We all have experienced the discomfort caused by pulled muscles, whether during playing sports or performing daily life activities. A pulled muscle is not only extremely painful, but it also limits your mobility until you are completely healed. That’s why everyone wants to recover from it as soon as possible.
A percussive massage is often used to treat muscle-related problems such as soreness and spasms. You may be wondering, “is a massage gun also useful in treating pulled muscles?” Keep reading to learn the answer to this question and more about pulled muscles.
What is a muscle strain?
A pulled muscle, also known as muscle strain, is a painful condition that occurs when your muscles overstretch or tear. This stretching or tearing can be caused by an accident, extreme use of a muscle, or inappropriately using a muscle. They are very common in sports and exercise, as the use of muscles is extreme in such activities. However, sometimes they can happen during normal life activities like lifting something heavy or bending the wrong way.
Any muscle in your body can be pulled or torn. The most affected areas are the lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring, where a strained muscle is often experienced. Muscle strains are uncomfortable and can limit the mobility of the affected area. Mild to moderate strains can recover on their own or with the use of at-home treatment. Severe strains may require medical attention.
What are the causes of pulled muscles?
Muscle strain can happen if...
-
Muscles are not flexible enough
-
Muscles are not warmed up enough before doing physical activity
-
Muscles are fatigued and overexerted
-
Sometimes, muscle strains can even happen by just walking
If muscle pulls happen suddenly without warning, they are called acute muscle strains. They are usually caused by injuries, trauma, or accident. Chronic muscle strains usually occur from repetitive movements like playing sports or poor posture.
What are the symptoms of pulled muscles?
Muscle strains or pulled muscles may cause many uncomfortable symptoms, including:
-
Bruising, redness, or swelling of the affected muscles
-
Muscle cramps and soreness
-
Weakness and stiffness of the affected muscles
-
Limited mobility of the affected muscle
-
Muscle pain, even in the resting condition
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can also be a symptom of pulled muscles, often occurring after unfamiliar physical activities.
The symptoms of mild to moderate muscle strains usually disappear within a few weeks. However, a month of healing may be required for severe strains.
Is massage helpful for muscle recovery?
The answer is yes. Massage can be helpful for pulled muscles as it helps increase blood circulation by dilating blood vessels, thereby speeding up the healing process. However, it is important not to apply direct force to the affected area. Just try to manipulate the surrounding tissues. A professional therapist is the best person to give a safe manual massage for pulled muscles.
It is recommended to first consult with a doctor before using any massage therapy. If your doctor gives you a go-head for massage, don’t rush to your massage gun and start massaging on your own. Instead, you should hire a professional massage therapist with skills and knowledge on how to massage your muscles without any further harm to your injury.
Can I use a massage gun for pulled muscles?
Using a massage gun on a pulled muscle can be beneficial, but it’s essential to exercise caution. A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, occurs when the muscle fibers are stretched or torn beyond their normal capacity. Massage guns can help alleviate muscle soreness and improve blood flow, which can aid in the recovery process. However, it’s crucial to start with low intensity and gradually increase as needed to avoid further aggravating the injury. Always listen to your body and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.
Benefits of Using a Massage Gun for Muscle Strains
Using a massage gun for muscle strains can have several benefits, including:
-
Reduced muscle soreness: Massage guns can help alleviate muscle soreness and pain associated with muscle strains.
-
Improved blood flow: Percussive therapy can increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
-
Reduced muscle tension: Massage guns can help relax muscle tension and reduce muscle spasms.
-
Improved range of motion: Regular use of a massage gun can improve range of motion and reduce stiffness.
These benefits make massage guns a valuable tool in managing muscle strains and enhancing overall muscle recovery.
How Massage Guns Work
Massage guns work by using percussive therapy to target deep tissue and promote muscle recovery. The device uses rapid vibrations and targeted percussions to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and break up muscle knots. The massage gun’s attachments can be used on various muscle groups throughout the body, making it a versatile tool for muscle recovery. By delivering quick, repetitive pulses, massage guns help to relax tight muscles and improve overall muscle function.
Safety Considerations
When using a massage gun, it’s essential to consider the following safety precautions:
-
Start with low intensity: Begin with low intensity and gradually increase as needed to avoid further aggravating the injury.
-
Avoid sensitive areas: Avoid targeting joints, bones, and sensitive areas, such as the neck and head.
-
Use proper technique: Use proper technique when using a massage gun, moving the device slowly across the muscle and avoiding direct pressure on the affected area.
-
Consult a healthcare professional: If you have a severe muscle strain or underlying medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before using a massage gun.
By following these safety tips, you can effectively use a massage gun to aid in muscle recovery without causing additional harm.
Alternative Treatments for Pulled Muscles
In addition to using a massage gun, there are several alternative treatments for pulled muscles, including:
-
Rest and ice: Resting the affected muscle and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and pain.
-
Compression: Using compression bandages or wraps can help reduce swelling and provide support to the affected muscle.
-
Elevation: Elevating the affected area can help reduce swelling and promote blood flow.
-
Physical therapy: Consulting a physical therapist can help you develop a personalized exercise program to promote muscle recovery and prevent future injuries.
-
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
These alternative treatments can complement the use of a massage gun and provide a comprehensive approach to managing and recovering from pulled muscles.
Can I use a massage gun for percussive therapy?
No, the use of a for pulled muscles is not recommended. A massage gun is undoubtedly a very helpful tool for relaxing sore and tired muscles. However, there are certain conditions for which they should not be used. A pulled muscle is one of them. The application of a massage gun or any type of direct force on the strained muscles can causes pain, cause more damage, and prolong healing time. In the worst scenario, the use of a massage gun can lead to calcification and bleeding of the pulled muscles. If you want to use massage for muscle strains, it should only be done by a professional massage therapist.
Zarifa USA products are HSA and FSA eligible. This means you can contribute your health savings funds towards the purchase of any of our products!
