5 Easy And Effective Ways To Heal A Muscle Strain At Home

Apply Ice

Icing an injury is a common strategy for reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Do not apply ice directly on the skin. Instead, use a towel to create a barrier between the ice and skin. The cold temperature of the ice may feel uncomfortable initially, but the benefits of reduced inflammation make it worth it. Apply the ice for ten to twenty minutes at a time to minimize pain and inflammation as the body begins to heal the strain. Be careful to apply ice in moderation because using it excessively can be harmful, and wait at least one hour between rounds of ice application to optimize healing.

Compress The Injury Lightly

A common way to treat an injury like a muscle strain is to compress it. To heal a muscle strain, use a tensor bandage to compress it lightly. This will reduce swelling from the strain and provide support for the weakened muscle. As with other treatments for muscle strains, it is important to use compression in moderation, as applying excessive pressure on an injured area can do more harm than good because it can restrict normal blood flow to the area. Focus on compressing the muscle strain in the immediate aftermath of the injury, but look to release it within a few days to a couple of weeks, with breaks at night.