The one where I get all hot and bothered…
Whether it was as a distance runner or a powerlifter, I’m used to aches and pains, niggles. Something usually whinges a bit. Sometimes it’s bad, sometimes it’s just that, a niggle. The niggles that ease after a few hours. The injuries don’t. .
Add that to me being over forty and I’m not expecting things to suddenly get easier. As I write, I’m still suffering with a tendon sprain (the hospital thinks that’s what it is, they’re not sure). I’ve now had it for 6 weeks. My body is taking longer to recover. I’ve reduced my cardio right down, no spinning, no running. So I’m feeling distinctly meh, when it comes to my energy levels.
To help, the lovely people at Pernaton sent me some of their massage gel. I’ve already been taking anti-inflammatories, used ice packs and rest. And have tried pretty much every type of shoe on my shoe rack to find something comfortable. But still by the end of the day, my foot is a bit puffy, and aches like a…. *Cough*.
The Pernaton gel is a topical gel containing green mussel extract glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and another supplement specifically shown to help with joint pain in arthritis, chondroitin. It also contains host of other ingredients known for their warming properties, including cayenne pepper, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. Toasty.
So let’s do the technical stuff first. To the science bit!
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chondroitin work by slowing deterioration of the joint, and so can help with joint pain. Whilst most people take them orally (as a supplement) there’s a little bit of research that suggests topical application of chondroitin and GAGs (via a gel) is better because it targets the actual place that’s effected. There’s still more research to be done, most research seems to have been focused on taking it orally, but it’s looking positive.
Onto the other ingredients – those known for their warming properties are great for ‘greasing’ the joints. Much as when I do yoga, I warm up a lot first, the gel does this without you having to move around so much. Ideal if that joint is stiff or tight. There are other brands that do this (such as Tiger Balm for example) but don’t have the active ingredients listed above. There’s also a fair amount to be said for heat making something feel better anyway.
So, what’s it like to use? It’s quite strong smelling, but not unpleasant (though my cats might disagree). The gel is soft and easily absorbed into the skin, which made it perfect for using on my foot even at work, and on my back before bed, after some particularly heavy deadlifts made it feel tight.
Whilst I can’t speak for the efficacy of the GAGs and the chondroitin (my pain isn’t related to arthritis), what I can speak for is how warm it gets. And phew does it.
The pre-bed applications began warming long before I dropped off, and I woke late into the night with it still full blast. It lasts for ages, and I can see it being ideal for those struggling to get movement first thing, or needing it easing at the end of the day. There’s also something to be said for massage in a bad joint or taut muscle. Just the motion of massaging it into the skin, added to the warming feel, definitely makes things feel better. So whilst I may have kicked the covers off because I was still toast warm from the gel, there’s no denying it felt better the next morning.
Overall, it’s great for stiff joints, lovely on tight muscles, and whilst my foot isn’t any better, it does ease the discomfort at the end of the day. I’m even tempted to send it to a couple of relatives who I know struggle with stiff joints.
Thanks Pernaton, that’s another weapon in my armoury against injury!
