Strains
Since the early 1900s, Baylor’s orthopaedics program has been helping people feel better. We perform nearly 12,500 orthopaedic surgeries every year. In addition to orthopaedic specialists on the medical staff at many Baylor facilities, we also offer focused centers including the Baylor Scoliosis Center, Baylor Spine Center, the Human Motion and Performance Lab and specialized outpatient therapy programs. Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has also been named one of the top 50 orthopaedic programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about our comprehensive orthopaedic programs across the metroplex.
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Definition
A strain is when a muscle becomes overstretched and tears. This painful injury, also called a "pulled muscle," can be caused by an accident, improper use of a muscle, or overuse of a muscle.
Alternative Names
Pulled muscle
Causes
- Excessive physical activity or effort
- Improperly warming up before a physical activity
- Poor flexibility
Symptoms
- Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle
- Discolored and bruised skin
- Swelling
First Aid
- Apply ice immediately to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth -- avoid using ice directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day. Then, every 3 to 4 hours.
- Use ice for the first 3 days. After that, either heat or ice may be helpful.
- Rest the pulled muscle for at least a day. If possible, keep the pulled muscle elevated above the level of the heart.
- Avoid using a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain subsides, start activity slowly and in moderation.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
- You are unable to move the muscle.
- The injury is bleeding.
Call your doctor if the pain does not go away after several weeks.
Prevention
- Warm-up properly before exercise and sports.
- Keep your muscles strong and flexible.
References
Mercier LR. Sports medicine. In: Mercier LR, ed. Practical Orthopedics. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 15.
Cohen I, Jouve C. Trapezius strain. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 8.
Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 46.
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
