Treatment FAQ

what is a non-drug treatment for sore or strained muscles

by Silas Kulas Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Physical therapy uses techniques such as heat, cold, exercise, massage, and manipulation. It can help to control pain, as well as condition muscles and restore strength. Relaxation therapy can help reduce muscle tension and stress, lower blood pressure, and control pain.Aug 27, 2018

What is non drug pain relief?

Non-pharmacological pain therapy refers to interventions that do not involve the use of medications to treat pain. The goals of non-pharmacological interventions are to decrease fear, distress and anxiety, and to reduce pain and provide patients with a sense of control.Nov 21, 2018

What are some non pharmaceutical ways a patient can deal with pain?

Non-Drug Options for Easing PainMassage. A lot of people find relief from gentle massage, and some hospice agencies have volunteers who are trained in massage therapy. ... Relaxation techniques. ... Acupuncture. ... Physical therapy. ... Pet therapy. ... Gel packs.Oct 31, 2021

What are the 4 treatments best used for muscle injuries?

The best known treatment immediately after a muscle injury is the “RICE approach”. This acronym stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.Feb 23, 2012

What is the best remedy for pulled muscle?

approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. ... Ice. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. ... Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... Elevation.Sep 1, 2020

What is non drug?

Definition of nondrug : not relating to, being, or employing drugs natural, nondrug treatments Nondrug measures such as yoga and exercise can ease depression regardless of age. — Consumer Reports.

What are two ways to treat pain without the use of drugs?

Physical therapy uses techniques such as heat, cold, exercise, massage, and manipulation. It can help to control pain, as well as condition muscles and restore strength. Relaxation therapy can help reduce muscle tension and stress, lower blood pressure, and control pain.Aug 27, 2018

What helps sore muscles fast?

To help relieve muscle soreness, try:Gentle stretching.Muscle massage.Rest.Ice to help reduce inflammation.Heat to help increase blood flow to your muscles. ... Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine, such as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (brand name: Advil).More items...•Jun 9, 2020

What can I take for muscle inflammation?

How is muscle pain managed or treated?Rest and elevate the painful area.Alternate between ice packs to reduce inflammation and heat to improve blood flow.Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or take a warm shower.Take over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen).More items...•Feb 11, 2021

What is the best over-the-counter medicine for a pulled muscle?

Muscle ache or pulled/strained muscle. Ibuprofen typically works better for this kind of pain relief, due to the anti-inflammatory effects.

How long does it take for a muscle strain to heal?

For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary. With proper treatment, most people recover completely.

Can a muscle tear heal on its own?

Normal activities can be resumed when a full range of motion returns without accompanying pain. Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal. In this case, remember the adage: Do no H.A.R.M.

How long does sore muscles last?

Muscle soreness is a side effect of the stress put on muscles when you exercise. It is commonly called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, and it is completely normal. DOMS usually begins within 6-8 hours after a new activity or a change in activity, and can last up to 24-48 hours after the exercise.Jul 2, 2015

What is the best treatment for myofascial pain?

Massage and a special kind of therapy called spray-and-stretch is commonly used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. Physical therapy, especially a plan that is tailored to a person's unique physical limits, may be advised for a person with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.

What is a muscle strain?

Muscle Strain. A muscle (or group of muscles) can become overused, injured, or inflamed as a result of strenuous exercise and/or sudden movement. For example, when pushing off suddenly to jump during a basketball game, an athlete may overstretch or tear (strain) their calf muscle.

Why does my calf cramp?

A classic example is a charley horse, in which your calf muscle squeezes on its own, causing a sudden, intense pain. Once the muscle relaxes (usually within seconds), your calf often feels sore. It's unclear what exactly causes muscles to cramp, but experts suspect a multitude of triggers, such as: Improper stretching.

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a pain disorder caused by trigger points within a muscle or group of muscles. 4  These trigger points, which feel like tiny knots underneath the skin, are essentially tights bands of muscle and/or fascia (the tissue that surrounds muscles).

How long does it take for muscle pain to go away after stopping statins?

If muscle aches do occur with a statin, they generally begin within six months of starting the drug and resolve within approximately two months (on average) of stopping the drug. 8 

Why is my urine dark?

Muscle weakness. Dark urine, which is due to the presence of myoglobin (the oxygen-storing protein in your muscles) It's important to understand that rhabdomyolysis is a step above other causes of muscle pain in that it represents muscle pain associated with muscle breakdown.

What is compartment syndrome?

Compartment syndrome is an uncommon disorder that occurs when pressure build-ups within a "compartment" or group of muscles. There are two types of compartment syndromes: 5 . With acute compartment syndrome, muscle pain develops suddenly and is extreme, constant, and often described as a deep ache or burn.

What is the most common treatment for muscle strains?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the most common and effective treatment for muscle strains is the RICE method . The individual letters of RICE stand for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In particular, RICE involves the following:

What is the best way to treat muscle strain?

Properly treating muscle strain requires the right supplies and a comfortable place to rest. You may need the following supplies: Depending on the muscle affected, you may need assistive devices to help stabilize the muscle, especially if it affects one of the limbs. These can include:

What is a muscle strain?

