Some research seems to indicate that applying CBD to the skin might be effective. A study of mice with arthritis found that CBD gel reduced joint swelling, and may relieve pain and inflammation.
And research focused on rheumatic diseases says that using cannabis to treat joint pain should be taken seriously.
Many massage therapists are convinced that CBD-based treatments bring pain relief to their clients, and a long list of spas are adding the service to their offerings.
Sharon Farber, a licensed massage therapist and founder of Dragonfly Healing Arts in Connecticut, says, “I can tell you from experience that the CBDs help many of my clients and friends.”
She points out that massage alone also brings pain relief, so it’s tough to sort out what’s making the difference. But she says, “Many of my clients now use CBD on their own and tell me it helps. One client purchased CBDs to relieve his shoulder pain and no longer gets a message.”
Stephanie Mayhew, a licensed massage therapist for Soothe based in Warrenton, Virginia, treats fibromyalgia with massage therapy. She works on problem spots by rubbing in CBD oil, applying a hot towel, and massaging the area.
Athletes are also turning to CBD for pain relief. “CBD has both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and can penetrate through the skin for isolated pain management. CBD massage could also help with sports massages and possibly help to lower healing time, allowing an athlete a lower recovery time,” says Maya Page, owner of CBD retailer Oilly.
With interest in CBD’s benefits skyrocketing, brands are adding it to beauty products such as anti-aging creams, lip balms, moisturizers, and muscle rubs, Morrison says.
But CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to find a retailer and brand that you trust.
