Preventing pulled muscles is something that anyone who partakes in physical activity wants to do. A pulled muscle can significantly impair your ability to do the activities of daily life without pain. Dr. Michael Wilson of Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA offers therapies that can help you prevent injuries and treat them if they happen, including a pulled muscle.
What is a pulled muscle?
Everyone has had a pulled muscle at one time or another, but do you know what it actually is? A pulled muscle or a muscle strain is a partial or complete tear of the muscle. It is caused by force in the muscle that is so great that it tears the tissue. It can occur inside the muscle, where a muscle and a tendon meet, or in the tendon where it attaches to the bone.
What causes a pulled muscle?
Muscles have tendons at each end which attach to bones. Explosive actions such as a sprint or a quick change of direction can cause a great deal of pressure on the connective tissue, sometimes so much pressure that the connective tissue can't survive and tears. The muscle is elongating and if it contracts, this causes a pulled muscle.
Pulled muscles are not just for athletes, however. They can be caused by overuse of a muscle, no matter what the cause. So if you shovel snow, you may end up with a pulled muscle. If you slip on ice and struggle to catch your balance, you can pull a muscle.
Preventing a pulled muscle
Warming your muscles up is the best way to prevent pulled muscles or muscle strain. Always do some warm-up stretches before participating in sports. Professional athletes know the benefit of getting a chiropractic adjustment before doing any exercise and massage therapy before any serious exercise of any sort will help to warm up your muscles.
Making sure that you maintain good posture can help you prevent a pulled muscle. Lift things using your legs, not your back, and never twist when lifting. Take precautions to avoid falls, like using handrails when going up or down stairs.
Treating a pulled muscle
If, in spite of your efforts, you do get a pulled muscle, put ice on it immediately. Call your chiropractor and make an appointment to get treatment before the pain gets any worse. Many chiropractic treatments can help to accelerate your recovery and get you back to health quickly.
Contact us today
When you have concerns about a pulled muscle, Dr. Wilson of Kosak Chiropractic in Fairfield, CA offers a variety of treatments that can help to treat your pulled muscle. Give our office a call at (707) 426-1111.