How to Apply Biofreeze

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Biofreeze is a great way to relieve any temporary aches and pains that you're experiencing as a result of an over-ambitious workout or a long jog. Doctors will also prescribe or give you gel packets or roll-on tubes of Biofreeze if you’re experiencing pain from arthritis, or from miscellaneous joint sprains or muscle strains. Biofreeze is meant for external application only, and should never be ingested or applied to an open wound. [1] Call your doctor if muscle or joint pain continues after you've applied Biofreeze.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Applying Biofreeze from a Gel Pack

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  1. Since you’ll only be applying the Biofreeze using 1 hand, you only need to put a glove on the hand you’ll be using to rub the gel in. You can use this hand to apply Biofreeze to yourself or to another person. [2]
    • If you don’t have a latex glove, you can apply the Biofreeze using a bare hand.
  2. Rather than applying Biofreeze directly to the skin—whether yours or someone else’s—apply the Biofreeze to the glove. This will prevent you from emptying out an excessive amount of Biofreeze all at once. [3]
    • Start by squeezing 1 ⁄ 4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) of the Biofreeze onto the tip of your gloved index finger.
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  3. Use your fingertips and palm to rub Biofreeze into the area afflicted with muscle, joint, or arthritic pain. [4] Take at least 2 or 3 minutes to work the gel in. It needs to be absorbed into the surface of the skin for its full effect. [5]
    • If you’re applying Biofreeze to someone else, ask them where the pain is located, and apply the gel to the area they describe.
    • If you need Biofreeze on a hard-to-reach spot (like the center of your back), ask a friend to rub the gel on for you.
  4. After you’ve applied the Biofreeze, dispose of the latex glove without touching the gel with your unprotected hand. Use your ungloved hand to grasp the bottom of the latex glove, and pull it off of your hand in one smooth motion. This will turn the glove inside out, with the Biofreeze on the inside. [6]
    • Throw the glove away in a trash can. The trash can should have a lid, and be out of the reach of children or pets.
  5. [7] If you didn’t wear a glove while applying Biofreeze—or if you accidentally smeared some gel on an exposed hand—wash your hands right away. Scrub the Biofreeze thoroughly, since it can cause severe agitation if it comes in contact with your: [8]
    • Eyes or mouth.
    • Ears.
    • Armpits.
    • Crotch area.
  6. If you haven’t used up all of the Biofreeze, save the remainder in case the muscle or sprain pain comes back. Fold over the open end of the gel pack, and clip a paperclip over the open side. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Applying Biofreeze from a Roll-On Tube

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  1. For the Biofreeze to have its full efficiency, it needs to be well shaken. [10] [11] Firmly shake the tube for at least 30 seconds.
    • This and other directions should be printed on the Biofreeze tube itself. Be sure to read and follow all of the directions before beginning to apply the Biofreeze.
  2. Use the roller applicator to roll the liquid Biofreeze onto your skin. As indicated on the packaging instructions, apply the gel in a single direction. Press the roller firmly onto your skin, and apply for 10-15 seconds. [12]
    • Do not apply Biofreeze by rolling it back and forth or by rubbing it around in circles.
  3. Squeezing the tube will force more Biofreeze gel out onto the roller ball, which in turn will apply more gel to your skin. [13] Put about the same amount of pressure on the tube as it would take to dent a tennis ball.
    • If you apply Biofreeze without squeezing the tube, less of the gel will be applied to your skin. You may not feel the full effects of the Biofreeze, and may be left with lingering muscle pain.
  4. Do not bandage the skin to which you’ve applied gel. [14] The skin needs time to absorb the Biofreeze gel, and applying a bandage will only soak up gel and prevent it from reaching deep tissue.
    • Follow any other safety precautions as printed on the Biofreeze tube. Do not apply more than 4 times on the same area in a day.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use a heating pad after putting on Biofreeze?
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Dr. Jonathan Frank is an Orthopedic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, specializing in sports medicine and joint preservation. Dr. Frank's practice focuses on minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Dr. Frank holds an MD from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. He completed an orthopedic residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and a fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. He is a staff team physician for the US Ski and Snowboard Team. Dr. Frank is currently a scientific reviewer for top peer-reviewed scientific journals, and his research has been presented at regional, national, and international orthopedic conferences, winning several awards including the prestigious Mark Coventry and William A Grana awards.
    Jonathan Frank, MD
    Sports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Since the main ingredient in Biofreeze is menthol, a substance that can make it difficult to notice if things get too hot, it's easy to get a burn. So I personally recommend avoiding that. Now, if it's a heating pad that won't get too hot, or you have several layers between yourself in a heating pad, that's probably okay.
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      Tips

      • Although Biofreeze can be bought over the counter at most drugstore or supermarket pharmacies, check with a doctor before using the product. Tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medications as well. [15]
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      • Store the Biofreeze away from any sources of heat or open flame. Biofreeze is flammable and could ignite if stored near a heat source. [16]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/biofreeze.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=24s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=34s
      4. ↑ https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/6-steps-gout-attack-relief
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=42s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=57s
      7. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/biofreeze.html
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=1m12s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bNfWHzUp30&feature=youtu.be&t=57s
      1. ↑ https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/drug-encyclopedia/drug.biofreeze-menthol-4-topical-gel.579034
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaJGibgPMaM&feature=youtu.be&t=1m24s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaJGibgPMaM&feature=youtu.be&t=1m30s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaJGibgPMaM&feature=youtu.be&t=1m35s
      5. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/biofreeze.html
      6. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/biofreeze.html
      7. ↑ https://www.drugs.com/mtm/biofreeze.html

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