A pulled muscle is quite common, especially for active people. Most people call pulled muscles muscle strains or sprains. They happen when you overstretch a muscle when doing something or from a fall. Usually, your muscle becomes stiff, painful, and inflamed after you have pulled it. If you do not treat it correctly, the symptoms can last long.
After you get a pulled muscle, you should get treatment as soon as possible to hasten healing. The best treatment option will often use a combination of therapies. When you go to a chiropractor for treatment, they will develop a plan to help you get better faster.
What Is A Pulled Muscle?
When you overstretch a muscle or tendon, they tend to tear. This tearing is the source of all the pain and other symptoms after you have strained a muscle. You can pull a muscle by overusing or overstretching it beyond its limits. It can happen when lifting something heavy, playing sports, or you can trip and stretch a muscle in the foot.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Pulled Muscle?
It is quite easy to know when you pull a muscle. The pain that comes after is very intense, and though it may reduce in intensity, it is still there. It would be best if you did not force yourself to continue using the muscle after the injury. Continuing to use the muscle may cause more damage and make healing take a lot longer.
- Bruising, inflammation, or redness.
- Muscle weakness or tenderness.
- Pain and discomfort when you rest the muscle.
- Pain when using the pulled or strained muscle.
- Complete muscle failure of the affected muscle.
Ways To Prevent Pulling A Muscle
It would be best if you always were careful when you want to get active, whether in sports or some other engaging activity. Athletes are at a higher risk, but it does not mean you are not exposed to pulling a muscle in other activities. Here are some things you can do to reduce the chances of getting one:
- Do warm-up exercises to help your body adjust to more engaging movement.
- Do stretches early in the morning and before bed to improve your flexibility.
- Start slowly and gently when you are working out or lifting things, then advance a step at a time instead of going to the heavy stuff first.
- Practice good form when you are lifting heavy things.
- Work on improving your posture when sitting and when standing
- Watch your weight. If you are overweight, you will put undue stress on your bones and muscles.
Chiropractic For Pulled Muscles
When you go to a chiropractor for a pulled muscle, they will examine your injured muscle first. First, they will want to know how you pulled your muscle and if you have received any treatment. They will then gauge how long it will take for the muscle to heal. They will develop a treatment plan combining several therapies for the best relief.
First, they will perform an adjustment to ensure the muscles and joints are well aligned. It will help prompt the body’s self-healing. Next, they may recommend home remedies you can use like the RICE (rest, ice, cold-compress, elevation) method. They may also recommend massage.
For more on chiropractic adjustments for a pulled muscle, visit Ellis Chiropractic at our office in Marlow, Oklahoma. Call (580) 721-7007 to book an appointment today.