Whether you're stuck hunched over a desk all day or going hard in the gym, tight, sore muscles are a common struggle. For many, the quick fix is a muscle massage rub; a targeted way to release tension and keep your body moving comfortably. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you?
To help navigate the options, ES Best turned to expert massage therapist Ruta Roberts, who has worked with top athletes worldwide. Her expert knowledge of recovery and muscle repair sheds light on the benefits of muscle rubs and what sets the best products apart.
Why do we need muscle rubs?
“Sitting at a desk for hours can compress your lower back and shoulders, while intense workouts lead to micro-tears in your muscles that need repairing,” says Roberts. “Muscle rubs bridge the gap between discomfort and recovery, speeding up circulation, soothing pain and even improving mobility.”
Massage rubs work by delivering active ingredients like menthol, camphor, or arnica directly to the skin, helping relax muscle fibres and reduce inflammation. They’re especially useful for office workers and athletes who need quick relief without committing to lengthy massage sessions.
What to look for in a muscle rub
When choosing the right rub, Roberts advises looking for the following:
The best muscle rubs for different scenarios
For instant relief at your desk
Sitting for long periods can lead to stiff shoulders, tight necks, and an overall feeling of tension. For quick relief without interrupting your workday, go for muscle rubs that are fast-absorbing and discreet. Choose products like Deep Heat Rub, which is designed to target specific areas and ease knots without overwhelming your workspace with strong scents.
Another option is Biofreeze Roll On Muscle and Joint Cooling Pain Relief, known for its instant cooling sensation. This menthol-based gel absorbs quickly, making it perfect for a mid-afternoon refresh without the risk of it lingering on your skin or clothes.
For post-exercise recovery
Roberts says: “After a strenuous workout, your muscles need more than just a quick fix – they require products that provide deep relief and support long-term recovery. Look for muscle rubs that help reduce inflammation and promote healing.” For example, Tiger Balm Red Ointment has become a staple in many athletes' post-workout routines. With its warming sensation and ability to penetrate deep into sore muscles, it’s a great choice for relieving tension after intense physical exertion.
If you're looking for something with added therapeutic benefits, consider Fourfive CBD Muscle Rub, which contains CBD known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The easy-to-apply rub is perfect for targeting larger muscle groups like the thighs or hamstrings after a heavy training session. The CBD helps to calm inflammation and aid recovery.
For tension or injury recovery
“When dealing with more severe muscle tension or recovering from an injury, it’s important to use a product with high-potency active ingredients that provide lasting relief,” says Roberts. Flexiseq Max Strength for Osteoarthritis is an excellent choice. This innovative gel is designed to alleviate joint pain and discomfort, promoting mobility and easing tension in sore areas. Its unique formula targets inflammation without relying on traditional painkillers.
How we tested
To determine the best muscle rubs, the ES Best Shopping team focused on three key areas: desk-side relief, post-workout recovery, and more intensive tension or injury care. Each rub was evaluated based on how well it absorbed, its immediate effects and its long-term benefits.
We also consulted experts to gain insights into the most effective ingredients and applications. From cooling gels to warming balms, we put every product through its paces to make sure they deliver; whether you’re desk-bound and battling stiffness or a gym regular dealing with post-workout DOMS.
Best muscle rubs at a glance
Read on for more.
Tiger Balm Red Ointment
Best for: post-gym
Tiger Balm Red has been a staple in my routine for soothing sore muscles and easing tension after long days at my desk. What sets it apart is its herbal formula, packed with active ingredients like camphor, clove oil, and levomenthol. The warming sensation it provides is instant and incredibly effective for loosening up tight muscles and relieving discomfort.
It’s non-greasy, which makes it easy to use without leaving a mess, and the subtle, soothing fragrance is an added bonus. Whether I’ve overdone it at the gym or just need to ease everyday aches, Tiger Balm Red is my go-to.
Buy now £7.99, Boots
Actimas Celafen
Best for: inflammation
Celadrin is a patented blend of esterified fatty acids that helps lubricate cell membranes and prevent inflammation. This means quicker relief - within 30 minutes. Unlike regular pain creams, Celafen doesn’t just mask the pain, it tackles it at the source.
What I also love is its menthol content, which enhances the soothing effect, making the relief both immediate and long-lasting. Over time, I noticed my flexibility and mobility improving, and the pain subsiding with consistent use. I apply it twice a day, and I’ve seen great results; especially when I use it right after waking up. Plus, it’s natural and drug-free.
Buy now £12.95, Victoria Health
Mentholatum Deep Relief Anti-Inflammatory Gel
Best for: quick relief
The combination of ibuprofen and levomenthol delivers fast-acting, targeted relief for sore, overworked muscles and any post-workout strains.
What sets this gel apart is its triple-action formula. It not only soothes with a refreshing cooling sensation but also penetrates deeply to reduce inflammation at the source. Plus, its non-greasy texture makes it easy to apply without the sticky residue.
Buy now £4.99, Boots
Inlight Rosemary and Hypericum Recovery Balm
Best for: natural recovery
Inlight Rosemary & Hypericum Recovery Balm is a must-have for any athlete or anyone dealing with sore muscles or joint discomfort. This organic balm combines the healing power of St John’s Wort, meadowsweet and licorice with the stimulating effects of rosemary, cinnamon and thyme.
