POLOKWANE – A strained/pulled muscle which is the tightening, and stiffening of the body muscle, can be triggered by a sudden acceleration or deceleration and by throwing or lifting heavy objects etc. “A strained/pulled muscle can affect anyone while he or she is performing their daily tasks, including sports etc,” Nico said.
When you have strained a muscle, Nico advises a therapeutic massage to help loosen the tight muscle. “Therapeutic massages increases blood flow to help damaged tissues heal faster. Because muscles tend to have their own stretching capacities, stretching them beyond their exceeded limit can lead to painful muscle pull/strain, so try to relax in most cases,” he added.
He further explains what one can use to relieve muscle tension at home.
“Ice cubes are normally the first preference in the house to treat a muscle pull on any area of the body. If you don’t have enough ice cubes, try using a bag of frozen vegetables (remember to wrap a towel or cloth around the bag of ice cubes of veg pack because frozen packs tend to stick on the skin and it can be a bit painful or uncomfortable). Apply the ice cubes or bag directly on the affected muscle for about twenty minutes. The numbing effect of the frozen packs will definitely lesson the pain and help in the healing process,” he advised.
Nico adds that mustard oil, apple cider vinegar and oil from garlic and cloves etc can be warmed up and be used to massage the affected area.
“To avoid or prevent muscle pull, complete a few light exercises such as gentle jogging, light push ups, squats etc. more often and make sure that you gently stretch your body before and after your exercises,” he concluded.
