Whether you’re a professional athlete, dedicated fitness enthusiast, or you’re just getting into your fitness journey, you can probably relate to the feeling of soreness after a workout. And when it comes to high performance training, you’ll also understand the challenges that come with intense workouts and training sessions.
If you’re trying to reach a specific fitness goal, muscle soreness and inflammation can be an issue. Especially if you’re trying to step up your performance. While exercise recovery can take time and slow your progress, there are steps you can take to boost your post workout recovery time.
One natural remedy has garnered considerable attention in recent years for its potential in alleviating these issues: CBD (cannabidiol).
We’re going to take a look at CBD in sports recovery and how it can help relieve muscle soreness and inflammation, enabling you to bounce back stronger and faster.
Understanding CBD for Sports Recovery
CBD, derived from the hemp plant, is a non-intoxicating compound known for its potential health benefits. Especially with relation to being anti-inflammatory. CBD is extracted as an oil, known as CBD oil, and can be added to various different types of products from creams to edible products.
CBD oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in many key processes within the body.
As you might have guessed, when it comes to sports recovery, CBD holds promise due to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. By modulating the ECS, CBD may help support your body’s natural recovery processes and provide relief from muscle soreness and inflammation.
CBD oil has gained popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts for its potential benefits in various areas, including:
- Pain Relief: CBD oil may help alleviate pain by interacting with receptors in the ECS and reducing inflammation.
- Reduced Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response to exercise-induced muscle damage. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation, allowing for faster recovery.
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction: CBD may have calming effects on the mind and body, aiding in relaxation and promoting better sleep, which is crucial for recovery.
- Improved Sleep Quality: Quality sleep is vital for recovery and performance. Using CBD oil products may help regulate sleep patterns, leading to better rest and rejuvenation.
- Anxiety and Stress Management: Competitive sports and intense workouts can induce anxiety and stress. CBD’s potential anxiolytic effects may help athletes manage these emotional factors.
Relieving Muscle Soreness: The Power of CBD
Muscle soreness, also known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), is a common issue faced by athletes after intense exercise. The microscopic damage to muscle fibres during workouts can lead to inflammation and discomfort.
This is where CBD comes into play. Research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help to reduce inflammation and the associated pain. Additionally, CBD oil products may help relax muscles and promote recovery, allowing you to get back to your training regime quicker.
Various studies have found that CBD offers various benefits for athletes and sports performance. And because CBD is not restricted by the World Anti Doping Agency, it is permitted to be used by professional athletes and sports people alike.
One study found that those who applied CBD topically experienced significant reductions in muscle soreness compared to a placebo group. Researchers suggest that CBD may be a valuable tool in managing exercise-induced muscle soreness.
It’s important to note that while CBD shows promise in alleviating muscle soreness, it’s not a magic cure-all. It’s always advisable to combine CBD usage with proper rest, hydration, and other recovery strategies to maximise its benefits.
Managing Inflammation: CBD as an Anti-Inflammatory Aid
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or stress on the body, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can hinder the recovery process. CBD oil has shown promise as an anti-inflammatory aid, potentially helping to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation. By mitigating inflammation, CBD oil may aid in the recovery process, allowing you to bounce back faster and perform at your best.
A preclinical study conducted by researchers at the University of South Carolina explored the effects of CBD on inflammation and oxidative stress in a rodent model of muscle injury. The study found that CBD treatment resulted in a significant reduction in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Furthermore, a review published in the European Journal of Pain analysed multiple studies on CBD and pain management. The review concluded that CBD exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and may offer therapeutic potential for various inflammatory conditions, including those associated with exercise-induced inflammation.
These findings highlight the potential of CBD oil as a natural aid in managing inflammation and promoting enhanced sports recovery.
CBD Products for Optimal Sports Recovery
When it comes to incorporating CBD into your sports recovery routine, various product options are available. CBD oils, topicals, capsules, and other formulations provide different methods of consumption and targeted relief. Let’s explore some of these options:
1. CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils are one of the most popular and versatile forms of CBD products. They are typically taken sublingually, allowing for quick absorption into the bloodstream. CBD oils offer flexibility in dosing, as you can adjust the amount based on your needs. It’s important to choose high-quality CBD oils from reputable brands to ensure purity and potency.