A muscle strain, or pulled muscle, occurs when your muscle is overstretched or torn. This can be minor and like soreness after an intense workout, or it can be so severe that it needs surgical repair. Muscle strains are a very common injury. Most people who participate in sports have experienced it at some point in their lives.

Where is the hamstring located?

hamstring muscle, which is located in the back of the thigh. There are several different ways to treat muscle sprains. The extent of the treatment depends on the extent of the strain.

Why is it important to treat muscle pain?

reduces the risk of further injury. helps you regain full use of your body. gives your body a chance to rest and heal properly. Without proper treatment, you may experience recurring injuries or pain and weakness in the muscle during everyday use. It can be especially painful during exercise and athletic activities.

How to heal a strained muscle?

This can help strained muscles and other injuries. Ice your muscle by using cold packs with a barrier between them and your skin four to eight times per day for 20 minutes at a time.

Why is surgery necessary?

It can be especially painful during exercise and athletic activities. Surgery is necessary to repair a muscle that’s torn as opposed to one that’s strained. Surgery is typically the last resort for muscle injuries.

What is the best pain reliever for a ruptured ligament?

Over-the-counter painkillers, typically NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can help reduce the pain associated with ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries, and decrease swelling. They may be insufficient for more serious grades of ruptures or tears but are a good first-line treatment to eliminate pain.

What is the best treatment for a ligament injury?

For more serious injuries, active individuals/athletes, and/or those recovering from surgical treatment, professional physical therapy is often recommended. This is combined with a gradual return to physical activity levels consistent with your normal so that you do not have a reoccurrence of the ligament, tendon, or muscle injury.

Why do you need a brace?

Using a brace or other forms of support, particularly when working the affected soft tissue in question, helps relieve some of the stress placed on the ligament, tendon , or muscle . This can also be used pro-actively to reduce the likelihood of strain or injury in the first place.

What is tendon surgery?

Surgery is typically warranted for patients suffering a ligament or tendon injury that is severe and/or where they intend to resume vigorous physical activity in the near term . This is one reason why, again, you hear about these surgeries most often in the context of professional athletes. Surgical methods are used to repair and stabilize the affected tendon or ligament, restore range of motion, provide stability to the relevant joints, and allow for a speedy return to an active lifestyle. Muscle injuries typically do not require surgical treatment absent a complete tearing of the muscle, hematomas inside the muscle, or significant scarring that causes persistent pain or decreased range of motion months after the injury occurs.

How to avoid ligament injury?

Gradually reduce the intensity of your workout over the course of several minutes, don’t just stop abruptly. This can help you to avoid ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries. Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying more bodyweight than your muscles and skeleton were designed for increases the risk of injury.

What is the best way to heal from an injury?

Healing Supplements. Healing supplements and injections may provide a valuable boost to the body’s own healing powers and speed injury recovery. Taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin C and zinc is critical for cellular regeneration.

Is there a non surgical treatment for a tendon injury?

Several non-surgical treatment options are available, all of which are aimed at speeding healing time and restoring the full functionality of the ligament, tendon, or muscle. Their efficacy and the time involved will, of course, vary based on the nature and extent of the ligament, tendon, or muscle injury in question.

Drugs used to treat Muscle Pain

The following list of medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of this condition.

Alternative treatments for Muscle Pain

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Muscle Pain. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Muscle Pain.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Why do I have sore muscles?

Sore muscles may be linked to a variety of causes, including: Dehydration. Exercise, injury or overuse. Blood flow problems from illness or lack of activity. Lack of minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. Certain medications, like statins, chemotherapy drugs and anesthetics.

What is the best way to relax a muscle?

A warm shower or bath is a natural muscle relaxer, which can be great for tension knotted shoulders or muscles tight from overuse. While an ice pack used to be recommended for muscle sprains, research now indicates that cold slows down the body's healing process.

What is sharing in caring?

Sharing is caring! Whether you're dealing with delayed onset muscle soreness after workouts (and work) or sore muscles for “no reason at all”, something's going on in your body to make you uncomfortable.

How to use Epsom salt for muscle pain?

Epsom Salt for Muscle Pain Relief. Tried and true, a cup or two of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) dissolved in a warm tub of water works wonders for aching muscles. Use warm water, not hot water. For sore muscles, soak for 15 minutes or until the water has cooled, up to three times per week.

Why do I feel sore after exertion?

General soreness after exertion (Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)) is typically cause by micro tears in the muscle fibers. Lactic acid can also build up in the muscles, increasing irritation. Over time as the tissue rebuilds itself stronger to accommodate the activity, muscle soreness should decrease.

What is a muscle cramp?

A muscle cramp, is “a strong, painful contraction or tightening of a muscle that comes on suddenly and lasts from a few seconds to several minutes”. A muscle sprain is “an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). In a sprain, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn”.

How to stay active as you age?

