How Muscles Work Muscle contractions depend on the muscle cells trading Potassium (K⁺) and Calcium (Ca⁺⁺). As your muscle uses up energy to do work, the by-product is Lactic Acid. Muscle fibers are “woven” together - kinda like fabric. Contracting and relaxing a muscle causes the fibers to grip together and then spread back out. Bilateral muscles = symmetrical muscles. They look the same on each side of your body and worktogether to move your body in both directions from your center (left and right). Stretching a muscle causes the muscle fibers to extend. Over-extending a muscle can lead to a strain or pull/torn muscle. Inflammation happens in the tiny fibers of your injured muscle. Anti-inflammatory medications work great for strained muscles. R.I.C.E. Here’s a link with a concise explanation of when to use ice vs when to use heat. Prescription steroids help relieve inflammation. Prescription muscle relaxers keep the muscle from knotting up. @_KevinBuchanan used 800 mg ibuprofen for his injury. 800 mg should be taken every 8-12 hours, no sooner, or GI side effects may occur. 1. Stop the offending activity. 2. Ice the injured muscle (24-72 hours after injury) 3. Take anti-inflammatory pain relievers. 4. Apply heat to keep muscle relaxed 5. Gentle use or stretches Here’s the 32 lb toddler that likes to ride in the “backpack” (which is actually a woven wrap by Form by Pavo Textiles and is called Fruit Stripes).
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
Rest: stop using it, or at least give it a little break with only light use
Ice: yep, that cold, frozen water stuff
Compression: for smaller muscles, they can be wrapped to help limit inflammation and hold muscle fibers in a inoffensive position.
Elevation: smaller muscles that can be affected by gravity pulling blood to it, can benefit from being elevated and allowing gravity to pull blood away from it for a short time.
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