topicals, making it a versatile and accessible option for those seeking natural wellness solutions.

What causes muscle soreness? 

Muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), typically occurs as a result of physical activity that places stress on the muscles. When muscles are subjected to unaccustomed or strenuous exercise, microscopic tears can occur in the muscle fibers, leading to inflammation and pain. DOMS typically peaks within 48 to 72 hours following exercise, and can result in stiffness, tenderness, and reduced range of motion. 

While DOMS is a normal and expected part of the muscle-building process, other factors such as poor posture, prolonged sitting, and inadequate warm-up or cool-down periods can also cause muscle soreness. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can cause muscle pain and discomfort. Understanding the causes of muscle soreness can help individuals take steps to alleviate discomfort and prevent injury.

Exercise and Muscle Soreness go Hand in Hand 

Athletes and people with consistent workout routines commonly experience soreness after rigorous physical activity. While some may see muscle fatigue as a sign of an efficient workout, it’s not necessarily the case. Recovery and self-care are vital components for muscle growth, and CBD may help alleviate soreness. 

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) occurs when muscles work harder or in a different way than they’re used to, causing microscopic tears in muscle fibers, leading to stiffness and soreness. It’s important to note that DOMS is not always a guarantee, and one can have a productive workout without experiencing soreness. 

To prevent soreness, individuals should practice awareness when trying something new, and not overextend themselves. Recovery is critical to muscle growth, as muscles actively work to fix the small tears and repair the traumas sustained. While research has yet to conclusively prove the effectiveness of CBD in alleviating muscle soreness, it’s worth a try to potentially make it more bearable.

How can CBD help with muscle soreness? 

Soreness and inflammation are common after intense exercise, and CBD may help reduce these symptoms.

One way that CBD helps with sore muscles is by reducing inflammation. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation in the muscles caused by the microscopic tears in our muscle fibers and alleviate soreness.

In addition to reducing inflammation, CBD may also help with sleep, which is crucial for muscle repair. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates muscle tissue that has been damaged during exercise. Lack of sleep can slow down this process, leading to delayed recovery and prolonged soreness. CBD has been found to have a calming effect on the mind, and coupled with good sleep hygiene and reduced inflammation, may help promote better sleep quality and quantity. This can help the body recover faster and reduce soreness after a workout.

Overall, CBD can be an effective tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to alleviate sore muscles after a workout. Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to promote better sleep can aid in muscle recovery and reduce soreness. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on muscle soreness and recovery, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD for any medical purposes.

CBD before and after a workout

CBD may be beneficial for exercise both before and after a workout, providing benefits such as improved focus, reduced inflammation, and faster recovery.

Before a workout, CBD may be used to improve focus and reduce anxiety. Exercise can be stressful, and anxiety can interfere with performance. CBD has been shown to have potential calming effects on the body and mind, which may help reduce anxiety and improve focus during a workout.

After a workout, CBD may aid in recovery by reducing inflammation and alleviating soreness. CBD has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation in the muscles and alleviate soreness. This may help the body recover faster and reduce soreness after a workout.

In addition to reducing inflammation, CBD can also promote better sleep, which is crucial for muscle repair. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates muscle tissue that has been damaged during exercise. Lack of sleep can slow down this process, leading to delayed recovery and prolonged soreness. CBD has been found to have a calming effect on the body and mind, promoting better sleep quality and quantity.

Overall, CBD may be a beneficial tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their exercise routines. Whether used before or after a workout, CBD may provide benefits such as improved focus, reduced inflammation and anxiety, and faster recovery. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on exercise performance and recovery, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD for any medical purposes.

Final Thoughts 

CBD has become a popular tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their exercise routines. If you’re someone hoping to reduce inflammation, alleviate soreness, and improve recovery before and after a workout with high-quality CBD products, look no further than The Hemptender. Our CBD products may help improve focus, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep, all of which might lead to better exercise performance and faster recovery. 

Just keep in mind that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on exercise performance and recovery, and you should always consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD. With the right guidance and proper use, CBD may be a valuable addition to any exercise routine. Explore our selection of safely-sourced and lab-tested products on our website, or at our locations in North Carolina.