The Lowdown on Magnesium Rub for Muscle Relief
- April Lynn
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Hey everyone! If you’ve ever pushed through a killer workout only to have your muscles scream in protest, or if sneaky cramps keep catching you off guard, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the world of magnesium rub—those awesome creams or oils packed with magnesium chloride that are total game-changers for soothing sore muscles. Let’s break it down!
Disclaimer: We have no affiliation with any brand or store selling magnesium rub products.
What’s the Deal with Magnesium Rub?
Magnesium rub is like a superhero for your muscles. It’s typically a cream, lotion, or oil infused with magnesium chloride, designed to be massaged directly onto your skin. Unlike popping a pill, which can sometimes upset sensitive stomachs, this topical approach lets magnesium soak right through your skin, targeting your muscles directly. Pretty cool, right?
So, why use it? Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that works wonders for:
Easing post-workout soreness: Say goodbye to that achy feeling after leg day.
Reducing muscle cramps: Perfect for those annoying nighttime leg cramps or restless legs.
Lowering inflammation: It helps calm those overworked muscles.
Speeding up recovery: Studies show magnesium can help your body bounce back faster after exercise.
Remineralizing the body: Magnesium is a critical mineral that many of us are deficient in due to modern diets and stress. Replenishing it through the skin helps support overall muscle function, energy production, and even nervous system health, keeping your body in top shape.
The science backs it up! Research, like studies published in journals such as Nutrients and Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, suggests topical magnesium can reduce muscle soreness, improve recovery time, and help address magnesium deficiencies. It’s not just a trendy wellness hack—it’s legit.
How Does It Work?
When you rub magnesium chloride onto your skin, it gets absorbed transdermally (fancy word for “through the skin”). It then works its magic by relaxing tight muscles, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and replenishing your body’s magnesium stores. This remineralization is key—magnesium plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in your body, from muscle relaxation to nerve signaling, so keeping levels topped up can make a big difference in how you feel. As massage therapists, we’ve seen firsthand how pairing magnesium rub with massage can amplify its effects, melting away muscle tension and soreness like nobody’s business. The combination is a powerhouse for recovery!
One small heads-up: some folks notice a slight tingling or itching sensation when they first try it, especially with high-potency oils. If that happens, start with a small amount or dilute it with a carrier lotion to ease your skin into it.
Pro Tips for Using Magnesium Rub
Stay hydrated: Magnesium works best when you’re drinking enough water, so keep that bottle handy to support absorption and overall remineralization.
Pair it with massage or stretching: From my experience as massage therapist, combining magnesium rub with a good massage or light stretches can seriously level up your muscle relief and help the mineral penetrate deeper.
Test a small patch first: If you’re new to magnesium rubs, try a small amount to make sure your skin’s cool with it.
Use it post-shower: Warm skin absorbs the magnesium better, so after a shower is prime time for both relief and remineralization.
The Bottom Line
Magnesium rub is a fantastic, natural way to tackle muscle soreness, cramps, and tension while also helping to remineralize your body. It’s backed by science, easy to use, and fits right into your recovery routine—especially when paired with a solid massage. Whether you’re an athlete, a desk warrior with tight shoulders, or just dealing with occasional cramps, keeping your magnesium levels in check with a rub can support your muscles and overall wellness.
Got a favorite way to use magnesium rub or a killer recovery tip? Drop it in the comments below—I’d love to hear what works for you! Until Next Time Stay Fabulous!



Wild Herbs Magnesium Cream is one of my favorites. My family and I use it regular. Wild Herb Soap | Natural Skincare & Handcrafted Soap Since 2010 – Wild Herb Soap Co.