I Used This $12 Cooling Pain Relief Gel After a 3-Hour Workout—My Sore Muscles Felt Better in Minutes

Soreness is easy to expect when you exercise for long periods. While I always consider it a sign of a successful workout, I was not prepared for the crippling aches that occurred after playing soccer for three hours straight. I’ve never felt so completely wiped out after a workout — so much that my muscles (and even my toes) were screaming walking home and the days afterwards. It wasn’t until I tried the Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel that I finally found immediate relief.  

Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel

This $12 topical treatment taps menthol’s cooling and soothing properties to quickly reduce minor pain. It’s formulated to specifically target concerns like sore muscles, arthritis, achy joints, backaches, strains, and bruises. Emergency physician Dr. Owais Durrani, D.O., previously explained to Shape that this cold sensation “temporarily [diverts] attention from pain by creating a less intense discomfort to counteract the more severe pain.” 

After trying it myself, I can attest that the Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel beats any ice pack or even rest after a strenuous workout. It eased the soreness and tightness in my muscles within a few minutes. While it only temporarily lessens the pain, this menthol-based formula is an effective solution to help you move comfortably through the day. The aches definitely felt more tolerable, especially thanks to the initial tingling sensation. 

The gel texture also easily spreads across large and small areas without leaving a sticky residue. Keep in mind, though, the product features an intense medicinal fragrance that can be overwhelming, however it disappears shortly after it’s applied. Just make sure to reapply this topical solution throughout the day (no more than four times) to keep the pain at bay. 

And just don’t take my word for the Biofreeze gel’s soothing relief — more than 10,000 reviewers also swear by it, too. One shopper raved that it “significantly reduced” aches in the lower back, while another shopper agreed the “pain goes right away” in their “tight” back. A customer with sore muscles similarly raved that the gel “reduced [their] recovery time.” You can even score the product in a stronger version if you want your body to bounce back quicker. 

A topical pain relief treatment is an easy and effective way to temporarily manage your body pain. Check out the $12 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel for a cooling relief, plus more similar treatments, below. 

Sub Zero Cooling Pain Relief Gel

Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel

Blue Emu Muscle and Joint Soothing Cream