Tiger Balm is a topical analgesic that people apply to the skin for relief from pain. It has been used as an alternative treatment for runner’s knee, and other chronic pain conditions because of its deep heat properties. Tiger Balm contains menthol which creates a cooling sensation when applied to the skin.
This blog post discusses tiger balm’s effectiveness in treating runner’s knee and whether it’s worth trying tiger balm before surgery or physical therapy!
If you are in a hurry, take a look at Tiger Balm on Amazon (affiliate link).
Table of Contents
How does Tiger Balm work?
Applying heat to sore muscles and joints is a standard treatment for pain relief. The heat helps increase blood flow and circulation to the area, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Tiger balm is a topical pain relief remedy that people apply to their skin. Because of its deep heat, it has been used as an alternative therapy for runner’s knee and other chronic pain diseases.
Is Tiger Balm good for runners knee?
If your knees hurt after running there is a possibility that you have a more serious underlying problem that needs to be explored.
However, if you occasionally get some knee pain at the end of a long run. Tiger Balm could be part of the solution for you.
How should I apply Tiger Balm?
A little and often is the best policy. Applying it once and expecting improvement will only lead to disappointment. If you apply it in the morning and at night for a few days should start to feel some improvement.
If after applying it for a few days you don’t start to feel some improvement. You should take things further with a medical professional.
What alternatives are there to Tiger Balm?
Some people find that deep heat treatments work better for runners’ knee than tiger balm. If you are looking for an alternative to tiger balm, look for a deep heat cream or ointment and apply it in the same way as tiger balm. Be sure to read the instructions on the product before use.
When should I not apply Tiger Balm?
Tiger Balm should not be applied to any sort of open wound where the skin has been breached. If in doubt, consult a doctor.
Does Tiger Balm heal muscles?
Tiger balm is designed to help muscles recover by increasing blood flow. It can be used as part of a treatment plan, but it should not replace seeing your doctor or physiotherapist if you are experiencing runner’s knee symptoms.
Can Tiger Balm irritate the skin?
It’s very much down to the individual. You should test a small area of skin before using tiger balm on a larger area. If you have any adverse reactions, discontinue use.
What is Tiger Balm made of?
Tiger Balm is made of a combination of herbal ingredients, including camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil. These ingredients are thought to help reduce inflammation and pain.
Are there any potential side effects of using Tiger Balm?
Tiger Balm can have certain side effects such as skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. It can also cause an increase in blood pressure if you’re sensitive to stimulants like camphor and menthol. Therefore it isn’t advised for pregnant women or those with high blood pressure issues.
Should I use Tiger Balm if the pain is acute?
It’s not recommended to use tiger balm for acute pain. Tiger Balm should be used on a chronic basis when the injury is already healed and you have some residual pain.
Where does Tiger Balm come from?
Tiger Balm comes from a company called the Haw Par Corporation, based in Singapore. Since tiger balm first came out it has been used as an alternative treatment for runner’s knee and other chronic pain conditions.
It originally came from China in the 1870s when the sons of a herbalist started selling it.
Final Thoughts
Tiger balm is one of several different therapies for runner’s knee, and it’s just one option. If after a few days of use you still have knee pain, it’s critical to consult with your doctor or physical therapist to establish the finest treatment strategy for you.
There are of course many factors that can contribute to runner’s knee. As with most things in life, prevention is always better than cure. One small step you can take to prevent runner’s knee is to invest in an appropriate pair of running shoes. Take a look at this post that gives more detail about what you can do to prevent bad knees.
