Pulled Muscle
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What is a Pulled Muscle?
We can all relate to that painful twinge while bending over to pick up an item off the floor or reaching for something on a high shelf. A pulled muscle can occur when a muscle is stretched beyond its normal capacity. This results in microscopic tears of the muscle that cause pain and reduced function. A muscle strain is the more accurate medical term for this problem. It’s also possible for a tendon to become strained, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Frequent causes of muscle or tendon strains include sudden movements or traumas, such as a car accident or lifting a heavy object. Muscle strains can also be caused by repetitive motions or overuse. Activities that fall under this category include regularly lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, athletic activities, or playing an instrument.
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The Difference Between Muscle Strains and Sprains
The terms strains and sprains are typically used interchangeably; however, they are two distinct conditions. The motion that causes a strain or sprain is the distinguishing factor. A sprain occurs when a joint is twisted in an abnormal direction, which causes a ligament injury. At Life Source Chiropractic, the most frequent sprains we see are of the wrists and ankles. Sprains are also commonly accompanied by other injuries since they usually occur as the result of a fall.
Sprains and strains can both have a long recovery period, which can take anywhere from one to three months depending on the severity of the injury. However, more severe damage to the muscle or ligament can take even longer to heal. The body has an incredible ability to heal and chiropractic for pulled muscle aids in that recovery, but tissue repair does take time.
Common Causes of Pulled Muscles
Small tears in the muscles and tendons resulting in muscle strain can be caused by excessive use during sports, work, or other activities. The likelihood of a muscle strain also increases with sudden movements, failure to do warm-up exercises before working out, or working through fatigue.
Muscle strain treatment can be difficult when scar tissue is present. Whenever an injury occurs in the body, scar tissue, or adhesions, are produced. Scar tissue can increase the likelihood of reinjuring the area because it causes the muscles to become stiff and weak. Life Source Chiropractic focuses on addressing scar tissue as well as resolving muscle strain with pulled muscle chiropractic care.
Symptoms of Pulled Muscles
One of the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle is pain, which usually occurs when the muscle is in use; however, pain may also occur when the muscle is resting. Many patients describe inflammation and a burning sensation in their pulled muscle, and some may also experience bruising in the area.
Most patients with muscle strain experience similar symptoms, although the severity may differ from patient to patient. Some people have mild symptoms that do not interfere with their daily activities, while others have severe pain that makes it difficult to function. Whatever the severity, this is the body’s way of telling you to seek pulled muscle treatment immediately. Seeking treatment as soon as possible maximizes recovery while also decreasing the likelihood of injury in the future.
How Chiropractic Helps Muscle Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are two of the most common reasons why people look for a “pulled muscle chiropractor near me” on the internet. They are tired of taking pain relievers and are looking for a solution. After receiving surgical recommendations for worsening conditions, some patients are seeking less risky alternatives.
Life Source Chiropractic thoroughly reviews each muscle strain treatment plan before it is offered to any of our patients. We carefully analyze all current research and apply scientific reasoning to determine whether a treatment is both safe and effective. Following are some of the chiropractic for pulled muscle care options we typically recommend to our patients.
In-Office and Self-Care for Pulled Muscles
Life Source Chiropractic is able to address a variety of conditions since we provide a wide range of therapy options to our patients. Before any therapy is offered, we give every patient a thorough physical exam. This involves a thorough health history that covers relationships, career history, and other subjects that are typically omitted during a routine doctor’s appointment.
We can assess a patient’s present condition after gaining knowledge about their health history. In addition to a physical exam, this is attained through a sequence of bodily movement and neurological tests. If our chiropractor feels additional information is necessary, we may also order x-rays or scans.
We then review all possible treatment options with our patients once our chiropractic evaluation is completed. When reviewing treatment options, we take into consideration our patients’ lifestyle and health goals. The techniques listed below have been carefully considered in order to offer our patients who are seeking pulled muscle treatment the greatest benefits.
Chiropractic Adjustment
One hands-on form of therapy we offer is known as chiropractic adjustment. Life Source Chiropractic uses specifically designed techniques in order to carefully realign the spine. Although chiropractic adjustment can be used on various parts of the body, our primary focus is on the spine.
The brain and spinal cord make up the body’s primary means of communication, also known as the central nervous system. Spinal adjustments improve nerve communication, aiding in the recovery of strained muscles. Since all the nerves in the body are connected to the spinal cord, keeping it in good health keeps the nerves healthy as well.
Spinal misalignment can occur as a result of injuries or even normal activities. When the spine is not properly aligned, the vertebrae can compress the nerves or spinal cord, which can disrupt the communication between the brain and body. When proper alignment of the spine is restored, the brain is free to communicate with the rest of the body, which improves immune function, optimal flow of blood, and other aspects important for good health.
Professional or Self-Massage Therapy
In addition to chiropractic adjustment, seeking a professional massage or even self-massage can offer a comparable healing effect. This improves blood flow and brings healing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. By stimulating the injured area, range of motion is improved and the risk of further injury and pain is also reduced.