What is a Pulled Muscle?

Our bodies contain more than 300 muscles that help us move and give us those “six-pack abs” we hear so much about! If you’re an athlete, or you exercise, and you take the necessary time to stretch those muscles before a work out or athletic event, you find they thank you for time well spent with flexibility and strength. Fail to do the proper warm up and you risk a pulled (torn or strained) muscle or even worse, a complete muscle tear.

What are the symptoms of a pulled muscle? Usually the area around the muscle will be sore, swollen and tender. You may have difficulty moving the affected area because of the pain and swelling. Sometimes an x-ray of the area may be needed to confirm that no bone is broken.

Strapping a pulled muscle.
What should you do for a pulled muscle?
  • Apply ice for no more than 20-minute intervals, four to eight times a day to reduce pressure and decrease blood flow to the affected muscle. This helps reduce swelling.

  • Wrap the injured area in an elastic (ace) bandage for support, but be sure it is not too tight!

  • Do not use the muscle while the pain is still present.

  • Keep the affected area elevated, above your heart.

A muscle that has been damaged previously is likely to be damaged again if it has not healed properly. Many of our practice members begin care in our office because they were suffering from a pulled muscle. Chiropractic care can be effective in relieving pain and enhancing proper healing.

Please contact our office if you have specific questions related to the care and treatment of a pulled muscle.

Dr. Chad Asks some important questions of interest to Waynesville residents - Chiropractor Waynesville Dr. Chad Asks...

Why does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because your nervous system, consisting of your brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of your body, controls and regulates every cell, tissue, organ and system of your body. A chiropractor locates and reduces areas of nervous system compromise (usually along the spine) so your capacity to heal is restored. Chiropractic works by helping your body work as it was designed.
Are aches and pains good or bad?
While aches or pains may be unpleasant, they're merely warning signs. As a Waynesville chiropractor, I see this all the time. The pain is not the problem! It just means a limitation has been reached and something needs to change. That's when we get to work correcting the underlying cause.