Chiropractor Recommended Biofreeze Products
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Biofreeze is one of the most popular topical analgesics used in chiropractic offices as well as clinical settings by a variety of other providers. We too have used this product in our office for many years with great results. Why Biofreeze? Having menthol as its main active ingredient, it is strong enough to provide a pain relieving effect but not so overwhelming that it can't be tolerated by most people. It works by stimulating thermoreceptors in the skin that give the sensation of cold. This cold sensation "competes" with the sensation of pain resulting in a relative decrease in pain intensity. In this way it achieves a pain relieving effect without NSAIDs, narcotics or other systemic medications. I also like the fact that is does not feel oily or greesy and, best of all, is not tested on animals. For those interested, I have included the following Biofreeze products which I believe are among the best choices for most people and circumstances, as outlined below.
This is the classic Biofreeze professional strength gel that I personally use in my office. I like this colorless version instead of the green gel to avoid any green residue on the hands or body after extensive use. This "professional strength" is also 5% menthol instead of the usual 4% in the regular strength. I believe that 5% is the perfect amount for a product like this - enough to maximize therapeutic effect but not so much as to be overwhelming or dry out and/or irritate the skin. Although this 32 oz bottle is more expensive than the smaller tubes of gel, if you use Biofreeze on a regular basis, you will find it is significantly more cost effective and worth the purchase. The push down applicator also provides an easier way to dispense the Biofreeze gel compared to using the smaller tubes. If you are interested in a menthol based topical analgesic, click on this Biofreeze Gel link for more details and current price.
For those that have never used Biofreeze and just want to try the product before purchasing a larger bottle, this is a good choice. This is a 4 oz container of the same colorless, 5% menthol, professional strength Biofreeze Gel described above. The obvious downside is that it comes at a much higher cost per ounce. So, even though this Biofreeze tube may be seen as inexpensive compared to the larger 32 oz bottle above, if you do end up using Biofreeze on a regular basis, you will find it a much more cost effective option to purchase the bigger bottle.
For those that don't want to get Biofreeze on their hands, this professional strength (5% menthol) 3 oz roll-on gel is a great choice. It is also a good choice for those that have never tried a Biofreeze product before and don't want to spend more money for a larger size or a multiple container purchase. As mentioned above, the most cost effective Biofreeze option is the 32 oz bottle of Biofreeze gel further up this page. However, some people would rather spend the extra money (per ounce) for a roll on. We have both gel and roll on containers at our office and patients do purchase both products. It is a matter of personal preference - if you prefer a roll on application, you will likely be happy with this Biofreeze version.
This Biofreeze 4 oz aerosol spray is another great choice for those that want to avoid getting Biofreeze on their hands. Some people may even feel the Biofreeze spray has more of an initial cooling effect compared to the gel. This is likely due to some degree of faster initial evaporation and the 10.5 % menthol concentration. It should be noted that, even though the menthol concentration is more than double that of the 5% of the gel, it does not mean it will be twice as effective. It does, however, more than make up for any loss of strength that would otherwise have been caused by the dissipating effect of the spray. So, although a 5% menthol concentration may be ideal for Biofreeze gel, this higher concentration is appropriate for a spray version and helps keep it just as effective. Again, it is a matter of preference but for those who prefer a spray, this is a great product.
Biofreeze patches are a good choice for those looking for longer term relief of a specific area. These patches have a 5% menthol concentration and stay on to extend the pain relieving effect throughout the night for better sleep or during the day to allow one to work more comfortably without having to keep reapplying Biofreeze to get the same effect. Those looking for a pain relieving patch will likely find this product to be a great choice that will meet their needs.