If you’re injured while exercising or playing a sport, you may not be able to get to the doctor or the physical therapist right away. When this happens, your main goal should be to treat your muscle pain in a way that will reduce inflammation, minimize tissue damage and decrease your pain. There are several methods for doing so, and many can be recommended by a Chicago chiropractor. Here are a few tips on how to treat your muscle pain at home, and reduce your discomfort until you’re able to see the doctor.
Ice Pack
Place an ice pack on the affected area until you’re able to get to a Chicago chiropractor. You don’t want to leave it on too long, but apply it in 15 to 20 minute intervals. This will numb the pain, and help you to concentrate on other things while you wait to be seen by a professional. If you don’t have a traditional ice pack, you can always use ice wrapped in a towel or a bag of frozen peas.
Hot Patch
Icy hot patches are also good for treating certain types of muscle pain. You can purchase these in a drugstore, or ask your Chicago chiropractor for the best place to find them. The patch can be worn directly on the affected area, and should relieve the pain for a few hours. Depending on the severity of your sprain or strain, you may find that you have to remove this after an hour or so, and apply a new one. Some patches are stronger than others, so be sure to inquire about this before you purchase one.
Warm Bath
A warm bath can be a great help when it comes to muscle pain. You should make the water hot, but not uncomfortable. Soak in the water for 5-10 minutes, and then take a break and apply an ice pack or cold shower to the affected area. You can do this process of heat followed by cold just once, or several sets of heat/cold. You can also add Epsom salt to the water for additional benefit.
Ask your Chicago chiropractor for more tips on how to relieve muscle pain at home. They can suggest other methods including topical anti-inflammatory & pain-relieving creams.
