Would ice baths work? I use them after heavy weightlifting sessions and competitions. It really helps my recovery and almost eliminates muscle soreness.

I do use ice packs, but it doesn’t seem to help get the inflammation and stiffness out.. but it does feel good when it’s on there

Which color of the Tiger Balm did you use ? Some are better than others.

Ok gang,,, I think I’m out of options but thought I’d run this by y’all to see if there is something else I can try.
I have cervical stenosis which causes my muscles to get very stiff and sore. Right now, the only fraction of relief I can get is from my tens unit,,, it does feel good, but I can’t leave it running constantly and it doesn’t break up the stiffness. Ice and stretching are the only other things I have.
I can’t take any anti inflammatory meds because I was put on blood thinners because of blood clots in my lungs,, I can’t go to massage therapist because they are afraid of breaking the blood clots loose,,, I can’t do acupuncture or dry needling either because of the possibility of micro bleeding into my muscles. I’ve tried lidocaine and tiger balm which does nothing,,, I can’t use muscle rubs that contain anti inflammatory meds like voltarin… I was getting steroid shots up until I got the blood clots,,, I can’t have the shots now because it could cause a hematoma in my spinal cord which could paralyze me. I can’t take muscle relaxers either because they don’t mix well with pain killers. I can’t take magnesium supplements because they interfere with blood thinners…. Is there something else I could try???

John, I encourage you to read my post of Equine-Equiscope therapy. Your post was the reason behind me posting it.

What is your diet like? Ever tried a Keto type diet? I cut out sugar and simple carbs like white bread, noodles, and potatoes. I know regular inflammation is nothing like what you are experiencing but maybe it would help some? I can't believe the improvements cutting sugar did for me.

Have you seen a physical therapist? Helping with physical problems is what they were trained to do.
I do about an hour exercise regiment on machines every day. 7 different machines.
Except during trapping season. (no time for it.
Started again today. Amazing how much strength and mobility you lose not doing simple execises. I really think it helps with my arthritis.
My buddies there tell me that its just because i'm old. lol
just

Look into arnica cream. I think it comes in a gel and oral form as well. It helps with soreness and can almost magically prevent bruising.

Edit: I should elaborate about the bruising.. I have three young sons who occasionally do something worthy of bruising, you rub arnica on the affected spot,we are pretty sure it prevented a black eye or two.

"Arnica stimulates your body's natural healing process, facilitating blood flow through the area, which helps to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and reabsorb bruising. As long as your skin isn't broken, you can apply Arnica topically in a cream or gel form."

I have used Topricin Cream for several years after fusion in lower back. That said what Mark has posted is very interesting.

A buddy of mine has spinal stenosis in his neck. It is pinching his wiring harness pretty good. He has a hard time standing still without shaking.
When he hands you a tool, you have to give him time to turn loose of it so that you don't drag him across the shop.
His doctor took an xray and an MRI and doesn't understand why he isn't in a hospital bed staring at the ceiling, only able to blink his eyes.
His medicine of choice is weed. As needed. It helps him out immensely.
I have heard a lot of good about CBD oil for chronic pain. It is absorbed through the skin.

Magnesium.

Yoga is a wonderful mind body exercise and practice.
Tai Chi and Qigong are also good practices to lear. The body is meant to be moved and both Tai Chi and Qigong are gentle practices. The toughest thing is find a good instructor. Good luck

Mac

I’m still researching this cream to see if it is safe to use with blood thinners

I use horse liniment. We had it in the locker room when I played college ball. Have so much metal holding me together I have to carry a card.

Constant workout. I get sore muscles if I don't use them regularly.

Older fella at deer camp use to get up and do calisthenics every morning and I thought he was kinda off, but as I got older I see why he did that.

I located a yoga instructor here on my town,, going to go that route.

Tried CBD? Oils, creams, and even edibles. Just get it from a reputable source.