Myths and Misconceptions about Pulled Muscles: What You Need to Know

Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle

If you have ever experienced a pulled muscle before, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. However, it is not always easy to tell if you've pulled a muscle or if it's just sore from overuse. The Mayo Clinic lists the following symptoms as telltale signs that you’ve pulled a muscle:

Pain

One of the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle is pain. The pain of a pulled muscle can range from mild to severe, and it may be sharp or dull, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also note that you may feel the pain immediately after the injury or it may take a few hours to develop—and the pain may increase with movement.

Swelling

Swelling is another common symptom of a pulled muscle, according to the Mayo Clinic. Similar to pain, swelling may be mild or severe, and it may occur immediately after the injury or take a few hours to develop.

Bruising

The Mayo Clinic notes that bruising is another symptom of a pulled muscle. This means that the affected area may be discolored and may be tender to the touch in the area of bruising.

Limited Mobility

If you've pulled a muscle, you may not be able to use the muscles in that area of your body very well. You may find it difficult to move the affected muscle, and you may experience stiffness and weakness, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities like walking, lifting, or bending.

Common Causes of Pulled Muscles

Pulled muscles can happen to anyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The Mayo Clinic notes that they are often caused by:

• Overuse of a certain muscle or muscle group - Overuse injuries occur when a muscle is used repeatedly without proper rest, leading to fatigue and eventually injury.
• Sudden movements
• Improper lifting techniques

The Difference Between a Muscle Strain and Muscle Sprain

When a muscle is pulled, it is typically classified as either a strain or a sprain, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They note the difference between these two conditions is this: strains occur when a muscle is stretched too far or torn, while a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. Both strains and sprains can cause similar symptoms—pain, swelling, and limited mobility, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

What May Put You at Risk For Pulling a Muscle

While anyone can experience a pulled muscle, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of experiencing one, according to the Mayo Clinic. They go on to highlight that age can be a factor. This is because older adults may have weaker muscles and less flexibility. Previous injuries can also increase your risk, they note, as scar tissue and weakened muscles can make you more susceptible to future injuries. Lastly, they talk about how poor conditioning can also be a risk factor, as weak muscles are more prone to injury.

Understanding these risk factors can help you avoid dealing with another pulled muscle. The Mayo Clinic recommends that you use proper stretching techniques before exercising and that you practice proper lifting techniques whenever possible.

Diagnosing a Pulled Muscle

To diagnose a pulled muscle, your healthcare provider will likely begin by conducting a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. During the exam, they will assess the affected area for signs of swelling, tenderness, and limited range of motion. They may also ask you to perform certain movements or stretches to determine the extent of the injury, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis. MRIs, and ultrasounds can help identify the location and severity of your pulled muscle, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Complications of Untreated Muscle Strain

If left untreated, a pulled muscle can lead to chronic pain and muscle weakness, according to the Mayo Clinic. Chronic pain is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a persistent discomfort that lasts for more than a few months. It can also interfere with your daily activities and your quality of life if it is severe enough.

Muscle weakness can occur when the affected muscle is not allowed to heal properly, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to a loss of strength and function in the affected area, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

These possible complications highlight the importance of seeking medical attention if you suspect you have a pulled muscle. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.

When to Seek Urgent Care for a Pulled Muscle

While the Mayo Clinic notes that most pulled muscles can be treated at home, there are situations where it's important to seek urgent care. Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic:

• Severe Pain - Severe pain can be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a torn muscle or ligament, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Inability to Move Affected Area - This can be a sign of a more serious injury, such as a muscle tear or fracture. Additionally, if you're unable to move the affected area, you may need physical therapy to regain mobility, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Numbness or Tingling - This can be a sign of nerve damage, which can lead to long-term complications if left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Common Treatments for a Pulled Muscle

If you have a pulled muscle, the Mayo Clinic notes that you may be able to treat the condition at home. If your symptoms persist or get worse, they recommend that you seek further evaluation with a healthcare provider.

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)

The Mayo Clinic recommends the acronym RICE to remember how to treat your pulled muscle at home.

• Rest - Resting the affected muscle is important to allow it to heal properly.
• Ice - Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Compression - Compression with an elastic bandage can also help reduce swelling and provide support.
• Elevate - Elevating the affected area can also help reduce swelling.

If your symptoms persist beyond a couple of days, or they become worse, then the Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Some of the treatment options you may be given at urgent care include:

• Pain medication
• Physical therapy
• Muscle relaxers
• Alternative treatments, like acupuncture

Pain medication and muscle relaxers can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Mayo Clinic also notes that physical therapy can help you strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility. Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments such as acupuncture or massage therapy.

Stretches and Rehabilitation For Pulled Muscles

When it comes to recovering from a pulled muscle, exercises and stretches can be incredibly beneficial, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, they note that it is important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity as your muscle heals. It is also important to discuss any exercise with your healthcare provider before you begin. If your healthcare provider thinks that exercising would help you, and you are healthy enough to do it, here are some exercises to consider:

• Low-impact cardio: Activities like walking, cycling, and swimming can help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing without putting too much strain on the muscle, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
• Stretching: Gentle stretching can help improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected muscle. Consider incorporating stretches like hamstring stretches, calf stretches, and quad stretches into your routine.
• Strength training: Once your muscle has started to heal, strength training exercises can help rebuild muscle and prevent future injuries. Start with light weights and gradually increase as your muscle gets stronger.

In addition to exercise, the Mayo Clinic notes that good nutrition and hydration are also important for muscle health and recovery.

Stretching For Muscle Health

Stretching is recommended by the Mayo Clinic as a way to prevent pulled muscles, but it is not always helpful once you have already pulled a muscle. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes that stretching a pulled muscle can make the injury worse and delay the healing process. Instead, they recommend resting the affected muscles and applying ice to reduce swelling. Once you have recovered from the pulled muscle, you can avoid more pulled muscles by incorporating a stretching routine before exercising, playing a sport, or lifting something heavy.

Pain Is Not Progress

While some discomfort is to be expected during the healing process, pain is not a sign of progress when it comes to a pulled muscle. The Mayo Clinic notes that pushing through the pain can cause further damage and prolong the healing process. It is important to listen to your body and avoid activities that cause significant pain. If your pulled muscle is painful enough to disrupt your daily activities, you should see a healthcare provider, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When to Go to Urgent Care for a Pulled Muscle

Urgent care clinics are designed to treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses—including pulled muscles. They are typically staffed with healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat pulled muscles, including prescribing medication if you need it.

The Mayo Clinic notes that you should seek urgent care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• You are experiencing moderate to severe pain
• You can’t move the affected area without severe pain or discomfort
• You are experiencing any chest pain or difficulty breathing along with your pulled muscle

Tips for Preventing Muscle Strains

To prevent future muscle strains, the Mayo Clinic recommends you take the following steps:

• Warm up and stretch before exercising or engaging in physical activity
• Stretch regularly to improve flexibility
• Use proper form and technique when lifting weights or performing other exercises
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts, under the advice of a healthcare provider
• Take breaks and rest when needed to avoid overexertion

Remember, if you have a pulled muscle that is painful or doesn’t improve within a couple of days, the Mayo Clinic notes that it is important to seek medical attention. An urgent care provider can help you determine the severity of your injury and prescribe or recommend the proper treatment.

Ignoring the injury can lead to complications, such as chronic pain or muscle weakness, so it is important to work with a healthcare provider to find the best course of action.