Symptoms of a pulled biceps muscle
- pain, tenderness and swelling
- stiffness of the arm, or an acutely tight bicep sensation
- muscle inflammation and difficulty with arm mobility
- redness or bruising of the injury, because of small blood vessels that are strained
Conventional remedies for pulled muscles
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) technique
Initial treatment after a strained muscle is ice therapy for 20 to 30 minutes, every two or three hours, for three days. If symptoms do not subside visit a physician for diagnostic exams.
- Arnica cream
Commonly used for acute muscle pulls is topical arnica. This homeopathic remedy comes in ointment, cream, tincture and liniment form. It absorbs quickly and is safe when applied according to the application instructions. Arnica is a perennial plant with natural anti-inflammatory and pain reducing qualities. It is conventional treatment for bruising, throbbing alleviation and to reduce muscle discomfort. It also helps stimulate blood circulation to expedite self-healing and prevent fluid buildup in the joints.
Never ingest arnica internally without a physician’s prescription, because of its severe side effects.
- Massage and Heat
When used 24 hours after a muscle strain, massage and heat therapy can help relieve pain and improve range-of-motion (ROM). Gently massage muscle tissue around the strain every 15 to 20 minutes for several hours. Massaging prevents fluid accumulation and may reduce inflammation.
After massaging apply a moist heat pack, hot water bottle or warm, damp towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Apply heat prior to physical activity, because it prepares the muscles for pressure. Discontinue heat therapy if swelling increases and consult a physician.
- Immobilization
Movement is painful so immobilizing a pulled tendon helps provide pain relief in some instances strengthening for bearing weight or pressure, like walking or typing. A personalized compression wrap or brace supports both the injured anatomy and tendon to quickly minimize swelling. A splint, sling, or crutches can slacken tendon strain when mobile, depending upon the injury location.
- Drug therapy
Over-the-counter pain medications simultaneously with ice therapy is a common pain remedy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen are relative to medicinal treatments for tendonitis.
- Rehab exercises
Following tendon strain and a rest period, expect the muscle and tendon tissue stiffer and weaker than normal. To regain fitness without re-injuring the tendon, intensify rehab exercises gradually. Slowly perform ROM, immediately after swelling subsides. Gradually resuming activity after a rest period helps restore flexibility and strength to the tendon, before it performs strenuous movements.
