Anyone use epsom salt soaks for recovery? I was using them to treat some saddle sores last season and noticed how good my legs would feel the next day. Started doing them the night before races and my legs always felt great…wish I discovered this 10 years ago. Brought it up with my massage therapist…she said most definetely…the skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs all the minerals. Not sure I’ve ever heard this discussed in relation to cycling. The brand I use from Amazon.
How much do you add to each bath? Have you used it after a race? Have you tried their cream (might work out cheaper)?
I put one cup in the tub. Never tried it after, just before. I have tried mg lotions which do help but I think part of the benifit comes from the warm soak.
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Unfortunately the science does not back up many claims about the salts being used externally. Attached is just one article. I do agree the hot bath with salts do help, but I’m not convinced the salts are of any real physical help. Maybe just the hot bath.
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I tylically stay away from hot tubs when I have sore legs, seems to make it worse. Science aside…how do you explain the skin absorbing meds such as Voltaren or topical hormones? I was on Androgel for years and it raised my T levels which were verified by blood tests.
I occasionally buy the Dr. Teal versions when my local dollar tree has them and didn’t relaxing in a hot bath. Not sure of the science but if can’t hurt if it helps to relax.
I have zero scientific evidence to back me up, but as I was ramping up the volume for Unbound this year, I was definitely having some perineal swelling thanks to all the saddle time.
I started doing epsom salt “sits”, similar to women after childbirth. It definitely made a difference in terms of discomfort.
It has to do with the formulation of the compound and strength so enough drug gets thru the layers of skin. Voltaren requires repeated applications to become effective.