The Best Way To Treat a Pulled Muscle

Pulling a muscle can come unexpectedly and can cause significant pain, bruising, and weakness. It is also known as a muscle strain, and it refers to injuries to your muscles or tendons during sports, heavy lifting or even ordinary daily activities. There can be both minor injuries with mere overstretching of the muscle or more severe where there could be partial or complete tears.

Initially, the best thing you can do at home is to use the RICE method – rest, ice, compression and elevation. Nevertheless, we always advise you to reach out for professional help, such as chiropractic care or massage therapy . 

If you’ve pulled a muscle or want to know how to prevent injuries in the future, then this article is for you. Keep reading as we go in-depth on the symptoms and causes of strains and how chiropractic care can benefit you.

What are the Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle?

The symptoms of a pulled muscle will depend on the severity of the injury. The most common symptoms include swelling, bruising or redness, pain, and weakness in the injured muscle. Hearing a popping sound at the time of injury is also common.

In more complicated strains, experiencing fever, swelling, and significant amounts of pain are likely. In these cases, we advise you to immediately consult with a medical professional to avoid further complications.

Mild to moderate muscle strains can heal on their own within a couple of weeks. However, symptoms from more complicated muscle pulls can take a few months to completely heal. What matters most for the recovery period is that you give yourself rest and follow an adequate treatment plan from a professional.

What Causes a Pulled Muscle?

We generally divide muscle strains into acute and chronic. The former occurs suddenly and unexpectedly from a single injury or trauma. The latter results from overstressing specific muscles by repeating the same movements over time.

The causes of acute strains are many. They can happen when running, jumping, falling, throwing, kicking, lifting weights, and virtually during any sport. Some contributing factors include not warming up properly before training, fatigue, poor flexibility, and lack of conditioning.

Alternatively, chronic muscle strains are more common for sports involving repetitive movements and happen over time. Causes include playing only one type of sport or exercising in only one modality and even poor posture while sitting or standing.

How Can Chiropractic Treatment Help?

Although drugs can provide temporary pain relief and reduce swelling, pharmaceuticals are often not needed. An alternative with fewer risks of side effects is certified chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are professionals who specialize in treating various issues concerning our muscles, spine and joints. The care uses non-invasive hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. 

Chiropractors will provide you with an individualized approach when devising the most appropriate treatment plan for you. Chiropractors will also offer you tips and lifestyle guidance to prevent future injuries.

Book Your Appointment With Us Today!

Pulled muscles can induce immobilizing pain. When you’ve experienced a pull or strain, it is best to see a chiropractor to ensure tissues recover properly, and to avoid complications.

Our team at Kilian Upper Cervical Chiropractors will provide you with the best possible treatment to relieve your pain and restore function.

Learn more about our services and the ways they can benefit you. Get in touch with us by calling (604) 856-7781 or book a chiropractic assessment on our website.