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What is a muscle pull?
Also called a strain a muscle pull is an injury to the muscle tissue caused by overstretching.
Muscle Pull Overview
This link describes the types of pain, how we feel pain and how pain may manifest itself.
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What clinical findings (signs, symptoms,
and test results) indicate a muscle pull?
Doctors perform physical exams to determine if a patient has a muscle pull. Specifically they are looking for:
Test Results
- Normal X-ray: Doctors may perform an x-ray to rule out a more serious injury, like a broken bone. A normal x-ray can confirm he injury is just a pull.
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Treatment Options
Treatment for a pulled muscle is designed to rest the affected area and decrease blood flow to that area. Treatments include:
- Rest—stop exercising and/or playing sports
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin or ibuprofen)
- Wrap for support and compression
- Elevate the affected area above the heart
- Initial application of ice, later of heat
Click here for information on treating a muscle pull at home. More serious muscle pulls or tears my required surgical treatment.
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Science Links
How you feel pain
This link describes the types of pain, how we feel pain and how pain may manifest itself.
Why do I have pain?
Written for kids, this site gives a good, but simple overview on pain and how experiencing pain can actually help our bodies.
Aspirin Overview
Treatment options in this rotation often suggest the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Click on this link for a comprehensive look at aspirin, how it is used, and possible side effects.
Ibuprofen Overview
Treatment options in this rotation often suggest the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Click on this link for a comprehensive look at ibuprofen, how it is used, and possible side effects.
Bones Muscles and Joints
This link offers an overview of bones, muscles and joints. It highlights the essential functions of each and how they work together in the musculoskeletal system. This site also has great multi-media diagrams to help you understand the function and structure of the musculoskeletal system.
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