Strained muscles — sometimes called pulled muscles — come in multiple levels of severity. They can vary from overstretched muscles to partial or complete tears that require surgery. Minor strains can be successfully treated with PEACE and LOVE (read our article about it here) at home, while more severe strains need medical intervention. Symptoms include pain or tenderness, redness or bruising, swelling, and muscle spasms and weakness.
Who Is at Risk?
Athletes are most susceptible, as their sports put a lot of stress on the body, but people in poor physical shape are at risk too. Having weak and tight muscles gives you a greater chance of pushing them too far until something gives way — whether it's your hamstrings from running or your chest while benching. This is why strength and mobility are so important to your physical health.
Ways to Prevent a Strain
A good way to prevent a strain is to properly stretch and warm up prior to any physical activity. Staying in good physical shape is beneficial too. A good rule of thumb: be in shape to play your sport; don't play your sport to get in shape. That means doing proper strength and mobility work to handle the stress of your sport or chosen activity. A muscle strain can be caused by a one-time event, so keeping your body in good shape minimizes your chances of putting yourself in a position to cause one.
Related service: Orthopedic Physical Therapy