Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans, causing persistent joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation that can severely limit mobility and quality of life. If you’ve been looking for over-the-counter relief, you’ve likely come across Biofreeze—a popular topical analgesic. But does Biofreeze help with arthritis, or is it just a temporary fix that covers up deeper issues?
Let’s break down what Biofreeze does, its potential downsides, and why a more advanced solution—like stem cell therapy—might be a better long-term option for those suffering from arthritis.
How Biofreeze Works for Arthritis Pain
Biofreeze contains menthol, a natural compound that activates cold-sensing receptors in the skin. This creates a cooling sensation that temporarily blocks pain signals sent to the brain. This is often referred to as “gate control” pain relief. The product does not target the inflammation or joint degradation associated with arthritis; instead, it simply masks the discomfort.
Temporary Benefits of Biofreeze:
Fast-acting, short-term pain relief
Non-addictive and easy to apply
Widely available over-the-counter
Doesn’t require a prescription or medical appointment
Many people apply Biofreeze to knees, hands, shoulders, and hips—common areas affected by arthritis. It can provide noticeable relief for mild to moderate joint pain and stiffness, particularly after activity or physical therapy.
The Downsides of Using Biofreeze for Arthritis
While Biofreeze may seem like a convenient solution, there are several important drawbacks to consider—especially if you’re looking for lasting pain management.
1. Messy Application
Biofreeze comes in gel, roll-on, and spray forms. No matter the method, it can be difficult to apply cleanly, especially to hard-to-reach areas like the back or shoulders. The gel tends to be sticky and can leave residue on your hands, which must be thoroughly washed to avoid accidental contact with your eyes or sensitive skin.
2. Clothing Stains and Transfer
One of the biggest frustrations users report is the potential for staining clothing or bedsheets. If not fully absorbed, Biofreeze can rub off on fabric, leaving behind greasy or discolored spots that are difficult to remove. This can be particularly inconvenient if you need to apply it before work or while wearing nice clothing.
3. Strong Odor
Biofreeze contains menthol, which gives it a very noticeable medicinal smell. While some users find the scent refreshing, others find it overpowering. The smell can linger for hours on your skin and clothing, which might be unpleasant in social or professional settings.
4. Temporary Relief Only
The biggest limitation of Biofreeze is that it offers only short-term symptom relief—it does not treat the root cause of arthritis. You may find yourself reapplying it multiple times per day just to manage discomfort. Over time, this becomes costly, inconvenient, and ultimately ineffective for moderate to severe arthritis.
A Better Alternative: Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis Relief
If you’re tired of relying on temporary fixes like Biofreeze and are looking for a longer-lasting, non-surgical solution, stem cell therapy may be the answer.
At RegeneVive Health and Wellness in Chicago, we specialize in regenerative medicine treatments that harness the body’s natural healing potential. Our stem cell therapy program is designed to not only relieve arthritis symptoms but to address the underlying cause of joint pain and degeneration.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
Stem cells are unique because they have the ability to transform into various cell types and repair damaged tissues. When injected into arthritic joints, these cells release powerful anti-inflammatory and growth factors that help:
Reduce joint inflammation
Promote tissue repair and cartilage regeneration
Slow the progression of arthritis
Improve mobility and range of motion
Relieve pain for months or even years
Unlike Biofreeze, which works only on the skin’s surface, stem cell therapy gets to the source of the problem—inflammation and tissue damage within the joint. For scientific evidence of this, please refer to this study posted on Taylor and Francis online here.
Why Patients Choose Stem Cell Therapy Over Topical Gels
Many of our patients come to us after trying everything from over-the-counter products like Biofreeze to cortisone injections and even surgical consultations. What they discover is that regenerative therapy provides a natural and lasting alternative that can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy:
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- Little to no downtime after treatment
- Long-lasting relief—months to years for many patients
- Helps delay or avoid joint replacement surgery
- No daily maintenance like creams or pills
One of the most compelling aspects of stem cell therapy is that it doesn’t just relieve symptoms—it helps restore joint health from the inside out.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
If you’re currently relying on products like Biofreeze and are frustrated with the temporary results, it may be time to consider a more comprehensive approach. At RegeneVive Health and Wellness, our expert team will evaluate your condition and determine whether you’re a good candidate for stem cell therapy.
We proudly serve the Chicago area with cutting-edge regenerative treatments that are designed to get you back to doing what you love—without pain holding you back.
Set the Biofreeze Aside and Take the First Step Toward Long-Term Relief
You don’t have to settle for short-term fixes. If you’re ready to experience a longer-lasting, more effective solution for arthritis pain, contact RegeneVive Health and Wellness today. Schedule your consultation and find out how stem cell therapy could help you reclaim your mobility and quality of life.
About RegeneVive Health and Wellness:
RegeneVive Health and Wellness is dedicated to developing the most advanced stem cell-based technologies and providing the best regenerative medicine for people who want to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.