The Go-To Guide On How To Identify, Prevent, And Treat A Pulled Muscle

Pulled muscles are common and can result from exercise or simply doing household chores, such as cleaning or lifting heavy objects. They produce swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected part of the body. When left untreated, these acute soft tissue injuries can develop into chronic injuries. As a result, it is important to understand what a pulled muscle is and how to address it. Read on for a go-to guide on how to identify, prevent, and treat a pulled muscle.

What Is A Pulled Muscle?

A pulled muscle is an injury caused by overstretching the muscle fibers. This happens by forcing a muscle that is not frequently used, lifting a heavy weight without preparing the body for it beforehand, or by using a muscle repetitively (as many sports players do). Pulling a muscle is not the same as tearing one, so it is important to distinguish between the two to address them appropriately. It is easier to treat a pulled muscle and train it to resist the stress applied to it. A torn muscle is more difficult to treat and often requires prompt medical attention.

How Does A Torn Muscle Differ From A Pulled Muscle?

When a muscle is torn, blood leaks from the vessels. This causes sharp pain and almost instant swelling and bruising. The ability to move the muscle will depend on the degree of the tear; if a major muscle is torn, mobility will be limited. A minor muscle tear is classified as Grade 1, which means that the sheet that encases the muscle, also known as a fascia, remains intact. A Grade 2 tear implies that more fibers have been damaged, but the fascia remains intact. A Grade 3 tear involves more damaged fibers and a partially torn fascia. Lastly, a Grade 4 tear occurs when the muscle and fascia are both entirely torn.