Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel
Biofreeze is a topical analgesic I use to help me deal with occasional muscle aches and such problems as Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis. A lot of people use Biofreeze for arthritis, but since I don’t have arthritis I really can’t tell you how well it works for that.
You have probably heard of cryotherapy before (the application of cold to temporarily relieve pain). Biofreeze is applied directly to the skin and works in a similar fashion to an ice pack, except that with an ice pack your movements are severely restricted. The active ingredient in Biofreeze is menthol (which is also responsible for its pleasant smell).
You can buy Biofreeze in a variety of forms (gel, spray, wipes) and sizes. I purchased the gel in a 32-ounce bottle with a built-in pump. A few years ago I bought an ultrasound unit to help me deal with plantar fasciitis. The physical therapist who taught me how to use the machine suggested I apply Biofreeze just before I had ultrasound therapy. This combination really seemed to work well for me.
Biofreeze is available without a prescription, but you will probably have to visit a chiropractor or physical therapist to buy it locally since it is not available at pharmacies or regular retail outlets. It is also available from Amazon.com in a variety of sizes. The 32-ounce bottle retails for around $90, but Amazon.com has it for available for just $36.
