Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) for Muscle Recovery

Research suggests that Epsom salt exposure, whether through flotation tank immersion or traditional baths, may offer modest recovery-related benefits, though the evidence base remains limited. Two randomized controlled trials provide the available support: one found that an hour of flotation REST in Epsom salt water significantly reduced blood lactate levels and perceived pain following intense exercise in young men, while a 2025 trial reported meaningful improvements in pain, joint function, and daily activity in elderly knee osteoarthritis patients who took daily Epsom salt baths over seven days. Both studies lean in a supportive direction, but important limitations apply across the board, including small sample sizes, short study durations, single-site designs, and the difficulty of isolating magnesium absorption as the active mechanism versus other aspects of the interventions such as buoyancy, warmth, or relaxation. Studies indicate that while early findings are cautiously encouraging, considerably more research is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn about Epsom salt's role in muscle recovery or pain management.