What to do when you pull a muscle

Editor’s Note: If you think you have sustained an injury you should seek immediate help from your primary healthcare provider. This article is not intended to be a substitute for a consultation from your doctor. 

Many people often say they have pulled a muscle when they are experiencing muscle soreness. We have all experienced strains, cramps, soreness, and general tightness in our muscles, but how does one know if it actually is a pulled muscle? Greatist recently published an article describing what to do when you pull a muscle and it answered a lot of the questions we had.

What exactly is a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle is another term for muscle strain (Related article: Is it a strain or a sprain?) which is basically a traumatic tearing of muscle tissue. The more muscle fibers torn, the more pain you are likely to feel.

Will I know when I have pulled a muscle?

Yes, you will know immediately. The muscle will feel weak and contracting the muscle will be painful. In the most extreme cases there will be swelling, redness, the skin will feel warm to the touch, and there may be possible bruising. Get medical help if you develop any of these symptoms.

How does a pulled muscle happen?

They can happen when you slip and fall, while picking up a pet, or basically anything that forces your muscles to do more than they are used to doing. Pulled muscles can also happen because of repetitive motions or overuse of the muscle.

Does stretching help pulled muscles?

No. A pulled muscle is the result of overstretching and stretching it further to your full range of motion won’t help. It is best to let the pulled muscle rest and avoid any activity that would agitate it.

How do I treat a pulled muscle?

The R.I.C.E. method is a good place to start (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). BPP makes a number of products that can help with the Ice of R.I.C.E. Contact your local dealer or us directly for more information on those products.

Give your body time to rest when you’re recovering. Exercising the injured section of your body too soon can make the injury worse. If it appears to get worse or if you see no improvements after a few days it is time to see your doctor.

How to I prevent pulling a muscle?

A good active warm up with dynamic stretching will work wonders for preventing pulling a muscle. You’re more prone to injury when you’re tired or fatigued, so don’t try and push the workout too hard if you’re feeling tired. If you’re starting a new training program, the best thing you can do is take it slow in the beginning. It’s important to ease yourself into it so you can learn when you should push or take it easy.