And while muscle guns are perfect for treating muscle stiffness and soreness, they're not to be used on pulled muscles. The best thing you can do is give the muscle plenty of RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation – and let nature take its course.
Rather, there are some specific scenarios where massage guns should not be utilized on the body. Percussion massage in El Segundo should be avoided when a patient is dealing with a muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle. This type of injury occurs when a muscle is stretched past its normal range of motion.
Do not use a massage gun: If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, iron deficiency, kidney disease, blood clotting disease, or any other condition that may make it easier to damage your cells.
It's important to note that you should never massage a strained muscle that hasn't been given 72 hours to rest. Massaging a freshly-strained muscle can actually increase inflammation and even cause further injury, so be sure to wait at least three days before attempting any massage therapy.
Massage guns can ease muscle tension in the low back by gently working out kinks or tight spots in back muscles that may be contributing to tightness or pain. Better circulation. The pressure and vibrations of a massage gun can bring blood flow and healing nutrients to the low back.
Head and neck: You should avoid using a massage gun on your head and neck as the pressure can be too intense and cause damage to the delicate structures in these areas. Varicose veins: If you have varicose veins, using a massage gun can cause the veins to rupture, leading to bleeding and bruising.
Massage therapy can provide substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back problems. Specifically, for pain caused by a back strain, when the correct muscle is targeted, the pain can be controlled at its source—for quicker and lasting relief.
Gentle stretching to the area can be beneficial, but the key is to keep it gentle. Avoid any prolonged sitting, bending, heavy lifting, twisting, or driving - all of which can make the pain worse. Giving the area of pain a rest, at least for the next 24 hours, will most likely be beneficial.
An acute injury is a sudden, sharp, traumatic injury that causes pain. Typically the result of an impact or trauma such as a fall, strain, sprain or collision. Massage shouldn't be performed on the injured site because it encourages circulation and can increase swelling during the body's initial response to injury.
'Massage guns provide targeted deep tissue massage through rapid and repetitive pulsating movements,' says Carlos Cobiella, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at The Shoulder Practice. 'These movements penetrate deep into the muscles to aid and accelerate muscle recovery by reducing muscle soreness and stiffness.
If you're looking to lose fat, it's important to focus on sustainable lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management. While massage guns may be helpful for muscle recovery and relaxation, they are not a solution for fat loss on their own.
Do wait three days to a week after the injury, depending on severity and symptoms, to begin stretching. Using pain as a guide; if you feel sharp pain in the injured area, it means it is too early to start stretching. Do wait until the inflammation mostly goes away before the first stretch.
After exercise, or anytime you feel stiffness or aching in the hamstrings, a massage gun can quickly ease tension, increase movement and play a big role in preventing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).
How long does a pulled muscle take to heal? If you only have a minor (grade I) muscle strain, it should heal within a few weeks. Moderate (grade II) muscle strains may take several weeks to months to heal completely.
Key Differences Between Torn and Pulled Muscles
In contrast, strained muscles typically represent mild to moderate overstretching without complete tearing. Symptoms: Torn muscles often present with sudden, intense pain, swelling, and bruising, and may include a 'popping' sensation at the site of injury.
Even with mild strains, it's important not to overdo it. Swimming, walking, and stretching are good activities to begin with, increasing intensity gradually. Moderate to severe strains require a longer recovery period.
Unless otherwise indicated by a physician, you should avoid using heat on the injured area to prevent tissue damage and promote healing. You should also avoid stretching or massaging the injured area, which could worsen the tear.
After an acute injury, ice should be used to minimize swelling for the first two to three days. After this period, heat can be used to increase blood flow and assist the natural healing process. Applying heat too early may cause additional swelling by increasing blood flow to the injury.
Exercises that target your back and core can help with your pulled back muscles. Even something as simple as starting a walking routine for 15-30 minutes a day can be beneficial. If you're not sure where to start, talk with your physical therapist about how to begin a fitness routine.
Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle.
Acute low back pain: Choose ice first, then heat.
Ice can also reduce muscle spasms. Inflammation only occurs for a short time after the event that caused the back pain, and ice is most useful during that initial inflammatory period. After the initial inflammatory phase is over, heat is the better option.