Pulled muscles, also referred to as muscle strains, are among the most common reasons NFL players miss their training/game. However, pulled muscles don’t just affect NFL players. If you’re living an active lifestyle or involved in sports, you’re also bound to eventually pull a muscle, possibly as a result of repetitive motion, trauma, overstretching, or poor body mechanics.
Most cases of pulled muscles can be treated successfully at home, using self-care methods. However, severe cases may require medical intervention to ensure proper healing.
Let’s learn about some of the simple but effective ways to recover from a pulled muscle, when to seek medical attention, and where to get high-quality nonsurgical muscle strain treatment in Dallas, Texas.
Self-Care Strategies for Muscle Strain
The following self-care strategies are generally effective at helping you recover quickly from a pulled muscle.
· R.I.C.E.
While you may want to stretch a pulled muscle to speed up its healing, doing it on the first day or so may only make it worse. Your best bet is to avoid any movement, which may aggravate the affected area. Rest until the pain and stiffness subside. Light stretching may help, but only when incorporated a few days after you sustained the injury.
To treat your injury using cold therapy, simply place several ice cubes in a thin towel and wrap it tightly—do not apply them directly onto your skin. Place the towel against your skin for about 10 minutes each time. Just make sure to allow enough time for your skin temperature to get back to normal in between. You may repeat this several times a day, for up to three days.
Compressing your muscle by applying steady, gentle pressure on it helps prevent swelling and inflammation, which can delay healing.
Elevate the area of the pulled muscle to reduce swelling. If the affected muscle is in your lower extremity, you can use pillows or other devices to elevate the area while you rest.
· Medications
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen), help reduce pain by blocking the pain signals sent to the brain. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help alleviate the swelling and pain.
· Gradual Return to Physical Activity
Even after your pulled muscle heals, you can’t just jump back into your normal physical activity right away. You will need time to regain your full muscle mobility, and this requires gradual stretching.
When to See a Doctor
Knowing the differences between the symptoms of mild/moderate and severe muscle strains is crucial for determining when to seek proper medical intervention. Pain, severe swelling, and very limited movement—that doesn’t subside after a few days of self-treatment—are the hallmark symptoms of a severe muscle strain.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away for a thorough evaluation and prompt treatment.
High-Quality Muscle Strain Treatment in Dallas, TX
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, we offer a wide range of nonsurgical treatment options to help you recover from your muscle strain quickly— physical therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, shockwave therapy, and high-intensity laser therapy, among others.
Our team of highly skilled providers consists of a board-certified sports medicine doctor, chiropractors, and a nurse practitioner, all dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care.
To schedule a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (972) 503-7272 to set up an appointment or use our convenient online request form.
