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A strain is an injury to muscles and tendons may be fibrous bands, which deals with muscles, bones. It is not to be confused with a sprain, which by itself or by tearing strips of fibrous bands, which deals with bones and joints to strengthen and stabilize. There are two general categories of muscle strain: acute injury from sudden and excessive pressure in the muscle fibers tear, causing bleeding, swelling, pain and loss of strength and function, and over-use injury in which the muscles are stretched by chronic stress. In the latter, muscle pains, but they are not broken, and there is no loss of strength. tears are likely when muscles are too sudden and extreme stress, when cold, tired, weak or non-use. The hamstrings (on the back of the thigh) are vulnerable to such injuries. For example, a torn Achilles tendon could lead, if one rule per sedentary son plays an intense game of tennis. In contrast, overuse injuries of muscles repeatedly pointed out that over a longer period, such as when gardening. Back bar and muscles are affected, even though the legs and shoulders are also vulnerable.

Diagnostic tests and procedures

A doctor can usually diagnose a muscle strain by examining the area, but may order an X-ray for a broken bone or other injury. In exceptional cases, an MRI is ordered for a torn ligament. Another diagnostic tool is electromyography (EMG), in which needle electrodes into the muscles to measure electrical responses. A chronic muscle problem can also be assessed by a specialist in sports medicine or physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical rehabilitation.

Medical Treatments

Self-treatment is sufficient for most simple strains. However, a doctor to see if there is no improvement after three or four days, or as soon as possible if there is significant swelling and loss of muscle function. In such cases, a non-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin, can reduce the inflammation and swelling and relieve pain. Research suggests that these drugs should not be immediately after an injury, wait at least a day can relieve the inflammation to the injured area of the damaged cells. A muscle relaxant may be added if cramps are a factor. Injection of cortisone into the victim may also reduce swelling and inflammation. Surgical repair may be necessary if a string was broken or torn.

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture

This therapy may be the pain of a pulled muscle, but it is unlikely that it would be helpful for a muscle or tendon broke.

Alexander Technique

This approach is the biggest advantage as a preventive measure. The therapist is the individual body language and instruction in correcting any habits that could contribute to a violation.

Chiropractic

This practice treat strained muscles in the neck, back, shoulders, and through manipulation and realignment of the spine. You may also use diathermy tensed muscles to relax.

Massage Therapy

Swedish massage and similar techniques are preferred by many athletes, professional dancers and others whose muscles are often tense due to over exploitation. The massage is sometimes combined with heat treatments or hydrotherapy in the form of hot and cold soaks, whirlpool baths, underwater massage, and needle showers.

Rolfing

This method of deep, often painful manipulation, with the excessive connective tissue, the correct orientation of the body.

Yoga and Meditation

These and other relaxation techniques help alleviate muscle pain due to stress.

Self-treatment

RICE, an acronym for rest, ice, compression and height, is the preferred treatment for a pulled muscle. The injury should be immediately suspended, and ice packs for 10 minutes every half hour during the first day. (To add a soft ice pack, fill a plastic bag with crushed ice or frozen peas or corn.) Compression by wrapping the victim in an elastic bandage. Depending on the location of the injury, it may be increased by a sling, cushion, or other support. After 24 to 36 hours, you can use a heating pad or packages. (This should not be used earlier, because heat increases the blood flow in the area and can cause bleeding and swelling.) At this time, it is all right to an anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is the pain but not inflammation. Ointments, liquids and other substances such as Sloan's liniment rubbing or Ben gay pain may ease by a feeling of warmth and numbness. But these preparations are not as effective as anti-inflammatory substances in healing a strained muscle.

Other causes of muscle pain

Sprains, tendonitis, shin splints, dislocations, stress fractures and other sports or work accidents, pain and swelling.

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