Quality & science
Confidence in every rep.
WasabiRub is formulated by sports pharmacists, certified for clean sport, and built on three active ingredients that each have a clear job to do. Here’s what’s behind the jar.
The heritage
From the mound to the podium — now on your shelf
WasabiRub wasn’t born on a store shelf. It was compounded in a pharmacy over 25 years ago for professional athletes who needed relief they could count on — and it carried that same standard into Olympic competition before becoming the over-the-counter jar you can buy today.
-
Compounded for the pros
WasabiRub was originally compounded as a prescription for Major League Baseball pitchers — built to prep and recover the arms that make a living throwing.
-
Trusted at the highest level
It went on to be used as an Rx compound across professional sports and at the 2004 Olympic Games, where clean, reliable formulation isn’t optional.
-
Now OTC — same standard
Today it’s manufactured as an over-the-counter topical using only pure active pharmaceutical ingredients, and third-party tested for banned substances.
Clean sport · Athlete safety
The standard
What TruShield™ certification means
TruShield™ is an independent certification focused on clean sport and athlete safety. Carrying the mark is our commitment that what’s printed on the Drug Facts label is what’s in the jar.
- Certified by a third party — verified, not self-declared.
- Third-party tested for banned substances, and made with pure active pharmaceutical ingredients — built for clean sport.
- Formulated with athletes in mind, so it can be used with confidence at every level of sport.
- Clear, consistent labeling — the actives and their percentages are stated on every jar.
Formulated by sports pharmacists
Formulated by the pharmacists who serve athletes
WasabiRub is made by SportPharm and has been trusted by athletes and sports-medicine professionals since 1995, when it was first formulated and compounded by pharmacist Robert Nickell, R.Ph. Robert was the first pharmacist to serve as the official sports pharmacist for the U.S. Olympic Training facilities and the 2004 Athens Games, and was designated to the USA Medical Team.
He is a past president of the California Pharmacists Association, spent years as lead instructor for pharmaceutical compounding at USC’s School of Pharmacy, and helped launch the first Entrepreneur Pharmaceutical Program in the U.S. He has authored numerous articles on pharmacy regulation, science and sports medicine.
- Founded 1995Sports pharmacy, East & West divisions
- Olympic pharmacistFirst official sports pharmacist, US Olympic Training facilities & Athens 2004
- Licensed & accreditedCompounding, repackaging and dispensing under pharmacy standards
Robert’s awards & honors
The science
Three active ingredients, three jobs
WasabiRub layers a cooling active, a warming active and a topical analgesic. Together they create the cool-then-warm sensation the formula is known for.
Menthol · 10%
Cools on contact
The cool signal
Menthol activates the skin’s cold-sensing receptors (TRPM8), producing an immediate cooling sensation that helps take the edge off how soreness feels.
Capsaicin · .0375%
Brings the heat
The warm signal
Capsaicin — the compound behind chili-pepper heat — works on heat-sensitive nerve endings (TRPV1) to build a gradual, lasting warming sensation where you apply it.
Methyl salicylate · 20%
Targets the sore spot
The relief
A salicylate related to aspirin, methyl salicylate works topically as a counterirritant to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.
Uses: for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints. Sensation and intensity vary by person and application area. Always read and follow the Drug Facts label.
The professional protocol
How the pros put it to work
The same routine athletes and sports-medicine staff follow, straight from our professional product guidelines — one application to prep, one to recover.
Before · Prep for game time
Prime the muscle
Apply sparingly 10–15 minutes before activity to activate muscle tissue, increase blood flow, and reduce stiffness or tightness. WasabiRub goes on cool, then heats up — massage deeply to stimulate the heating effect.
After · Post-game recovery
Recover faster
Use immediately after activity to help reduce soreness and inflammation and support faster recovery — so you’re ready for the next session.
Pro tip for activation
Massage deeply into the tissue using gloved hands, a massage tool, or after applying a warm towel to the area. This increases local blood flow and enhances the heating effect for better performance and mobility.
For external use only. Use only as directed. Sensation and intensity vary by person and application area.
Our mission
Pharmaceutical excellence, built for performance
SportPharm is dedicated to delivering pharmaceutical excellence for athletes, high-performing individuals and the sports-medicine professionals who support them — blending clinical expertise, advanced technology and a deep understanding of performance demands to provide safe, effective and compliant solutions. Every product and relationship reflects a commitment to precision, integrity and the pursuit of peak performance.