Whether it’s an overworked muscle, a chronically aching back or the discomfort of arthritis, pain affects millions of people every day. Biofreeze is a topical analgesic that uses the cooling effect of menthol, a natural pain reliever, to soothe minor muscle and joint pain. It penetrates quickly, offering relief through cold therapy. For this reason, it’s especially effective for use in conjunction with hands-on health care such as chiropractic, massage and physical therapies, and podiatry.
The Manufacturers have invested in scientific research in order to better understand how to assist people with pain relief. The science behind Biofreeze is a dual approach to pain relief, based on the following theories.
The Gate Control Theory
As outlined in The Science of Pain, special receptors are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain by way of the spinal cord. When Biofreeze is applied to a painful area, it’s thought to create a cold sensation that overrides these pain signals.
Stimulation of Cold Receptors
When Biofreeze is applied, menthol binds with temperature-sensitive receptors in the skin. Activating these receptors is thought to modulate pain signals through the body’s natural pain relieving systems. This mechanism works similarly to ice, but with additional benefits.