Heat or cold for a pulled muscle

1MoreRep

MuscleChemistry Registered Member

• Jul 1, 2013

• #1

Whats the best for a pulled or maybe just sore muscle? Heat or cold packs?

 

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csuperman

member

• Jul 1, 2013

• #2

cold will help with swelling first then you can do heat

 

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mikeswift

New member

• Jul 1, 2013

• #3

Agreed. If it's within the last couple of hours, ice it down for 20 minutes on/20 minutes off. I wouldn't put heat on it unless you've seen a professional. Check your insurance, a lot of states and insurance companies now allow you to see a Physical Therapist without seeing a Doctor first.

 

MonkeyWrench

MuscleChemistry Registered Member

• Jul 1, 2013

• #4

Ice it down first, well as soon as it happens, if possible, causes a vasoconstriction delaying the histamines from causing swelling and fluid build up, after 30-45min, put the heat to it to cause vasodilation to bring in more blood and start repairs and increase blood flow.

 

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MuscleFreak1021

New member

• Jul 1, 2013

• #5

Both! Alternate them 30 minutes each. If you have some Ibuprofen that will help as well.