2. CBD Topicals
CBD topicals, such as creams, balms, and salves, are designed for external application to specific areas of muscle soreness or inflammation. These products allow for localised relief, as the CBD is absorbed through the skin. CBD topicals such as ShelleySupply joint and muscle cream are particularly useful for targeting sore muscles, joints, and tendons.
3. CBD Edibles
CBD edibles offer a convenient and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. Edibles offer pre-measured doses, making it easy to track your CBD intake. Edibles, such as CBD gummies offer a tasty and enjoyable option for on-the-go use. However, its edibles may take longer to take effect due to the digestion process. Browse the selection of the popular Orange County CBD gummies in our store.
4. CBD-Infused Drinks
CBD-infused drinks, such as water, teas, or sports beverages, have gained popularity as a refreshing way to consume CBD. These beverages provide hydration and potential recovery benefits in one package. However, it’s crucial to check the CBD concentration and quality of these drinks to ensure effectiveness.
It’s worth mentioning that CBD dosage and the optimal product choice may vary depending on individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and desired effects. Start with a low dosage and gradually increase until you find the right balance for your needs.
It’s also a good idea to consult with healthcare professionals or CBD experts for personalised guidance.
Legal and Safety Considerations for CBD in Sports
While CBD is legal in many places, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding its use in sports and athletic competitions. THC, another compound found in cannabis, is typically restricted due to its psychoactive effects.
However, some CBD products derived from hemp contain minimal THC levels, making them non-intoxicating and generally allowed in sports. For example broad spectrum CBD oil may contain trace elements of THC – while CBD isolate contains no THC.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that regulations may vary, so it’s advisable to check with relevant authorities or sporting organisations to ensure compliance.
When using CBD for sports recovery, it’s essential to prioritise safety and quality. Here are some key considerations:
1. Source CBD from Reputable Manufacturers
Choose CBD products from reputable manufacturers who adhere to stringent quality control measures. Look for products that have undergone third-party testing for purity, potency, and safety. This ensures that you’re using CBD free from contaminants and harmful substances. Here at ShelleySupply, all of our CBD products have been tested and certified by third parties to verify their quality.
2. Be Mindful of Potential Side Effects
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, or changes in appetite. These effects are usually temporary and subside with time. If you’re concerned about potential side effects or have underlying medical conditions, it’s advisable to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating CBD into your sports recovery regimen.
3. Consider Drug Testing
Athletes subject to drug testing should be aware that some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC. While these amounts are typically within legal limits, it’s crucial to select CBD products labelled as “THC-free” or with undetectable THC levels to minimise the risk of triggering a positive drug test.
Athlete Testimonials and Success Stories with CBD for Sports Recovery
Numerous athletes and sports professionals have incorporated CBD into their recovery regimens and reported positive experiences. Their testimonials and success stories shed light on the potential benefits of CBD in sports recovery. From reduced muscle soreness and inflammation to improved sleep and overall well-being, CBD has gained recognition as a valuable tool in an athlete’s recovery arsenal.
Professional athletes, such as MMA fighter Nate Diaz and ultramarathon runner Avery Collins, have openly shared their positive experiences with CBD and other cannabis products, highlighting its potential in aiding their recovery, reducing pain, and improving sleep quality.
Other athletes who are enthusiastic CBD advocates include rugby players James Haskell and Ben Franks, US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and Crossfit athlete Brooke Ence.
While anecdotal evidence is interesting and insightful, individual experiences may vary – so don’t necessarily take these as endorsements. The effects of CBD can depend on factors such as dosage, personal physiology and the choice of products.
For professional athletes or keen amateur sports people, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional before relying on CBD consumption to boost your athletic performance.
Using ShelleySupply CBD for Your Sports Recovery Process
As we’ve seen, there are numerous potential benefits of taking CBD oil, and studies do suggest that CBD use can improve post workout recovery and reduce inflammation and effects of exercise on the muscles and joints.
ShelleySupply muscle and joint cream with CBD oil is designed to help with pain relief using a high strength topical cream. It’s made from CBD isolate, meaning there are no trace elements such as terpenes of THC.
Our joint and muscle cream also contains menthol oil, which has added benefits for soothing the skin to help you recover quickly.
Find out for yourself how CBD can help you recover from the aches and pains of intense physical activity.
Grab your own ShelleySupply Muscle and Joints cream in our store.
