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How to Relieve Pain From Torn Muscles

Pushing muscles beyond their physical limitations often leads to injury. These muscle injuries are often in the form of muscle strains, where the muscle is partially or completely torn. Even small tears in the muscle fibers cause pain. Pain relief from muscle strains is dependent on reducing swelling and beginning the healing process. This requires reducing the load on the muscle and chemically or mechanically reducing the swelling through medication and ice. A common acronym to remember steps to muscle strain relief is R.I.C.E., meaning Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Things You'll Need

  • Ace bandage
  • Analgesics (pain relief medication)
  • Ice bag
  • Pillow
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Instructions

  1. Pain Relief

    • 1

      Seek first aid as soon as possible after the injury. If the injury does not initially warrant medical care, continue the steps toward pain relief.

    • 2

      Wrap the injured body part with the ace bandage, making sure that the bandage is not on too tight.

    • 3

      Apply ice to the injured area for at least 20 minutes. Repeat every hour or as needed to relieve the pain.

    • 4

      If the injured muscle is on an arm or a leg, elevate the area above heart level while applying ice.

    • 5

      Take the recommended dose for your age of an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen.

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