What is muscle strain?

Condition analysis: 
When musclular or tendinous tissue is stretched and torn an inflammatory response is triggered. The complex of damage and response is called a strain. They can occur as a result of one severe trauma, usually when a contracted muscle is forcefully stretched, or from a series of very small, even microscopic tears.

They can occur:
-- in a muscle belly (common in hamstrings, abdominals)
-- at a musculo-tendinous junction (e.g. gastrocnemius)
-- in a tendon (e.g. supraspinatus)
-- at a tendino-periosteal junction (eg. adductor longus)

They are usually acute and, because muscle tissue is well supplied with blood, heal well.

A mild strain (grade I) will be painful on momvement but there will be little or no loss of strength. A more severe strain (grade II) will cause a loss of strength and mobility. The most severe strains (grade III) involve a complete rupture of a tendon. These cases present with obvious deformity and usually require surgical repair.

Instructions:
3. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress (after the first 24 hours) is another effective way to get relief from a pulled muscle. A warm compress helps relax the muscle, which decreases muscle spasms and stiffness in the ligaments and tendons. This in turn leads to reduced swelling and inflammation.

-- Soak a towel in hot water. Squeeze out the excess water.
-- Put the warm, moist towel over the affected area for 10 minutes at a time.
-- Repeat the process several times a day for two to three days.

A warm shower or bath will also help a lot to relax the pulled muscle.
Note: Avoid using a heating pad as dry heat can aggravate the pain.