Say Goodbye to Muscle Pain: Effective Treatment for Muscular Strain
A muscular strain, also known as a muscle strain or a pulled muscle, is an injury that occurs when the fibers in a muscle or tendon stretch or tear. This type of injury can happen due to a sudden or forceful movement, overuse of the muscle, or repetitive strain on the muscle.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury. Some common symptoms of a muscle strain include:
- Pain and tenderness: The affected muscle may be sore, tender, or painful to the touch.
- Swelling: The affected area may appear swollen, red, or bruised.
- Stiffness: You may feel stiffness or difficulty moving the affected muscle.
- Weakness: The affected muscle may feel weak or may not function properly.
- Muscle spasm: Muscle spasms or cramps may occur in the affected area.
- Limited range of motion: You may experience limited range of motion in the affected joint or muscle.
- Popping or snapping sound: You may hear a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to rest the affected muscle and schedule a consultation with our chiropractic provider for evaluation and treatment.
Forum Health’s Approach
Our Forum Health’s chiropractic providers are trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including muscle strains. They use a variety of techniques to address the underlying issues and alleviate symptoms.
Here are some ways our chiropractic provider can help with muscle strains:
- Spinal Adjustments: We use spinal adjustments to realign the spine and improve joint mobility. This can help reduce tension in the muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Our providers may also use soft tissue therapy, such as massage or myofascial release, to target tight muscles and improve circulation. This can help reduce muscle spasms and promote healing.
- Stretching and Exercise: Providers may also prescribe stretching and exercise programs to help strengthen the affected muscles and prevent future strains. This can also help improve range of motion and flexibility.
- Lifestyle Changes: Our provider also provides advice on lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of future muscle strains. This may include proper posture, ergonomics, and proper lifting techniques.
Forum Health providers use safe and effective treatment options for muscle strains. By addressing the underlying issues and promoting healing, our providers help patients recover from muscle strains and prevent future injuries and work to create the most appropriate treatment plan for the patients’ individual needs.
FAQ
Muscle soreness usually occurs after exercising or performing physical activity that the body is not used to. This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it typically feels like a dull ache or stiffness in the muscles. The pain may last for a few hours or up to several days, depending on the intensity of the workout. The affected muscle may also feel tender to the touch, but there is usually no swelling or redness.
On the other hand, a muscle strain occurs when a muscle is stretched or torn due to excessive force or overuse. The symptoms of a muscle strain may include sudden, sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected muscle. The pain may be localized or spread throughout the muscle, and it may be aggravated by movement or activity.
If you don't treat a muscle strain, it can lead to various complications and may prolong the healing process. Some of the possible consequences of an untreated muscle strain include:
- Increased pain: The pain associated with a muscle strain may worsen if left untreated. As the muscle continues to be strained or overused, the pain may become more severe and last for a longer time.
- Decreased mobility: An untreated muscle strain may lead to decreased mobility in the affected area. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities, exercise, or participate in sports.
- Risk of further injury: Without proper treatment, a muscle strain can lead to further injury. For example, a strained muscle may not be able to support the affected joint properly, which can increase the risk of joint instability and subsequent injury.
- Scar tissue formation: If a muscle strain is not properly treated, scar tissue may form around the injured area. This can lead to decreased flexibility, strength, and mobility in the affected muscle.
- Chronic pain: In some cases, an untreated muscle strain can lead to chronic pain. This can make it difficult to perform daily activities and may require long-term treatment.
In general, during the initial 48-72 hours after the injury, ice is usually recommended to reduce swelling and inflammation. After that, heat therapy may be used to help promote blood flow, ease muscle stiffness and promote healing.
Ice therapy helps to reduce inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels and decreasing blood flow to the affected area. This can help to numb the pain and reduce muscle spasms. Apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day, making sure to wrap the ice in a towel or use a commercial ice pack to prevent skin damage.
Heat therapy can help to promote blood flow, ease muscle stiffness, and promote healing. It is typically recommended for chronic injuries, or once the acute phase of the injury has passed. Heat can be applied to the affected area using a warm towel, heating pad, or hot water bottle for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day.
It is important to consult with your Forum Health provider to determine the best treatment for your specific injury.
