Having a pulled muscle in your back, neck, or calves can be a real pain in the, well, back, neck, or calves. Also known as a muscle strain or muscle tear, a pulled muscle is a common injury that can occur to anyone.
A pulled muscle commonly occurs when you put more load on a muscle than it can withstand. But how to know if you have a pulled muscle? What are the signs and symptoms of a pulled muscle?
In this guide, we will reveal the most common signs and symptoms of a pulled muscle. We will also guide you on how to manage a pulled muscle in the back, neck, or other parts of your body.
So read on.
How to Know If You Have a Pulled Muscle?
Identifying the early signs and symptoms of a pulled muscle can help you manage the injury promptly and avoid any further problems. It can save you weeks of pain and discomfort.
Below are the early signs and symptoms of a pulled muscle to help you recognize and manage your injuries timely.
Signs and Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle
- Tenderness or pain when you put pressure on a specific muscle.
- Pain upon the activation of a muscle. For instance, pain in your lower back muscle when you bend your back.
- Muscle weakness, which is evident from your inability to do the activities that you normally find easy.
- Stiffness or tightness in the muscle upon engaging it.
- Lower range of motion. For instance, if you can’t fully bend your back.
- Swelling, bruising, or redness in the affected area. This usually occurs when the muscle pull is severe.
Most Common Areas of Muscle Strains
The most vulnerable muscles in the human body are those that cross two joints. These include the hip and knee muscle (rectus femoris), the knee and ankle muscle (gastrocnemius), and the hamstring muscle of the hip and knee.
Certain activities can cause muscle strain in these areas. For instance:
- A hamstring strain can be caused by running fast or sprinting.
- A calf strain is caused by jumping, sprinting, or jogging.
- A rotator cuff strain is caused by swimming, throwing, playing tennis, or doing repetitive overhead motions.
- A groin muscle strain can be caused by kicking or sprinting.
- A hip flexor strain usually happens when slowing down or kicking.
Types of Muscle Strains Based On Their Severity
A muscle strain or muscle tear is generally categorized into the following grades:
| Grade 1 muscle strain | Little damage to muscle fibres with less than 5% loss of function. |
| Grade 2 muscle strain | Considerate damage to the muscle fibre with loss of muscle strength and reduced range of motion. |
| Grade 3 muscle strain | Ruptured muscle with extreme pain and swelling in the area. May require surgery to treat the ruptured muscle. |
How to Treat a Pulled Muscle?
If you suspect that you have a pulled muscle, you should immediately see a qualified healthcare professional. A physical examination of the affected area is required to diagnose a pulled muscle.
Once you are diagnosed with a pulled muscle, you should immediately seek treatment. A pulled muscle can be treated with the help of a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will work with you to help you strengthen your muscles and regain your range of motion.
Professional physiotherapists recommend exercises like the child’s pose, core marching, walking, etc. to treat a pulled muscle. However, do not start exercising at home without the professional advice of a physiotherapist.
A physiotherapist will offer you tailored advice based on your specific concerns. So make sure to seek professional advice before trying anything at home, as it can result in further complications.
Got a Pulled Muscle? Get Help Through Physiotherapy in London!
One Body LDN is a leading physiotherapy clinic in London offering professional pulled muscle treatment in London. If you suspect that you have a muscle strain, make sure to get it examined by our physiotherapists promptly. Our qualified physiotherapists in London will devise a tailored plan to treat your muscle strains promptly!
