How to Relieve a Pulled Muscle
By Isaiah David
A pulled muscle is another name for a sprain. If you stretch a muscle too far, you can cause minor tearing in the muscle fibers. Because of the stress a golf swing puts on the body, pulled muscles are common golf injuries. Fortunately, pulled muscles are not serious injuries--they go on their own within a few weeks. Unfortunately, until then your muscle will feel achy and stiff. Proper care can greatly speed the healing process, so don't ignore the pull. Whether you pull your muscle golfing, working out or just taking a stroll, try to take care of it as soon as possible.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Rest your muscle and put ice on it for twenty minutes at a time 4 times a day. You should use that muscle as little as possible for the first 24 hours to prevent swelling. You can use cold packs, frozen vegetables or just a bag of ice.
If the muscle is in a part of the body that can be easily wrapped, you should wrap it with cloth bandages. The bandages should be loose enough to slip a finger under so as not to cut off circulation. Bandages will help support the muscle and prevent further tearing and will reduce swelling by compressing the injury.
Take anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medicines will stop pulled muscles from becoming swollen, irritated and uncomfortable.
Apply a topical muscle pain ointment such as arnica cream to the muscle. If it seems to help soothe it, continue using it until the sprain feels better.
After 24 hours, apply heat frequently to soothe the muscle pain. You can use a heating pad, take hot baths or both. If you take hot baths, add Epsom salts to the bathwater. At themselves are frequently used to soothe muscle aches and pains.
About The Author
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has nearly five years' experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
