How long does it take for a strained muscle to heal?

How long does it take for a strained muscle to heal?

For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary. With proper treatment, most people recover completely.

Do muscle strains heal on their own?

Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.

What is the fastest way to heal a pulled muscle?

approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:

1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
2. Ice. Even if you’re seeking medical help, ice the area immediately.
3. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops.
4. Elevation.

How do you relieve muscle strain?

Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle. Stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area can also be useful.

Is it OK to exercise with a strained muscle?

3 to 21 days after your injury: Start to slowly and regularly exercise your strained muscle. This will help it heal. If you feel pain, decrease how hard you are exercising.

How can you tell the difference between a muscle strain and muscle soreness?

The difference between soreness and a pulled muscle With muscle soreness, you won’t feel it until a day to two later. With a pulled muscle, however, the pain is usually immediate.

How do I know if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve?

A pinched nerve and a pulled muscle have distinct symptoms. Symptoms of a pinched nerve include sharp, burning pain; numbness and sudden bouts of weakness; tingling sensation; no swelling; pain that radiates to other areas of the body; and chronic pain that lasts for an extended period of time.

What can you do for a pulled muscle or pinched nerve?

If your pinched nerve pain is mild and recent, you can try:

1. Rest the area that’s hurting.
2. Take an over-the-counter NSAID such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
3. Alternate heat and ice to relax muscles and reduce swelling.

What will doctor do for a pinched nerve?

The most frequently recommended treatment for pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Your doctor will ask you to stop any activities that cause or aggravate the compression. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint or brace to immobilize the area.

Should I go to the doctor for a pinched nerve?

See your doctor if the signs and symptoms of a pinched nerve last for several days and don’t respond to self-care measures, such as rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does pinched nerve take to heal?

Will a pinched nerve go away on its own? How long does it take? Yes, most will with time (normally four to six weeks). You can improve symptoms with rest and pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Is it better to put ice or heat on a pinched nerve?

The combination of hot and cold increases the circulation of fresh blood to the area, which may help relieve pain. Hold an ice pack over the affected area for about 15 minutes at a time, three times a day to help reduce inflammation. Heat pads can be applied for a longer period, up to 1 hour, three times a day.

Does a hot bath help a pinched nerve?

Having a hot bath or shower, or using a heating pad for pinched nerve pain can help muscles relax, taking pressure off your nerves. Take NSAIDs. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help to numb pain and reduce inflammation so you can rest.