It’s packed with phytonutrients that support natural recovery, easing tension and promoting circulation. Whether used before or after exercise, it offers deep relief, and when applied overnight with a protective wrap, it works wonders while you rest. With its concentrated formula, a little goes a long way, making this balm both effective and economical.
Buy now £28.00, Pure Source Online
Dynamint Muscle Cream
Best for: cooling effect
With its blend of peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree oils, Dynamint Muscle Cream cools and soothes sore muscles without leaving any greasy residue. The refreshing peppermint scent adds an extra level of comfort, and the fast absorption means no waiting around.
It's a natural, drug-free option that's gentle on the skin yet powerful against aches and pains. Plus, it's free from parabens and dyes, making it a solid choice for anyone with sensitive skin.
Buy now £6.47, Holland & Barrett
Fourfive CBD Muscle Rub
Best for: CBD infusion
This CBD-infused menthol balm is a good option as a fast-acting relief to aching muscles. Whether you're recovering after an intense workout or just need to soothe tired muscles, this balm provides a cooling effect with natural ingredients.
Fourfive is an award-winning UK-based brand founded by international rugby players George Kruis and Dom Day, offering trusted, vegan and effective CBD products. Ideal for promoting muscle recovery, the balm absorbs quickly and leaves you feeling refreshed.
Buy now £21.00, Holland & Barrett
Biofreeze Roll On Muscle and Joint Cooling Pain Relief
Best for: roll on
This option from Biofreeze is a fast-acting, long-lasting topical relief solution that uses cold therapy to ease sore muscles, back aches, stiff joints and arthritis. Its roll-on application makes it incredibly easy and convenient to use without the mess, allowing you to target problem areas with precision.
The cooling effect, thanks to its active ingredient isopropyl alcohol, soothes and alleviates pain quickly. It’s particularly helpful for those with muscle tension or stiffness, as the massaging action stimulates trigger points, adding an extra layer of relief.
I love that it's so easy to apply, and the roll-on format means I can treat areas without making a mess or having to rub it in manually.
Buy now £10.99, Superdrug
Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Cooling Gel
Best for: cooling gel
For tired, heavy and aching legs and ankles, this one is a winner. Made with natural arnica sourced from Scotland, this gel combines the therapeutic benefits of arnica with the refreshing power of grapefruit oil and menthol.
The gel cools and revives the skin, providing quick relief after long days on your feet. Simply apply to the skin as needed for a gentle, revitalising boost.
Buy now £5.99, Holland & Barrett
Bells Muscle Rub
Best for: budget-friendly
Bells Muscle Rub is a trusted remedy for soothing discomfort. Whether it's arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago or sciatica, this cream has been designed to provide relief. The white formulation combines the power of cajuput oil, eucalyptus oil, menthol and methyl salicylate to help with inflammation.
I found that it creates a warming sensation that acts as a counter-irritant, helping to ease my discomfort.
Buy now £5.99, Superdrug
Flexiseq Max Strength for Osteoarthritis
Best for: osteoarthritis relief
The Flexiseq Max Strength for Osteoarthritis drug-free gel is designed to relieve joint discomfort and stiffness, particularly caused by osteoarthritis. It works by penetrating the synovial fluid between bones, helping restore lost lubrication due to cartilage breakdown. This process targets the root cause of osteoarthritis pain and reduced mobility. It’s suitable for osteoarthritis patients and can be used alongside other treatments.
Buy now £19.89, Superdrug
Voltarol Joint Pain Relief Gel 12 Hour 2.32%
Best for: joint discomfort
The Voltarol Joint Pain Relief Gel is a top product for a good reason. As someone who often deals with discomfort from the gym and desk hunching, this gel has become a go-to solution in my routine. It’s easy to apply, absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, which makes it super convenient.
The cooling effect when I apply it is also soothing, and I can feel the pain easing almost immediately. I like how long-lasting the relief is; just two applications a day, morning and night, and I don’t have to worry about reapplying frequently.
Buy now £11.00, Amazon
Deep Heat Rub
Best for: deep relief
I have been a fan of Deep Heat Rub for years to help deal with muscular pain and stiffness. It has also been designed to help support conditions like sciatica, back discomfort and fibrositis. It’s a go-to product for me, especially after exercise or long days when my muscles feel tight and sore.
What sets this rub apart is its dual-action formula. The methyl salicylate provides targeted pain relief, acting similarly to aspirin, while the warming ingredients increase blood flow to the affected area, providing a soothing and comforting sensation. I love how quickly it works; right at the site of pain, where it’s needed most.
Buy now £5.49, Pharmacy 2 U
Motusol 2.32% Gel Max
Best for: targeted relief
I’ve been using the Motusol 2.32% Gel for a while now, and it has been a great help in managing my back pain. I decided to try it after hearing good things from other athletes, and it has really delivered.
The gel is easy to apply, and I’ve found that just a small amount, about the size of a cherry, goes a long way. The relief is noticeable almost immediately. It contains diclofenac diethylamine, which works wonders for inflammation in my muscles. I’d recommend it to anyone dealing with muscle pain or sprains.
Buy now £6.45, Superdrug
Verdict
As a regular gymgoer and someone who spends hours hunched over a desk, Tiger Balm Red Ointment stands out as my top pick because of its fast-acting relief and natural formula.
After intense training sessions, the warming sensation it provides helps ease muscle tension and aids recovery, allowing me to stay consistent with my workouts. Its non-greasy texture means I can apply it without worrying about residue, and the soothing herbal fragrance is a nice extra.
