Hello MGMLion! You only have to mention my name and here I am!

In UK I believe it's whisky. A whiskey is a very small pony shay or trap, often made of basketwork. (You can tell I haunt the Royal Norfolk Show every year)

I reckon strong spirits are a muscle relaxant. Many strained muscles go into spasm, which is painful in itself. I suppose intensive massage would have the same effect, but not quite so pleasurably. (Depends on the masseuse though!)