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Home Remedies for Pulled Muscles

A pulled muscle is a common athletic injury. It is caused by overworking a muscle or not sufficiently warming your muscles prior to a workout causing them to stretch or tear. Though this a very painful condition, it is easily treated at home with common household items. If you promptly begin treatment you can minimize the pain and the amount of time it takes to heal.

Symptoms

According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of a pulled muscle include pain and difficulty when you use the affected muscle, skin discoloration, bruising and swelling.

Ice

Immediately apply ice to the affected area. Wrap several ice cubes in a cloth–do not apply ice directly to the skin–and apply it 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day. For the next two days use ice every three to four hours. By the fourth day, you can apply heat or ice, whichever feels better. Over-the-counter creams that contain Arnica or Capsican make good creams that provide heat.

Rest

For at least a day, don’t use the affected muscle or use it as little as possible. Try to keep the muscle elevated above the heart.

Recovery

Do not use the muscle as long as it is painful. It has not healed. The lack of pain will let you know when it can be used. When the pain is gone, start using the muscle slowly. If you experience pain, you are using it too much and you should slow down. You will have to gradually build yourself up to your previous fitness level in regard to the affected muscle.