Treatment FAQ

what treatment is best for a pulled muscle

by Paige Conroy Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle. Stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area can also be useful.May 3, 2021

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1. Ice...

2. Elastic Bandage...

3. Warm Compress...

4. Epsom Salt...

5. Apple Cider Vinegar...

6. Black Strap Molasses...

7. Clove Oil...

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1.Get Enough Sleep...

2.Apple Cider Vinegar...

3.Get A Massage...

4.Take A Hot Shower...

5.Take Lots Of Water...

6.Do Light Exercises...

7.Use Ice On The Affected Area...

8.Take A Pain Reliever...

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What are some home remedies for a pulled muscle?

How to Treat a Pulled Muscle

  1. Elevate, compress, and ice it. The sooner you can get the pulled muscle above your heart, apply compression, and ice it, the better, Hamilton says.
  2. Avoid pain medications. Your first instinct about how to treat a pulled muscle might be to grab some ibuprofen. ...
  3. Watch for bruising. ...
  4. Don't stretch or roll it out. ...
  5. See a doctor. ...
  6. Take it easy. ...

More items...

What is the best OTC pain medicine for pulled muscle?

Which Muscle Relaxants Are Best for Neck and Back Pain?

  1. Methocarbamol. Methocarbamol (Robaxin) is a well-studied medication that treats back pain. ...
  2. Cyclobenzaprine. At the standard dose of 10 mg to 30 mg a day, cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) will make you sleepy. ...
  3. Carisoprodol. ...
  4. Metaxalone. ...
  5. Tizanidine. ...
  6. Baclofen. ...
  7. Oxazepam and diazepam. ...
  8. Chlorzoxazone. ...
  9. Orphenadrine. ...

Which cream is the best for pulled muscles?

The Best Over the Counter Medicine for Sore Muscles

  • Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is effective because it reduces the chemical signals in the brain that are related to pain that is associated with sore muscles 1.
  • Naproxen Sodium. ...
  • Capsaicin Cream. ...

Will stretching help improve a pulled muscle?

  • This hamstring exercise works the muscles in a very stretched position, particularly the muscle fibers nearer the buttocks.
  • Places one foot in front of the other and bend down to pick up a medicine ball.
  • Repeat the movement to put the ball back down.
  • Repeat this 5 to 10 times.

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How long does a pulled muscle take 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.

What helps a pulled muscle heal faster?

How to Speed Up Muscle Strain RecoveryApply ice or a cold compress immediately.Alternate ice with heat therapy.Perform simple low-impact exercises and stretching.Knee and calf massage for leg muscle strain recovery.Elevate the injured muscle.

What do doctors prescribe for a pulled muscle?

If OTC medications are insufficient to relieve pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain-relieving medicines. Massage therapy may also help relax injured muscles and enhance a person's range of motion.

How do you know if you've pulled a muscle?

Symptoms of a pulled muscle include:Bruising, swelling or redness at the injury site.Difficulty using the affected muscle.Muscle weakness.Sudden pain when using the affected muscle.Pain when the muscle is at rest.

How do you tell if you've torn a muscle?

Symptoms of Torn Muscles Expect pain and soreness, as well as spasms and swelling in the affected area. Depending on the severity of the strain, you may find it difficult to move the area, if at all. You may note swelling as well as bruising and discoloration accompanied by a “knotted up” feeling or stiffness.

Whats the best pain killer for muscle pain?

“Naproxen [Aleve] and ibuprofen are better for inflammation and muscle strains. A bonus of Naproxen is you can take it twice a day versus every 4 to 6 hours like with acetaminophen. This can be more convenient for many people.”

Can a pulled muscle heal on its own?

Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.

Is heat good for a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle should first be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.

What is a pulled muscle?

A pulled or strained muscle is one that has been overstretched due to physical activity, resulting in swelling and pain. Pulled muscles are common injuries that can usually be effectively treated at home. Learn how to care for your pulled muscle and decide when medical intervention is necessary. Steps.

How long does it take to recover from a pulled muscle?

Take a few days to recover from the pulled muscle before resuming the activity that caused it.

How to stop a muscle tear?

1. Rest the muscle. When you strain a muscle, stop doing the activity that caused it to be strained. Pulled muscles are actually rips in muscle fibers, and further exertion could cause the tear to grow larger and lead to a serious injury. Let the amount of pain you feel be your guide.

What does it mean when your muscles are pulled?

Warm up. Pulled muscles happen when your muscles get overstrained, which can often occur as a result of exerting yourself before you've properly warmed up. Take the time to stretch and get your muscles warmed up before you participate in a physical activity.

How to prevent pulling muscle?

Do strength training. Incorporating weightlifting and other strength training into your exercise routine can help prevent the chance that you'll pull a muscle during an activity. Use free weights at home or work out in the weight room at the gym to build a solid, strong core and keep your muscles limber. ...

What does it mean when you pull a muscle?

