Why Do Soccer Players Use Vicks?
Have you ever noticed professional soccer players rubbing a substance on their chests before or during a game? Or, their shirts are drenched in one spot (hint: it’s not drool)? That magical substance is called Vicks VapoRub.
Vicks is a popular topical ointment used to relieve nasal congestion and coughs. Some soccer players use it to relieve nasal congestion and help players concentrate better on their performance.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
- Soccer players use Vicks VapoRub to breathe better, reduce pain, and focus more.
- Typically, Vicks is rubbed on the chest or jersey.
- Some players have allergic reactions or it may burn.
In my son’s case, he gets seasonal allergies and seems to be congested a lot. He’s recently used this and it has helped clear his pathways but he puts almost an unnoticeable dab on his shirt. He doesn’t use it every practice and game but only when he needs to breathe better.
Soccer players use Vicks for three main reasons:
- To relieve nasal congestion and to open up their airways. When you’re playing a game of soccer, it’s essential to be able to breathe easily, especially if you’re running around for 90 minutes. Vicks can help to clear your sinuses and make it easier to breathe, which can improve your performance on the field. The effects are almost immediate.
- Vick’s helps reduce muscle pain and soreness. The active ingredients of camphor and menthol have a cooling effect that can provide quick relief to sore muscles.
- Some soccer players use Vicks to help them focus during a game. The strong scent of menthol can help clear your mind and keep you alert. This can be beneficial when you’re trying to make split-second decisions on the field.
How to Use Vicks in Soccer
By applying Vicks on your chest, it helps to open up your airways, making it easier to breathe during the game. Here’s how to do it:
- Scoop a very small amount of Vicks on your finger.
- Rub it well on the jersey’s chest area.
- Reapply as necessary during the game if you feel your breathing becoming more difficult.
- Remember to always wash your hands after touching Vicks. The stuff can burn!
Vicks is very potent so apply a very small amount and increase it from there if you wish. If you use too much near your nose, it can cause an unnecessary stinging sensation.
Safety Precautions and Potential Side Effects
When using Vicks Vaporub, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Additionally, there are some possible side effects that you should be aware of.
Possible Side Effects of Vicks Vaporub
While Vicks Vaporub is generally considered safe, there are some possible side effects that you should be aware of. These include:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Eye irritation
Final Thoughts
Popular European soccer players like Vinicius Junior have popularized the use of Vicks VapoRub. But, don’t do it just because they are doing it.
At the end of the day, it’s important to note that Vicks is not a magical solution that will turn you into a superstar player overnight. It’s simply a legal substance that can provide relief and help you breathe more comfortably during a game.
If you’re considering using Vicks before your next soccer game, make sure to test it out beforehand to see how your body reacts.
Some players may be more sensitive to the vapors than others, and excessive use of Vicks can lead to skin irritation or other side effects.
While it may not work for everyone, it’s worth a try if you’re looking for a way to enhance your performance on the field!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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