I don't really believe the hype about IcyHot or anything like that. It's probably just a topical anasthetic without a lot of use. I don't think there's a lot to do to "speed up" break down of lactic acid- which I would think needs to be broken down by the liver or kidneys!

I'd personally avoid aspirin or ibuprofen. Both work to decrease inflammation. That means that you won't get as much blood flow to the "sore" (that is, injured) muscles. So, it may feel better, but healing will take longer. Stick with one of the NSAID drugs that has less inflammatory properties: Aleve or Tylenol.