You may think you pulled a muscle during a physical activity, but if you experience these other symptoms at the same time, make an appointment to see a doctor: Bruising. Swelling. Signs of infection, like itchiness and red, raised skin.

How to get rid of a sore muscle?

2. Ice the muscle. Icing the area reduces swelling and helps ease the pain. Fill a large food storage bag with ice cubes. Wrap it in a thin towel, to protect your skin from getting damaged by direct ice. Hold the ice pack to your sore area for 20 minutes at a time 4 to 8 times a day until the swelling has gone down.

How long does it take to heal a pulled muscle?

However, you should consult with your doctor if you still have pain after 24 hours of at-home treatment.

What is a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle, or muscle strain , occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. Muscle strains can occur without warning and affect people of all ages and fitness levels. Because these types of injuries can range in severity, you should see your doctor right away if you:

How to help a muscle sprain?

Ice can help reduce inflammation. Never apply ice directly to bare skin; instead, wrap the ice pack in a towel first. Compression. Wrapping the muscle with an elastic bandage can help bring down swelling.

What are the symptoms of a pulled muscle?

Symptoms of a pulled muscle include: Bruising, swelling or redness at the injury site. Difficulty using the affected muscle. Muscle weakness. Sudden pain when using the affected muscle. Pain when the muscle is at rest.

How to reduce swelling from a muscle injury?

Medication. Your physician may recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, to reduce pain and swelling. Heat. Use a heating pad a few times a day after three days. Never apply heat directly to bare skin; always wrap the heating pad in a towel.

How to prevent pulling muscles?

How to prevent a pulled muscle. “Pulled muscles can be prevented by utilizing proper technique when lifting and carrying,” says Dr. Powell. “For instance, individuals may pull a muscle at the gym due to improper form while exercising or by lifting something heavy and forgetting to bend at the knees.

What causes muscle strains?

Muscle strains can be caused by: 1 Lifting an object that is too heavy 2 Lifting improperly 3 Not warming up before or stretching after a workout 4 Overusing a muscle 5 Poor posture

What is the best treatment for a sprained limb?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be helpful for pain relief during this time period. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint.

What to look for in a physical exam for a ruptured tendon?

Diagnosis. During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. In more severe injuries, where the muscle or tendon has been completely ruptured, your doctor may be able to see or feel a defect in the area of injury.

How to treat a pulled muscle?

Your first instinct about how to treat a pulled muscle might be to grab some ibuprofen. But that's a big no-no, granted you can bear it. "Pain medications like over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may not be your friend here," Hamilton says. "By interfering with the normal inflammatory process—an important part of healing—pain medications may interfere with the cascade of events needed to jump-start tissue regeneration and repair." If you do take pain meds, make sure to follow the bottle's directions. If they say to take two, don't go ahead and take three.

How to get a pulled muscle out of your heart?

The sooner you can get the pulled muscle above your heart, apply compression, and ice it, the better, Hamilton says. All will help reduce inflammation and keep blood from pooling in your muscle—because, yes, torn muscles can bleed. Ice it for 15 minutes every hour or two for at least 24 hours following the pull, and continue elevating the area for an entire week whenever possible, she says. As far as compression goes, Beckstrand recommends wearing a neoprene sleeve, ACE wrap, or compression garment to squeeze excess blood out of the area, support the muscle, and speed recovery. Wait at least a week to wean yourself off of compression gear, advises Hamilton.

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

Depending on the severity of your strain, you may need to take anywhere from a few days to a few months off of exercise so that the muscle can heal itself. When you do head back to the gym, start with gentle bodyweight exercises (no plyometrics), Beckstrand says. Progressively add more sets, reps, and eventually weight. All the while, remember that the muscle should never hurt. If it does, stop the exercise and either try a different variation or back off entirely, he says.

How long after pulling muscle can you roll it?

There's a time and place for that but it's not in the acute phase," she says. If the strain is minor—and most are—you can try gently rolling the muscle a few days after pulling it. If foam rolling hurts, back off and try again in a couple days, she advises. 5. See a doctor.

Does massaging hurt?

Massaging the area will likely hurt, and you may even feel a knot. While it generally hurts less when you're resting the muscle, it may still feel uncomfortable and spasm, Hamilton adds. Usually, the pain comes on all at once. (If you don't have a strain, here are some other reasons you're having muscle spasms .)

Can you change diet after a hamstring injury?

While you're injured, you'll should change some of your diet to aid recovery .) Plus, if you do have a serious strain, you only have a window of a few weeks before your doctor really can't do anything for you, explains Hamilton. She recently had an MRI just in time to have a surgeon reattach her torn hamstring muscle.

Can exercisers treat pulled muscle?

Fun times. Despite the gnarly description, exercisers rarely know how to treat a pulled muscle or do anything to treat their muscle sprains. They just try to tough it out, says Janet Hamilton, C.S.C.S., a clinical exercise physiologist with Running Strong in Atlanta. Bad idea.

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