A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, is usually the result of an injury, such as from overuse, exercise or a fall. According to the Sports Injury Clinic, pulled muscles are graded by severity. Grade 1 strains are the least severe and may produce only mild pain and may not impair your use of the muscle. Grade 3 strains are the most severe and may cause severe pain, swelling and complete impairment. Regardless of the grade of the strain, however, the treatments for pulled muscles are the same -- rest, ice, compression and elevation
Step 1
Rest the injury for at least 24 hours, for grade 1 strains, and wait at least 72 hours before returning to the activity that caused the injury. For grade 2 and grade 3 strains, you may need to rest longer, depending on the intensity of your pain and how long it takes for the pain to recede. It can take several weeks for a grade 3 pull to heal properly.
Step 2
Apply an ice pack to the injury every two or three hours for the first 24 hours, for grade 1 strains. For grade 2 and 3 strains, apply ice every two or three hours for the first 48 to 72 hours.
Step 3
Wrap the area with a compression bandage until the pain is gone on grade 1 and grade 2 pulls. Grade 3 pulls may require splinting or bracing and, possibly, surgery to correct the injury.
Step 4
Keep the injury elevated at or above heart level. For grade 2 leg injuries, this may mean lying down during the first 24 to 72 hours. For grade 1 injuries, propping your leg up on a chair or stool may suffice.
Step 5
Use crutches or slings to immobilize, protect and support the injured muscle, especially with a grade 3 injury.
Step 6
Do gentle stretches once the initial pain has passed. Stretching helps relieve the stiffness associated with prolonged inactivity and encourages blood flow to the muscle, which promotes healing. Hold each stretch for up to 20 seconds and stop if you feel pain.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Compression bandage
- Crutches (optional)
- Splint (optional)
- Sling (optional)
References
- Mayo Clinic: Sprains and Strains
- "American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook"; Kathleen A. Handal;1992
- Sports Injury Clinic: Quad Strain
