rocksauce - the swiss army knife of topicals
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: RockSauce - The Swiss Army Knife of Topicals](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082503/55c412c5bb61eb6e1c8b47ba/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
ROCKSAUCE – The Swiss Army Knife of Topicals
In recent years, the desire for an alternative method for pain relief has skyrocketed. Individuals seeking pain relief now have more options than ever before – anything from oral NSAIDs to the newly popular topical analgesics (Topicals). Topicals can come in a variety of forms ranging from gels, creams, lotions, patches, or sprays that are applied to the skin for temporary pain relief associated with muscle aches, arthritis among others. The purpose of this article is to describe the different types of topicals and how they can be used in the clinic to help your patients overcome pain and injury. Topical Background There are four types of topicals:
1. Rubefacients – They are used to increase blood flow to the area and produce a soothing sensation. Additionally, they deplete the chemical Substance P that sends pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin (derived from chili peppers) is the compound typically found in rubefacients. Brand names include ArthriCare, Capzasin, Zostrix, and Rock Sauce.
2. Anesthetics – These block pain signals in nerve endings. thus numbing the area. Benzocaine is the active ingredient in the brand names Benzodent, SensiGel, Americaine, and Blistex.
3. Analgesics – They block enzymes that produce the inflammation that causes the pain. The active ingredient is methyl salicylate, the same ingredient found in aspirin. Brand names include Bengay, Aspercreme, Rock Sauce, and Sportscreme.
4. Counterirritants – These give the skin a hot or cold sensation that creates a distraction from pain. Menthol is most typically used as the active ingredient in this class of topicals. Brand names include ChinaGel, Cramergesic (also an analgesic), BioFreeze, Tiger Balm, and Rock Sauce.
There are a number of different types and brands of topicals that are widely available to the general public. Additionally, many of those listed above fall into more than one category of topicals. The question now becomes, what are the different ways to use topicals and which one should I choose to use in my clinic? Our topical of choice is Rock Sauce made by Rock Tape, USA due to its multifunctional use, strength of pain relief, and ease to use with Rock Tape. Topical Use in the Clinic The simplest way to use topicals would be to apply them directly to the skin in isolation for muscle pain and joint soreness. The majority of the different brands recommend an individual apply one milliliter per 200 square centimeters of skin area, three to four times per day. Because it can be applied directly to the skin, as opposed to an oral pain reliever, the effect is much quicker and more specific. Oral pain relievers must be digested and travel throughout the body before they can have an effect. Unlike to dangers of oral NSAIDS (i.e. stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, increased
![Page 2: RockSauce - The Swiss Army Knife of Topicals](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082503/55c412c5bb61eb6e1c8b47ba/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
liver enzymes, and risks when combined with other medications like ACE inhibitors and blood thinners), there are no inherent risks when topicals are applied. Patients can use Rock Sauce as an adjunct to the care provided in the clinic and as an alternative to oral medications for pain relief. Another application is in the substitution of emollient during instrument assisted or manual soft tissue therapies (i.e. Graston® or ART®). Like traditional emollient, a cream topical allows for decreased friction to help protect the skin while breaking up scar tissue underneath it. However, unlike the usual cocoa butters, topicals offer an added bonus – local pain relief during soft tissue therapies. This could allow for greater patient pain tolerance during soft tissue therapies, allowing for a slightly more intense therapy session. Rock Sauce can be utilized in this manner and also provides pain relief on top of being a great emollient. Using topicals in conjunction with laser therapy has also been shown to be beneficial. Not only does it allow for easier maneuvering of the laser head along the patient’s skin, but topicals improve the anti-‐inflammatory effects of the laser itself. de Alameida, et al1 found that although laser therapy decreases inflammatory markers in an area after trauma, that effect is increased when used with a topical sodium diclofenac (ingredient found in topical NSAIDs). Rock Sauce used in this manner makes the laser therapy more effective and can even be used on top of an area that has been taped already. Phonophoresis and iontophresis are additional methods of applications. Both are used to enhance the delivery of the active ingredients in the topical. Phonophoresis utilizes ultrasound to push the active ingredient molecules through the dermal layer, thus facilitating absorption. Iontophoresis works in a very similar fashion, but using an electrical field to push positively or negatively charged particles through the skin. Both phonophoresis and iontophoresis allow for a non-‐invasive, but deeper absorption. Rock Sauce used in this manner is very effective and prepares the skin for further modalities. Effective use of Kinesiology tape requires the clinician to prepare the skin by removing dirt, oils, and lotions. The advantage of using certain topicals, such as RockSauce, for manual techniques, is that it also cleans the skin at the same time. Simply wipe off any excess Rock Sauce prior to applying the tape for better adherence and improved outcomes. Both competitive athletes and weakened warriors like to have the feeling of warmed-‐up muscles prior to activity. The use of warming topicals can be applied prior to working out or competition to increase blood flow. In addition, some athletes like the feeling of warmed muscles and makes them feel like they can perform at a higher level. Athletes have reported superior outcomes using Rock Sauce compared to other topicals for use in this manner. It is clear to see there are a vast number of methods of application for topical creams. Additionally, more and more research is showing their positive effects. Higashi et al5 found that “menthol has been reported to be effective in relieving pain with mild to moderate muscle strains.” Zhang et al12 agreed with Higashi’s findings and determined that “topical application of menthol gel along with
