Heat Treatment for a Pulled Muscle

Heat can be highly effective in treating a pulled or strained muscle. Heat should be used along with ice, medication and other treatments to reduce pain and inflammation. The key is using heat at the right time to receive the most benefit.

Function

• Heat is important for preparing a pulled muscle to be ready for renewed activity. Heat can relax muscle spasms. Heat is primarily used after several days following injury, when ice has reduced the initial inflammation.

Effects of Heat

• While ice causes vasoconstriction (minimizing blood flow) and controls inflammation and pain, heat spurs vasodilation (an increase of blood flow) to the injured area. Increasing blood flow accelerates the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the pulled muscle, which are necessary for healing.

Types of Heating Applications

• Heating pads should be used several times per day for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Theraflex gel packs can be used as ice or heat treatments. Stick them in the microwave and place them directly on your injured muscle.

Hot Tub Treatment

• A hot tub or very warm bath can be highly effective in relieving pain from strained muscles, especially in the legs, buttocks or back. Water can cover wider areas of a strained muscle.

Time Frame

• Heat should be used until the injury is completely healed. No set time frame exists for curing a pulled muscle. Healing is contingent upon the severity of the injury and the level of treatment.