A muscle strain, often referred to as a pulled muscle, is an injury that occurs when a muscle is stretched or torn as a result of overexertion, excessive force, or improper use. Muscle strains can range from mild to severe, and they are a common occurrence in both athletes and non-athletes. These injuries typically affect the muscles and tendons that connect muscles to bones.
Muscle strains can be caused by many different factors, but the most common muscle strain causes are:
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Muscle strain symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the train, but the most common symptoms include:
If you have experienced any of these symptoms recently, it is important to see a
doctor right away.
Muscle strain treatment depends on the cause of the condition and the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatment options include:
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This is very dependent on the severity of the strain. Typically, a grade one strain will heal after a couple of weeks. A grade two strain could take months to heal. Grade three strains require surgery and months of rehab. Most people regain full muscle control after three to four months.
Yes, massaging a strained muscle can be good for it. Massaging the muscle helps increase blood flow, and that helps to reduce inflammation and break up knots and scar tissue in the muscle. Increased blood flow results in improved muscle flexibility and adjustability.
You can speed up the recovery time for a muscle strain by eating protein and using ice and heat on the spot of the strain. Eating protein during your recovery minimizes the amount of muscle lose, so it is recommended you eat lots of protein. Switching between ice and heat every twenty minutes will help increase the recovery time. Only do this in two to three hour sessions, as too much could be bad for your healing.