![Page 3: RockSauce - The Swiss Army Knife of Topicals](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082503/55c412c5bb61eb6e1c8b47ba/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
the chiropractic adjustment showed significant reduction in low back pain.” In fact, Johar et al6 determined that menthol-‐based topicals were “more effective than ice for relieving soreness associated with DOMS [delayed onset muscle soreness] while at rest or during muscle contractions…and permitted greater evoked tetanic forces produced as compared to ice.” Considering topicals work at a much faster rate than icing it’s possible they are more efficient for sprains and strains. Risk Versus Reward Although a majority of this discussion has been about how topicals can reduce pain, there are many other benefits to utilizing them. Although overuse of topicals is possible, it is very rare. Unlike oral medications and injections, topicals are typically made with naturally-‐occuring plant compounds and, therefore, have a reduced risk of side effects. Because topicals are applied locally, there is little to no systemic effects as there are with oral medications that must travel throughout the body. Individuals must keep in mind that the use of topicals should be avoided if they are allergic to aspirins as methyl salicylate is the active ingredient. While there has been some discussion as to whether some of the various ingredients in different types of topicals are effective, most clinicians can agree that patients respond well to treatment with topicals. They are cost-‐efficient, easy to use, have minimal side effects, and have little to no risk. Moore8 concluded that patients who use topicals tend to have increased activities of daily living, improved mood, less fatigue, better sleep, better functioning, greater ability to work, and an overall improvement in quality of life. Rock Sauce is a superior topical that can be used in many effective ways by the clinician and by the patients/athletes. About the Authors Ed Le Cara, PhD, ATC, CSCS is the clinical coordinator for SportsPlus in the SF Bay Area, educator, and on the medical advisory board for Rocktape. You can find more information about Rocktape at www.rocktape.com . To contact him, email at [email protected] or follow on Twitter: @drlecara. Every month Dr. Le Cara hosts a free Google Hangout on the basics of using RockTape for yourself and your patients. References: 1. Anger, William H. Jr. (February 2014). Low-‐Concentration Topical Capsaicin for Chronic
Neuropathic Pain in Adults. Cochrane Review, 18 (1): 123 – 124. 2. Austin, Nicholas & Kordik, Emily. Topical Analgesics in Contact Sports. Retrieved February 4,
2014 from www.ptproductsonline.com/all-‐news/15926-‐topical-‐analgesics-‐in-‐contact-‐sports
3. Australian Department for Better Health. (October 2011). Medications – Non-‐Steroidal Anti-‐
Inflammatory Drugs. Retrieved March 5, 2014, from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Medications_non-‐steroidal_anti-‐inflammatory_drugs
![Page 4: RockSauce - The Swiss Army Knife of Topicals](https://reader036.vdocument.in/reader036/viewer/2022082503/55c412c5bb61eb6e1c8b47ba/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4. de Alameida, Patricia; Lopes-‐Martins, Alvaro; Silva Tomazoni, Shaiane; et al. (2013). Low-‐level
laser therapy and soid diclofenac in acute inflammatory response induced by skeletal muscle trauma: effects in muscle morphology and mRNA gene expression of inflammatory markers. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 98: 501 – 507.
5. Harkin, R. What is a Topical Analgesic? Retrieved February 4, 2014 from
www.wisegeek.com/what-‐is-‐a-‐topical-‐analgesic.htm 6. Higashi, Y., Kuichi, T, Furuta, K. (2010). Efficacy and Safety profile of topical methyl salicylate and
menthol patch in adult patients with mild to moderate muscle strain: a randomized, double-‐blind, parallel-‐group, placebo-‐controlled, multicenter study. Clinical Therapy, 32: 34 – 43.
7. Johar, Pramod; Grover, Varun; Topp, Robert; Behm, David G. (June 2012). A comparison of
topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 7 (3): 314 – 322.
8. McQuay, Henry J.; Derry, Sheena; Eccleston, Christopher; Wiffen, Phillip; Moore, R. Andrew.
(2012). Evidence for analgesic effect in acute pain – 50 years in. Pain, 153: 1364 – 1367. 9. Moore, R. Andrew. (2013). What works for whom? Determining the efficacy and harm of
treatments for pain. Pain, 154: S77 – S86. 10. Peppin, John F. & Pappagallo, M. (2014). Capsaicinoids in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a
review. Therapeutic Advances in Neurologic Disorders, 7 (1): 22 – 32. 11. RockTape. RockSauce + RockTape = Complete Recovery. Retrieved February 4, 2014 from
www.RockTape.com/products/sauce 12. Quinn, Elizabeth. (2013). Sports Creams and Gels – Sports creams can be safe and effective when
used in moderation. Retrieved February 4, 2014 from www.sportsmedicine.about.com/od/medicationanddrugs/a/sports_creams.htm
13. Zhang, J, Enix, D, Snyder, B, Giggey, K, Tepe, R. (2008). Effects of Biofreeze and chiropractic
adjustments on acute low back pain: a pilot study. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7 (2); 59 – 65.