Injuries to the thigh muscles, such as the satorius, adductor magnus and gracilis, can occur in sports play or result from a slip on an icy or wet surface. Treatment for any injury that overstretches muscle tissue to cause thigh strain can be performed at home or administered by a health care professional.
A combination of therapies is often a good solution to this pulled muscle injury that may take months to resolve. From relieving pain to engaging in the appropriate level of rehab exercise, most treatments require diligent self-care by the patient.
First Aid
Stopping the activity that triggered the thigh strain is the first treatment recommended by the NYU Langone Medical Center. All sports require either weight bearing or ambulatory effort by the thigh muscles, which can increase existing damage.
The NYU Langone Medical Center suggests getting off the leg, applying ice and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, effective first aid for a pulled muscle in the thigh.
Bed Rest
During the acute inflammatory phase, which lasts about 48 hours, the National Institutes of Health suggests bed rest. Placing no weight on the injured leg will reduce the risk of tearing the weakened, pulled muscle tissue and provide pain relief.
The NIH advises restricting the activities of daily living to a minimum and relying on support aids to move around. A compression bandage, cane or set of crutches will take some stress off the leg when bed rest ends.
Pain Relief
The discomfort of a thigh strain may necessitate pain medications for the maximum safe period stated on the product labels. The University of Maryland (UM) Medical Center recommends NSAIDs for mild to moderate strains, and injectible cortisone treatments for severe thigh muscle injuries. Acupuncture, massage or chiropractic treatment may also address the causes of pain and promote rapid healing.
Temperature Therapy
Ice packs or cold reusable gel packs should be applied to the pulled muscle for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for acute inflammation and pain relief. The UM Medical Center considers cold therapy combined with NSAIDs exceptionally effective in bringing down the swelling and, therefore, the pain level.
A few days after the injury, and while soreness lingers during recovery, hot packs may be alternated with cold in 20-minute sessions, according to the UM Medical Center.
Fitness Program
As the NYU Langone Medical Center reports, an exercise program that gradually increases in intensity is needed to strengthen the weak tissue as it mends. Gentle stretches should give way to targeted exercise for thigh strain, ideally guided by a professional physical therapist.
