Q&A: Pulled arm muscle treatment

Question:
Ace bandage on pulled arm muscle?
will it help? im using a heating pad and ice.

Answer:
Provided that the injury is a simple strain, don't apply heat just yet. Applying heat now will only increase inflammation. Just remember P.R.I.C.E. (protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate).

Get a damp bandage (ACE wrap) and wrap it around your shoulder. Mold a loose ice bag around your shoulder for 15-25 minutes or until you feel numbness, pain or uncomfortable from the cold. Do this 3-5 times a day with 2+ hours in between within 72 hours of injury. The use of ibuprofen or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID)can help the symptoms (eg: increased temperature, redness, pain, swelling).

When you're completely healed, then you usually apply heat before exercise. You may also use the ace bandage to support the arm with the injured muscle.