The Dos and Don’ts of BioFreeze
BioFreeze is a product that relieves muscular aches and pains, and it also allows stiff, arthritic joints to relax. However, it should not be applied to irritated skin or an open wound. Additionally, patients should not expose the area to a heating pad, lamp, or hot water bottle. Exposure to the heat can cause blistering. Moreover, patients should not bandage the area. Specifically, patients should leave the area exposed to air. Next, the product should not come into contact with the patient’s eyes, ears, nose, mouth, or genitalia. Specifically, it should not be applied to mucous membranes. Patients should wash their hands well after applying the product, and they should use cool water.1
What is BioFreeze?
There are several menthol-based products that bear the name BioFreeze. Depending on the type of product, it contains three-to-thirteen percent menthol in an alcohol base. Performance Health, Inc manufactures the product. It is an over-the-counter product, and it can be purchased without a prescription or ID from many retailers. However, patients should still be careful when they use the product. As previously mentioned, it can be used improperly. Patients who are unsure should consult a medical professional before using any BioFreeze products regularly. Fortunately, it is a generally safe product that most patients can use without too much trouble.2
How Does BioFreeze Work?
For the most part, BioFreeze is effective because it primarily contains menthol. It also contains aloe, green tea, vitamin E, and camphor. Camphor has numbing and antiseptic properties. First, patients apply the product to the skin above their underlying aches and pains. It is a topical analgesic, and it works by creating a counter-irritant effect. Specifically, the cooling sensation replaces the painful feeling in the area. Patients can apply the product to the painful or aching area up to four times a day. They should only apply a thin layer of the product, and there does not need to be a lot of the product on the area for it to work. Patients should only use the product when necessary unless their doctor has told them to use the product otherwise. Fortunately, missing a dose causes no harmful side effects because it should only be used as needed.3
Side Effects and Interactions
Occasionally, patients may experience negative side effects associated with the BioFreeze application. For example, patients who have sensitive skin should consult their primary healthcare provider before trying the product. Next, patients should mention any other types of creams, ointments, or sprays that they are using on the same area. Side effects of BioFreeze include skin irritation and sensitivity. Then, patients should note any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, dietary supplements, and similar substances. BioFreeze may interact negatively with certain other substances. Moreover, too much of the product can enter the body when the patient engages in exercise or spends time in the heat. The patient may experience skin damage, pain, blisters, or burns. Damaging side effects require immediate medical attention. Similarly, patients should contact a poison control center if accidental ingestion occurs. For the most part, BioFreeze is not a notably harmful product.4
Where to Buy BioFreeze
There are many places that offer BioFreeze. For example, popular retailers include Target, CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Meijer, Kmart, Publix, Kroger, and Jewel-Osco. The products can also be found on the official website, and many healthcare professionals use the products.5 Additionally, to find BioFreeze Walmart is another common location. Walmart offers BioFreeze gel, roll-on, spray, and menthol packs.6 You can also check out Amazon.
BioFreeze Gel vs BioFreeze Spray
Generally, each version of BioFreeze is mostly the same. Each style of application is recommended for a different form of application. First, the gel tube is good for massage over large areas. Second, the roll-on can be used to stimulate trigger points and massage muscles. Third, the gel tube with hands-free applicator works well on smaller joints. Fourth, the spray is helpful for self-application on hard-to-reach areas. For example, it is not as easy to self-apply gel to certain areas of one’s back. Fifth, the wipe is single-use and very effective. Usually, patients should use the wipe for deep pain. Professionals who use the products may have their own methods of application that differ from patients’ self-application. Furthermore, patients may not find certain products at local retailers. Of course, the official BioFreeze website provides all of the different styles of products.7
BioFreeze Professional
BioFreeze Professional is a line of products that contains optimized versions of the key ingredients in the original formula. As a result, it should have a faster absorption time and it should be longer-lasting. The Professional line can alleviate pain caused by backaches, arthritis, sore muscles, sore joints, sprains, strains, and bruises. It is non-addictive, non-systemic, and non-narcotic so it does not have the same side effects as traditional pain relievers. Generally, professional healthcare providers buy the Professional line.9
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a natural, hands-on treatment. Natural products complement chiropractic care. Often, chiropractors treat patients who suffer from back pain. They can use spinal manipulation, guided exercise, and natural topical analgesics, such as BioFreeze, to relieve long-term pain. One study, conducted by researchers at Logan College of Chiropractic, found that a combination of BioFreeze and chiropractic care left patients with significantly reduced lower back pain. Specifically, BioFreeze can help patients manage pain before and after treatments such as adjustments, ultrasound, and laser therapy. Patients are sometimes sore after receiving chiropractic manipulations, and BioFreeze can help patients manage the pain post-visit and throughout the week.10
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