Stretching Stretching achieves three physiological processes. It realigns muscle fibers that have been disarranged by shortening and stress. Stretching enhances the flow of oxygenated blood to the muscle tissues. It also gives the body tone and balance, re-invigorating the muscular and connective tissue systems. Elevation Placing the legs up against a wall or similar structure, while lying on one's back on the floor or ground for ten or twenty minutes, will help too.
Blood drains from the legs assisting removal of the waste products of an over-burdened muscle.
Similar to tapering of exercise, this counters a tendency for blood to pool in the lower extremities. Massage Massage principally assists the returning blood flow to the heart, when the pressure stroke of the massage is towards the heart. It also relaxes the muscle and restores a feeling of comfort and well-being in the muscle. Beware of heat inducing ointments. Many of them are mere local irritants, causing a feeling of warmth locally, but failing to penetrate sufficiently to make any difference to the muscle beneath.