Massage for Charley Horse

Hi all! I recently became so energized about discussing a problem that I know many of you have experienced: the horrible Charley horse. That’s the rapid, sharp muscle spasm, usually in your leg, that can stop you in your tracks. I’ve had my fair share, and trust me, no one takes them lightly. I was therefore happy to share with you what I have learned about how massage for Charley horse can help. If you’d like to learn more, then read on! 

First things first, a charley horse is a spasm, in a nutshell. Your muscle will contract and won’t release. Ow! Most frequently, these cramps will occur in your calf, but your hamstring and your quads can have them, too. They can wake you in the dead of night, or strike when you’re in full stride during a run. I’m with you, I know the feeling. Sometimes, your muscles will even become a knot. Trust me, not an experience you’d desire to repeat.

There are several factors that can contribute to a charley horse. Dehydration is one big one. If your body isn’t filled with enough fluids, your muscles become easier to cramp. Electrolyte imbalances can cause them, too. Electrolytes including potassium, calcium, and magnesium are important for healthy muscle function. If your reserves of these are low, you can begin to cramp a lot. Overdoing it is a repeat offender, too. Overpushing your muscles can sometimes produce a charley horse. And sometimes, I’m afraid, you don’t even know why it happens! It’s a little mysterious.

So where is massage involved in all of this? I have discovered it to be a big help with both preventing and getting rid of charley horses. When a muscle is in spasm, it is in a state of tension and contraction. Massage can help to calm it and make it relax and become less tight. Massage will cause increased blood flow to the region, and blood carries oxygen and nutrition to a muscle, and can help calm the spasm and promote healing.

I like to use a soft kneading motion when I’m working with a tight muscle. You can try to apply a little pressure onto the area, too. Don’t press too hard, though. Don’t make it hurt even worse. What you’re searching for is a soft encouragement for the muscle to let go and become relaxed. In a matter of a few minutes, a significant improvement can be seen. I have even been able to stop a cramp in its development with a quick massage.

I recall one specific incident when I was training for a 10k and I wasn’t taking enough care about my level of hydration. Sure enough, I woke in the dead of night with the most painful charley horse I’d ever gotten in my calf. I was rolling over in bed, attempting to make it go away. I could finally manage to extract myself out of bed and started to massage my calf. It took a little while, but little by little, the spasm started to go away. After that, I took a lot more care about hydrating and about getting enough electrolytes in my system. And I started getting regular massage in my routine, too. It’s made a whole lot of difference!

While massage is great, it’s not the whole picture. There are a variety of additional things that can be utilized to stop charley horses in their tracks. Staying hydrated is key. Make sure that you’re getting a lot of water during the daytime, and specifically beforehand, during, and afterwards when exercising. I have a water bottle with me wherever I go, and I swear, it’s a godsend! Maintaining a balanced diet is key, too. Make sure that you’re getting enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium. All three can be consumed in foods such as bananas, leafy greens, and foods with dairy in them.

Stretching is yet another preventive key. Stretching regularly can stretch your muscles and make them relaxed and flexible. I stretch both when I exercise and afterward. It keeps your muscles relaxed and not tight, and thus less prone to getting a cramp. And then, pay attention to your body. Stop and rest when your body feels exhausted, or your muscles begin to tighten. Don’t overdo it. It is safer to stop early and not strain later.

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up over the years for giving yourself (or someone else) a good massage for a charley horse:

• Be gentle: Don’t press too hard. The goal is to relax the muscle, not cause more pain.
• Use a kneading motion: This helps to loosen up the muscle and increase blood flow.
• Focus on the affected area: Spend most of your time massaging the muscle that’s cramped.
• Apply some pressure: But be careful not to overdo it.
• Use lotion or oil: This can help to make the massage more comfortable.

While massage will sometimes ease charley horses, sometimes you must go see a doctor. If your charley horses occur with any sort of frequency, and particularly with severity, it’s a good bet to go in and have them checked out. There may be a medical problem that’s creating your charley horses. And, if your charley horse doesn’t cease in a fair period of time, and/or if your charley horse is accompanied with any symptoms, including swelling and redness, go in and have them checked out immediately.

Charley horses hurt, but don’t necessarily have to knock you out of commission. Massage can be a strong ally in both preventing and eradicating Charley horses. With proper hydrating, a balanced diet, and a little routine stretching, your muscles will be happy and Charley horse-free. I hope I have been of use to you. Get out and enjoy your activity charley horse-free! Wake Forest Location best type of massage legs Charley horses on Raleifgh.

FAQs about Charley Horses and Massage

1. Can massage prevent charley horses?

Yes, regular massage can even work as a preventive tool for Charley horses. Maintaining your muscles in a relaxed and flexible state, it reduces your susceptibility to them becoming Charley horses. It even brings blood to your muscles, supplying them with the necessary nutrition and allowing them to remove toxins that can cause Charley horses. Including massage in your routine can therefore actually work as a preventive for charley horses.

2. How can I massage my calf for a charley horse?

When massaging your calf for a charley horse, I use a soft kneading motion. Start at your ankle and work your hands towards your knee. Apply a little direct pressure to the spastic muscle, but not too firmly. Relaxing the muscle, not producing added pain, is your goal. Rub a lotion or oil onto it to make it less resistant to your fingers gliding over it.

3. What are some other things I can do to prevent charley horses?

Besides massage, several actions can be taken to prevent Charley horses. Drinking a lot of water during the day is key, and consuming enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium through a balanced meal, supplements, or both is key, too. Stretches regularly will also work to keep your muscles flexible. And, most importantly, don't overdo it and listen to your body's warnings.

4. Are there any specific massage techniques that work best for charley horses?

While a simple kneading motion is best, try alternative techniques, too. For one, try gently squeezing and then releasing the involved muscle. Another one is to press down with your thumb over the trigger point, that most sensitive part of the muscle. That can ease tension and break a cramp. Experiment and see what works best for you.

5. When Should I See a Doctor About My Charley Horses?

While massage and self-care can typically relieve charley horses, it is important to know when to seek medical attention. For persistent and severe charley horses, especially when disrupting one's activities, one should visit a doctor. For charley horses with associated symptoms of swelling, redness, and change in sensation, one should seek medical check-up to rule out any medical reason for such symptoms.