Exercise is something that can be adopted at any point in life in various capacities. Whether you wake up every morning and run 10 miles or go for a one-mile walk to start the day, there is no room for ego. Any level of effort put forth toward bettering yourself physically can also reap rewards for your mental health. Although different people’s levels of pain can vary greatly, finding ways to mitigate the pain related to physical activity is a tricky field that we all have to navigate.
The Cannabis industry has many goals to help patients and adult-use consumers achieve with their products. One of the mainstays many companies gear their products to is pain relief. As a runner, I have tried dozens of different pain relief methods to prepare myself for long runs and help my body recover after they’re over. A very common pain that runners like myself experience is in their iliotibial band on the knee. It can strike any time during a short, medium length, or long run, and there is not much you can do about it on the spot. With how frustrating it can be, finding a product to use before and after running is critical for longevity.
Move Transdermal Balm by Curio Wellness is something that I keep in my inventory at all times for preparation and post-game relief. As a transdermal, applying it to the exact area of discomfort is incredibly easy and lacks the mess of a scoopable gel. What I appreciate about this product is there is no harsh smell during or after application. Sometimes Cannabis products geared toward pain relief focus too much on the immediate relief and not as much on the real issue. This product is the perfect blend of both.
A process starts in my mind and body when I apply this balm that creates physical and mental harmony from within. Immediately after applying, a cooling sensation smothers the area of application, providing pain relief in the moment. While that is happening, 150 mg of CBD and 150 mg of THC go to work, attacking the site of pain and providing that long-term relief that lasts all day. There have been times when I finished a long run and immediately felt that knee and thigh pain that all runners dread. Going up and down the stairs and just walking around can be painful at times. Within 20 minutes of applying Curio’s Move balm, I feel the tension release and comfort return to even the areas experiencing the worst pain.
Several other products in the Move line have assisted with my daily muscle and joint recovery. Another 1:1 product with a slightly lesser dosage than the transdermal balm is the 100 mg THC:100mg CBD version. I find it best to start with the 100 mg version, and then if you need a little extra relief, move up to the 150 mg line.
Additionally, there is a transdermal gel which differentiates from the balm in being a squeezable pump gel. I find the gel to be more useful in active injury recovery as it focuses directly on that top layer of skin where we get bruises and bumps. The gel has more of an instant cooling effect, but that could also have something to do with the large amount you can apply by pumping it out instead of rubbing on the balm.
All of these products have proven to make my life a lot easier in terms of pain management. It is important to remember that everyone’s body is going to react a little differently than the person before or after them. This emphasizes the need to find the perfect product for you and keep it in your stash. Be on the lookout for more from the Move line and Curio Wellness in general in 2025!