Ben Gay Always Comes to the Rescue when I Over-extend My Muscles

Disclaimer: As with all over the counter medications, seek your physician's advice before using this topical ointment. When your body is in pain that means something is wrong. There can be underlying causes that could be serious to your health.

Everyone knows the smell of Ben Gay. Your great grandparents and grandparents almost always smelled like this menthol smelling ointment whenever you went to their homes. It was the smell of old people when I was young. Now I know why and what that smell was for!

Currently, I am in great pain due to the effects of bronchitis. My rib cage feels like it has been punched and crunched a million times by a four hundred pound linebacker every time I cough. I haven't been able to sleep for more than 30 minutes due to the constant coughing and associated pain.

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

If many of you were like me, you were heavily involved in high school athletics. In my case, I played football, basketball and baseball. When playing various sports, you will strain various muscle groups. I have used Ben Gay on minor ankle sprains, lower back pains, shoulder and knee pains, bruises, hamstring and other muscle aches and pains. It provides temporary relief for about four hours.

As I grew older and went on to college, I became less active in contact sports but began a regimen of bicycling, hiking, surfing, skiing, snowboarding and even motorcycling. Ben Gay has been a staple in my sports bag.

HOW TO USE IT

Depending upon what area of your body you are going to use it, use only a small dab of this ointment adding more as you require it. Gently massage the ointment onto the affected area. As the ointment is being rubbed onto your skin, it will appear to be very cold. In a few minutes it will give way to a intense feeling of heat. This will soon dissipate.

Don't be alarmed, this means the product is working. The heat will last several hours providing you with relief of nagging pain.

BRONCHITIS PAIN

Ben Gay did not relieve the chest and back muscle pains I experienced due to bronchitis but that is not Ben Gay's fault. The muscle soreness came from actually stretched muscles and tendons that are attached to the rib cage to various muscle groups below the skin.

For severe bronchitis pain, see your medical doctor for further advice. In my case, I required a codeine-based cough syrup to relieve the constant coughing.

STEVE'S ADVICE

If you are using this product before you go to bed, make sure you line your bed with a soft towel so that the ointment does not get onto your bed sheets. If you are using it during the day, it should be fine to sit in your recliner or sofa.

I generally use this product after a hot shower or after I soak the affected area in hot water. Obviously, this will only work with ankles, wrists or elbows. But you can soak your body in a warm bath for at least thirty minutes.

Do not put gauze over the treated area. There is no need to do this nor is it recommended. When I am treating my ankle, I prop it up and try to stay off of it for a while. If it is my lower back, I generally lay on my stomach for a few hours to let Ben Gay do its work.

Make sure you wash your hands after applying Ben Gay. If you should get it onto mucus membranes such as the eyes, mouth or open wounds, it will sting.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION

I highly recommend Ben Gay for minor muscle pain that is generated from over-extending your muscles especially after strenuous experience. Most muscle pain will subside after a few days as the muscles rebuild.

If the pain lasts more than 10 days - SEE YOUR PHYSICIAN!

Active ingredients:

Methyl Salicylate - 30%
Menthol - 10%
Camphor - 4%

Inactive ingredients:

Edatate Disodium, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Lanolin, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Carbonmer, Potassium Stearate, Purified Water, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine Carbonmer, Triethanolamine Stearate.

For more information on Arthritis pain control call: (800) 283-7800