Treatment for Pulled Muscle: Physiotherapy VS. Massage Therapy

Which is a better treatment for pulled muscle physiotherapy or massage therapy? If you have ever pulled a muscle, you know how painful it can be. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need some form of treatment in order to speed up the healing process. There are many different treatment options available, but what is the best option? This blog post will compare the benefits of physiotherapy and massage therapy for treating pulled muscle. Keep reading to learn more!

Whether you are an athlete or just suffered a muscle pull, you may be wondering if physiotherapy or massage therapy is the best way to treat your injury. Both therapies have pros and cons, but which one is right for you? Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks of each therapy to help you make the best decision for your needs.

What is a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle is a common complaint that occurs when one of the muscles in your body is suddenly and unintentionally overstretched or contracted. This can often happen from strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting, sports injuries, or even just bending over to pick up something off the floor. In some cases, no severe damage will occur beyond a few days of pain. But in some cases, the muscles may stay contracted and cause ongoing problems. A pulled muscle can be treated with physiotherapy or by using massage therapy.

Who typically gets a pulled muscle?

Anyone can suffer from a pulled muscle, but some people are more at risk than others. Athletes who push their bodies to the limit are particularly vulnerable to this type of injury. In addition, older adults tend to experience more pulls due to weak muscles and issues with balance. Women tend to develop pulled muscles more often than men, possibly due to their weight in the abdomen and back and not evenly through the body.

Causes

There are several factors that can cause your muscles to become contracted and result in a pulled muscle. One of the most common causes is a sudden or unaccustomed strenuous activity that overworks the muscles. If you have not been using a particular muscle on a regular basis, it can become fatigued and pull or strain as a result of overuse. Sports injuries are a common cause of pulled muscles due to an awkward position or sudden movement during competition. In addition, working with heavy machinery can also pose risks for this type of injury, as it is easy to lose your balance or become injured by falling during an activity. Finally, people can experience pulled muscles due to the extra weight throughout their body, possibly contributing to muscle strain and stiffness.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of a pulled muscle is a pain in the affected area. You may also experience swelling at the site. In severe cases, the muscle could contract, and your range of motion could become limited. If you have a bruise or bump in this spot, then there is a good chance that you might have pulled a muscle.

Treatment Options

If you suspect that you have pulled a muscle, two treatment options are available to you. The first is physiotherapy, an exercise-based therapy that includes stretching and strengthening the muscles. It can be performed in a group setting or under the guidance of a professional therapist. The second option is massage therapy, which provides pain relief by directly massaging the injured muscle. It may be beneficial to combine the two therapies to receive the best results after your injury.

Physiotherapy for Pulled Muscle

Physiotherapy may be an ideal treatment option if you suffer from a muscle strain. Physiotherapy is an exercise-based therapy that can treat a pulled muscle. You will work with a professional therapist to stretch and strengthen your injured body part muscles during your physiotherapy sessions.

This therapy needs to begin as soon as possible after your injury in order to promote healing and prevent further injury. If you wait too long to start the treatment, your pulled muscle could result in a more severe injury, such as a complete tear of the affected muscle.

A physiotherapist will assess the location and extent of your injury before providing a program of exercises designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles affected by your injury. Your physical therapist will likely recommend that you exercise each day or as often as possible to help improve your condition. The goal is to speed up the healing process and reduce any stiffness or soreness to prevent future injuries.

Benefits:

• It can be used as a preventative measure or treatment for future injuries
• Exercises can help to improve blood flow and increase muscle mobility
• Increase strength and flexibility in muscles and joints
• Decrease symptoms such as pain and stiffness from an injury
• Decrease recovery time after a sports injury or muscle strain

Cons:

• Not suitable for those with severe injuries or injuries that require surgery
• Requires regular visits to a clinic for treatment
• Exercises can lead to muscle soreness in the days following an injury
• It can have long-term adverse effects on muscles if not correctly stretched
• Cannot be done by yourself – requires professional guidance

Massage Therapy for Pulled Muscle

The second option for treating strained muscles is massage therapy. If your pulled muscle does not have any sign of bruising, then a professional massage is the best way to receive pain relief from this injury. Some people experience less blood flow to the injured area when not receiving a proper massage. If you have significant pain and stiffness in your pulled muscle, then it’s essential to see a professional therapist for treatment. Massage therapists will use deep tissue techniques to soothe your affected muscles and increase blood flow, reducing inflammation at the injury site.

In addition to increased blood flow, many other benefits can result from receiving regular massages. These include boosted immunity due to the release of endorphins that happen after a massage and an improved mood due to the overall relaxation benefits. Massages can also help with stress relief and muscle recovery.

Some people may find that it helps to combine both physiotherapy and massage therapy in order to see the best results after their injury. Combining the two treatments can help improve muscle strength, reduce pain, and speed up recovery time.

Benefits:

• Can provide temporary pain relief
• Help reduce the symptoms of an injury such as stiffness and swelling
• It May help to increase relaxation, improve mood, and reduce stress
• Deep tissue techniques can be used to soothe sore muscles
• Increase blood flow at the affected muscle site

Cons:

• Massages should not be performed if you have open wounds on your body.
• It can be difficult to find a good therapist.
• You must pay for each session, and it can get expensive if you need multiple sessions per week.
• It’s difficult for a therapist to know exactly how deep they can go without causing more pain or injury.
• If done incorrectly, massage therapy can cause secondary injuries, such as bruising.

Which one is the best treatment for Muscle Strains?

In conclusion, physiotherapy and massage therapy are two of the most common treatments for pulled muscles. If you have a mild injury, then taking some over-the-counter pain medications can help to improve your symptoms. In addition, you should be sure to rest the injured area to speed up the healing process. It is also vital that you do not put any weight on the pulled muscle to allow it to heal properly.

The effectiveness of physiotherapy and massage therapy after an injury depends on the severity of the case. If you are suffering from a severely pulled muscle, you should visit your doctor before trying these treatments. This is because physiotherapy or massage therapy may cause further damage or increase inflammation of the injured area.

If your pulled muscle does not seem to be improving with these conservative treatments, you should consult your doctor. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove a blood clot or repair a muscle torn due to an injury.

Massage Therapy in Grande Prairie, Alberta

Grande Prairie Massage Pro can help you with muscle strains! We offer various massage therapy services that can be customized to your needs. Whether you’re looking for relief from back pain or want to relax after a long day at work, we’ve got the perfect treatment for you.

You don’t have to live with discomfort any longer! Our team of experienced therapists is ready and waiting to get your body feeling its best again. From deep tissue massages that target chronic aches and pains, gentle relaxation therapies that ease stress and anxiety, or sports massage treatments designed specifically for athletes – there’s something for everyone at Grande Prairie Massage Pro.

All our therapists are Registered Massage Therapists, so you know they meet the highest standards in their field. Call us today at (587) 495-2239 or book online now!