Sprays and creams for athletes
A knock on the thigh during a counter-attack, and the physio is already there with their cold spray: it's the first instinct that the sprays and care creams on this page help you have on hand, by the pitch.
Heating gels for warming up, massage creams, petroleum jelly for chafing: choose based on the moment, before or after exercise.
Cold spray after a knock, heating cream before exercise
Cold and heat don’t work at the same time. The cold spray is sprayed after a knock or impact to provide immediate relief, keeping a good distance from the skin and using short bursts. The heating gel or cream is massaged in before exercise, on a muscle you want to prepare or on a stiff area. Do not mix the two on the same area, and wash your hands after using a heating cream: it stings the eyes.
Neutral creams, petroleum jelly: everyday care for the player
Not all creams heat up. A neutral cream serves as a base for the masseur's massage, without any heating or cooling effect. Petroleum jelly protects against friction under a strapping, between the thighs, or on the heels in new shoes. These are simple products that can be kept throughout the season in the bag.
Select, Sporti, Madform, Tremblay CT: the care from the page
- Select offers a camphor heating cream and an Ice cold spray, two classics for handball players.
- Sporti adds a heating gel in a tube.
- Madform provides a cream with petroleum jelly, handy against friction.
- Tremblay CT delivers a soothing neutral cream for massage.
- Erima and Uninksport offer spray resins, useful for ball handling where the venue allows, not to be confused with a care product.
Bandages and medical supplies: the rest of the kit
A spray provides relief, it doesn’t hold things in place. To support an ankle or finger, head to the bandages page. To store it all and complete the club's pharmacy, the medical supplies page brings together caretaker bags and kits.
Restocking the club's sprays and creams
A cold spray runs out quickly in a season. Take a look at the special equipment offers, and find all the discounts on the bargains page.
Frequently asked questions
Does a cold spray treat a sprain?
No, it relieves pain temporarily, it doesn't treat. After twisting an ankle, stop playing, apply cold and have the joint examined by a healthcare professional. Resuming too soon on a fragile ankle puts you at risk of recurrence.
Can you take a cold spray on a plane?
Aerosol cans are subject to strict rules in the cabin and sometimes in the hold. For air travel, check the airline’s guidelines before departure. A small tube of cream is usually easier to take.
Heating cream and compression: are they compatible?
It’s better to avoid covering a heating cream with very tight clothing or strapping: heat builds up and can irritate the skin. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before dressing. In case of redness or burning, rinse with cold water.
How should you store a cold spray?
Keep it away from heat and sunlight, never in a car during the summer. A can exposed to heat can warp or explode. When empty, it should be disposed of according to your municipality’s recycling guidelines.
Are massage creams suitable for children?
A neutral cream generally doesn’t pose a problem for a light massage. Heating creams and camphor products are often not recommended for young children: always read the label. For a child in pain, a doctor's advice takes precedence over any product.
