Help Relieving Sore Muscles After Long Grand Canyon Hike?

Question

My hubby went on a 3 day expert hike into to the grand canyon. He's coming back tonight, I would like to know how I can help relive his sore muscles quickly? Any unusual cures? Or out of the ordinary remedies?

Answer 1

First off, he will need lots of sleep today after probably being stuck in the 8-hour traffic lock-up on I-17 south of Flagstaff caused by the snow storm last night.

When he does get up and start moving around, there is not a whole lot that can be done for sore muscles - it just takes time. As the poster above mentions, drinking lots of fluids and electrolytes will help flush out toxins. Taking a few aspirin helps, as does using some of the muscle pain reliever cremes (like Ben Gay or Tiger Balm). I also find that doing some very light stretching or walking helps keep the muscles from staying tensed up.

What really would have helped however, is if he had spent more time moving around and stretching at the bottom of the canyon, rather than sitting at the Phantom Ranch Dininghall drinking Tacate and watching the wild turkeys chase people around the cabins. :)

Answer 2

Muscles can have knots (trigger points) that make them tight which in turn put pressure on nerves and other things causing pain.
Molasses - a couple of swigs or Bananas 1 or 2 - both contain magnesium and potassium for muscles.
Try working with the principles taught in The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Davies.
I use a chiropractor and massage therapist with it

Answer 3

Plenty of water, calcium and magnesium will help his muscles to relax. I'm sure he won't object to some massage. You can use olive oil for massage oil if that is what you have on hand. It wouldn't hurt to have oranges or orange juice for the vitamin c and potassium. I'm not an expert. This is just from what I have read and learned over 25 years of study.

Answer 4

Heating with warm pouch of sand, oil massage and warm water bath will make him fresh.