To long distance runners especially, aching and sore muscles are not uncommon. No matter how much you stretch, the pain will still set into your muscles. Then you wonder if it is worth “torturing” yourself living with the pain for the next week or so.
In the market, there are various muscle gels and creams that promise to soothe and reduce soreness, aches and pains and many come in tubes that require you to squeeze before application. This means that runners will have to stop for a longer period of time to squeeze and apply the gel or cream, which may break their running momentum.
With runners’ welfare and needs in mind, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical from Japan came out with two new spray-on products – Salonpas Pain Relieving Jet Spray and Massage Foam.
Salonpas Pain Relieving Jet Spray
Upon application of the Salonpas Jet Spray, the first response was, this is cooling! The active ingredients behind this effect – I-Menthol and Methyl Salicylate serve not only to cool but also to give the runners instantaneous relief. Besides, the area is dry and not oily as with ointments and creams. If you dislike the fiery sensation that most of such products give you, you will be pleased that it is almost non-existent when sprayed with the Jet Spray. But do note directions on the can, as it indicate that it might give you too much of a frosty zing when you hold and spray it too near on the affected area.
The immediate relief one gets from the Jet Spray, gives the user the extra boost to continue running the remaining distance even when experiencing severe calf aches. The effect of the spray lasted for an hour before the next dose is needed. This will greatly benefit competitive runners, who do not have to stop that often to tend to their distressed muscles.
Salonpas Pain Relieving Massage Foam
Compared to the Jet Spray, the Massage Foam seems to be milder in terms of initial application. However, its effects are not to be underestimated. This was tested on the hamstring which was throbbing with pain after the run. Effects were not as immediate as the Jet Spray. However, as you massage on, it gradually calms your muscle without requiring much pressure from your hands. After five minutes of downward strokes, the throbbing pain subsided and one can feel the blood circulating back to normal.
As it is a massage foam, we also tested this product in the office to alleviate common office-related ailments such as stiff shoulders and backache due to poor blood circulation. It proved to be beneficial as well and its non-grease formula makes application hassle-free for office users. The effects of the Massage Foam are best felt when coupled with a few firm massage strokes, which is also recommended on the spray variant. Now, with such convenient and effective products, a simple massage to knead away stiffness can easily be done in the comfort of the office in a jiffy.
Verdict: During our trial, both products do deliver what they promise. In terms of application, both are easy to apply and user friendly. The compact size of the spray makes it convenient to be stored or carried in one’s bag as well. The initial effects of each product are different but the end result is similar. What make these two products stand out are its spray-on application and non-grease formula features.
For those who want instantaneous relief, Jet Spray would be the one for you. For better effect, you may want to use the Jet Spray during the run and thereafter use the Massage Foam for the post-run massage.
However, if twist caps were used instead of the removable cap, it will be more convenient. Nonetheless, these new Salonpas products are indeed must-haves for every serious runner out there.
The Salonpas Jet Spray and Massage Foam will be available in all leading pharmacies soon. However, runners participating in the upcoming SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon on September 4 will be among the first to use these products to be launched on the day itself. Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical is the main sponsor for the event.
