I...Icy Hot and Bengay

Related to my A to Z Challenge H post (H…Heat Therapy and Message), my topic for today is Icy Hot and Bengay. I am the first one to admit that absolutely adore muscle rubs. Brand name, generic, or even herbal (Cayenne pepper rub is amazing but expensive!), I always try to have solid supply.

Since I can’t live in hot water or on heating pads and I haven’t yet invented a heated compression suit, I’ve turned to muscle rubs as a source of portable heat. All you have to do is rub some on the sore spots, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands to avoid accidents, and you have almost instant relief, lowering the severity of your pain and cramping.

At one time, I was embarrassed by the smell of muscle rubs. I tried the unscented versions, but I noticed that they weren’t nearly as great as their pungent cousins. In the end, I went back to the normal muscle rubs, strong smell and all. Eventually, I learned to live with the smell and not care. To be honest, I actually find the spicy smell of muscle rubs to be refreshing and relaxing. (They also can help with stuffy noses, an added plus!)

Now I venture out in all my muscle-rub glory. I don’t care how many noses I offend or what people may whisper behind my back. I’m a fibro warrior…smell my aroma! I’d much rather be out living and end up clearing out a room than to be stuck in bed because I hurt too much. Seriously, for those who hate the scent of muscle rubs, I do sincerely apologize. I’m sorry my relief has to come at the cost of your nostrils. Really, though, there are worse smells. And a person’s gotta do what a person’s gotta do when times get rough.

H...Heat Therapy and Massage

One of my cats enjoying my heating pad, too!

If you are a fibromyalgia sufferer like me and have yet to discover the heavenly bliss of heat or gentle massage, I encourage you to see what they can do for you! Since I was a very active person before fibro took hold of my life, I’m no stranger to sore muscles and aches. It was during my early teens that I discovered just how amazing heat and massage can be when your muscles are stiff, sore, and cramping.

Now that I have fibromyalgia, I am a heat and massage addict! If I could live in a Jacuzzi for the rest of my life, I’d be content. But alas, I don’t have the money or the space for a hot tub. In fact, I don’t even have a regular bath tub to soak in anymore. Consequently, I’ve had to be a little creative in meeting my heat and massage needs.

I have a hot water bottle, 2 electric heating pads, and gel packs that can be heated in the microwave. I also have an electric heated massaging mat and a battery-operated heated neck massager. I have even improvised and rolled a golf ball with the bottoms of my sore feet to massage them after a long day. Although my fiancé is more than willing to rub my sore spots, I prefer to have as many backup options as possible in case he is at work or too tired.

Although heat and massage doesn’t cure fibromyalgia or make the symptoms go away, it’s wonderful to have something that can take the edge off the pain and help you relax. When I am having a bad flare day my favorite spot to write is lying on my heated massage mat. It covers many of my worst tender points and clears my head enough that I can think again. This mat is also wonderful for when I hurt so much that I can’t sleep. The heat and rhythmic massaging soothes my aching body and makes me sleepy.

Ultimately, it is important to find what works best for you. Sometimes wet heat works better than dry heat. Some people love rigorous massages, while people like me can usually only handle gentle massages. Even if you can' afford expensive equipment or therapy sessions, there are many cheap options available. Regular heat therapy and massage have improved my quality of life immensely, and it is likely they will offer some relief for you as well.