Does a hot bath help sore muscles?

We’re all familiar with it. You’ve had a satisfying session at the gym, or a fulfilling run, and a few hours later, you’re finding yourself moving quite gingerly. Why? Muscle aches. In our experience, when it comes to how to sooth sore muscles, there’s one thing that can act as a beautiful remedy: a hot bath.

But before we step into one – coupled with Radox’s relaxing bath soaks – let’s gain more of an understanding about why our bodies ache after physical activity, and some of the scientific benefits a hot bath can have for aches and pains.

 

Why our bodies ache after physical activity

Physical activity is undoubtedly great for our overall health. There’s plenty of benefits that come with it – improved cardiovascular health, overall better mental well-being, a boosted immune system, just to name a few.

But it can also come with its fair share of muscle soreness. This is because when we push our muscles beyond their limits, microscopic damage occurs to muscle fibres. This then leads to inflammation, which in turn, results in that familiar discomfort we feel after a workout.  

 

Scientific benefits of hot baths for aches and pains

Does a hot bath help sore muscles? Well, using a hot bath to soothe sore muscles isn’t just a traditional remedy. There’s science behind it. By sitting yourself in a hot bath, you improve circulation, so you’ll increase the blood flow to your muscles, which promotes faster healing and reduces inflammation. A hot bath also helps muscles to relax, easing any tension and stiffness. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic way for you to boost your sense of well-being.

 

Using Radox’s Muscle Bath Soak for recovery

Now. Let’s get to that bath shall we? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on creating the perfect bath to show your body and your muscles some self love. For extra relaxing results, pour some Radox Bath Soak under the running water, to give your hot bath some tailored fragrant relaxation.

Choose the Right Time

Select a time for your muscle recovery bath when you can truly unwind. Whether it's after an intense workout or a stressful day, the key is to create a relaxing environment.

Draw a Warm Bath

Fill your bathtub with comfortably warm water – you don’t want it to scald. Aim for a temperature between 33°C to 38°C for ideal muscle relaxation.

Add Relaxing Fragrance

This is where Radox Muscle Bath Soak comes in – literally. There’s a variety of different fragrance combinations you can choose from Stress relief to Muscle soak . Make your pick and enjoy.

Soak and Relax

Immerse yourself in the bath and let the calming properties of our Muscle Bath Soak wash over you. Close your eyes. Take deep breaths. Let the warmth envelop your muscles.

Massage Sore Areas

While in the bath, gently massaging any particularly sore or tense areas can help the therapeutic effects of the bath soak and further lessen muscle discomfort.

Rinse and Hydrate

You’ll want to spend at least 15-20 minutes in your bath, to get the most out of it. Once done, rinse off with lukewarm water, and hydrate yourself by drinking some water to replenish lost fluids.

 

For a few more pointers on helping your body unwind after exercise, you can read our guide on trying a post-workout bath for muscle relaxation.