Muscle Strain

You have a pulled (torn) muscle. A pulled muscle, or muscle strain, occurs when a muscle is over-stretched and some muscle fibers are torn. This is especially common in athletes. This happens when a sudden violent force placed on a muscle pushes it past its capacity. Usually, recovery from a pulled muscle takes 1 to 2 weeks. But complete healing will take 5 to 6 weeks.

There are millions of muscle fibers. Following injury, your body will usually return to normal quickly.

Home Care Instructions

• While awake, apply ice to the sore muscle for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 2 days.
  Put ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin
  
  
• Do not use the pulled muscle for several days. Do not use the muscle if you have pain
  
  
• You may wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage for comfort. Be careful not to bind it too tightly. This may interfere with blood circulation
  
  
• Only take over-the-counter or prescription medicines for pain, discomfort, or fever as directed by your caregiver. Do not use aspirin as this will increase bleeding (bruising) at injury site
  
  
• Warming up before exercise helps prevent muscle strains

Seek Medical Care If

• There is increased pain or swelling in the affected area

Make Sure You

• Understand these instructions
• Will watch your condition
• Will get help right away if you are not doing well or get worse