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Strains
In most cases, muscle strains happen when an already stretched muscle is suddenly forced to contract. A direct blow to the muscle, a fall, as well as an overuse or overstretching can also tear muscle fibers, which will result in a strain. The possibility of muscle strain increases dramatically if you suffered a prior injury in the same area, have not warmed up properly before exercising, or simply attempt to do too much too soon. Depending on the extent of the injury, strains can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Conditions
*Noticeable loss of strength in the muscle
*Pain emanating directly from the muscle
*Continued use of muscle aggravates pain
*Depending on the severity, swelling may be present
Treatment
The goal of any treatment and rehabilitation program is designed to relieve the pain, restore the normal range of motion, and restore the muscle’s inherent strength. R.I.C.E. (which represents Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), is the most common treatment for mild to moderate muscle strains. Direct application of ice, along with gentle massaging of the affected area, will help to decrease the swelling. Ibuprofen® or regular aspirin will also help reduce swelling and ease the pain. A bandage wrap may also prove beneficial. If it is too painful to walk, try to limit all weight-bearing activity and consider the use of crutches for the first couple of days after the injury.
After two or three days, heat therapy including heat lamps, heating pads, or a hot soak in the tub should be used. Avoid the activity that originally caused the strain in the first place for at least two weeks. During that period, your muscle strength and endurance can be rebuilt with strengthening and stretching exercises. Of course, more severe muscle strains will take a longer time to rehabilitate. |