Stand up, walk, run, stretch, garden – do whatever you can to be active, so you can stay active as you age. Increase blood flow = faster healing and sore muscle relief. For injuries, a new healing acronym is A.R.I.T.A. – active recovery is the answer.

How to prevent muscle strains?

To prevent pulled muscles or muscle strains in the future, always practice good form when exercising and lifting heavy objects. Engage your core, keep your straight back and drive the power through your legs. Doing a proper warm up before any strenuous workout is always smart.

How to treat a pulled muscle?

Other pulled muscle treatment methods include: 1 Keep the strained muscle in a stretched position, but don’t do extensive stretching routines 2 When the swelling dies down, heat can be applied to relax the muscle 3 Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen) if cleared by your doctor to do so 4 Protecting the area using a splint, wrap or other tools to avoid further injury

Why is stretching important for calf muscles?

Those with shortened, tight calf muscles are extra susceptible to injury (i.e. people who wear heels, runners, cyclists), which is why stretching is so important. After resting, icing, compressing and elevating, the pain should start to subside.

What does it feel like to pull a muscle?

When you pull a muscle, you’ll notice immediate pain, often coming after you feel a sensation similar to a spasm or as if you stretched a resistance band very quickly then released it. Other muscle strain symptoms include: Muscle spasm. Swelling.

How long does a sprain last?

Weakness in that area of the body, especially around the joint. If the pain lasts for more than 24 hours, call your doctor to make sure you’re not suffering from a sprain or tear — both of which may require more extensive treatment like a brace or splint.

What muscle group is the thigh?

The thigh comprises major muscle groups including the quadriceps in the front, hamstrings in the back and adductors on the inside of the thigh. The quadriceps and hamstrings work together to help straighten and bend the leg at the knee, while the adductors keep the legs pulling towards the center.

How to recover from a muscle pull?

After you pull a muscle, immediately turn to the R.I.C.E method of recovery: rest, ice, compress and elevate. Take a break from the exercise, movement or activity that caused your muscle strain, then ice the area for 10-minute intervals as often as necessary .

How to heal muscle strain?

Most muscle strain injuries will heal with simple treatment steps, but performing the right steps, at the right time, can be critical to ensuring the fastest possible recovery. As with many injuries, there is a balance between doing too much, or too little, early after the injury.

What are the symptoms of muscle strain?

The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasm of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and then be unable to continue their activities. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1 .

What is pulled muscle?

Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is stretched too far, and microscopic tears occur within the muscle fibers.

How does temperature affect muscle stiffness?

Laboratory studies have shown that temperature can influence the stiffness of a muscle. 4  By keeping the body and muscles warm, the muscle is less likely to sustain a strain type of injury.

What happens after a muscle injury?

After injuring the muscle, it is important to regain strength before returning to athletic activities. Both the injury itself and the rest period following the injury can reduce the strength of the muscle. Stronger muscles are less likely to sustain a re-injury.

What is a grade 1 injury?

Grade I: Mild discomfort, often no disability, usually does not limit activity . Grade II: Moderate discomfort, can limit the ability to perform high-level activities. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated. Grade III: Severe injury that can cause significant pain. Often patients complain of muscle spasm, swelling, ...

Understanding Ligament, Tendon, and Muscle Anatomy

  • For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: 1. Rest.Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don't avoid all physical activity. 2. Ice.Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. Use an ice …
See more on mayoclinic.org

Who Gets Soft-Tissue Injuries?

Typical Ligament, Tendon, and Muscle Injuries

  • First, it’s useful to understand the basics of ligament, tendon, and muscle anatomy. People often confuse the three or are unsure of how they work together in the body. All three are distinctly different, though made of similar soft tissues and materials. Muscles, the most familiar, extend and contract to exert force and motion within the body. Tendons link muscles to bones, the prim…
See more on invigormedical.com

Surgical Treatment

  • The most high-profile cases of ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries are among athletes, as we mentioned at the top of this article. There is no doubt that they are more prone to certain types of soft-tissue injuries. This is the result of the unique stresses their soft tissues undergo during training and games or matches. Some pathologies (like tears of the anterior cruciate ligament o…
See more on invigormedical.com

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries occur in similar ways or types, but generally have different names, causes, and outcomes for patients. Overstretching, tearing, rupture, or bruising are the most typical physical injuries that can occur. 1. Ligaments that become overstretched or torn are technically “sprained.” They can be called tears and by other names, because that is accurate, bu…
See more on invigormedical.com

Prevention of Soft-Tissue Injuries

  • Surgery is typically warranted for patients suffering a ligament or tendon injury that is severe and/or where they intend to resume vigorous physical activity in the near term. This is one reason why, again, you hear about these surgeries most often in the context of professional athletes. Surgical methods are used to repair and stabilize the affected tendon or ligament, restore range …
See more on invigormedical.com

Conclusion

  • Several non-surgical treatment options are available, all of which are aimed at speeding healing time and restoring the full functionality of the ligament, tendon, or muscle. Their efficacy and the time involved will, of course, vary based on the nature and extent of the ligament, tendon, or muscle injury in question.
See more on invigormedical.com

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