what is the best solution for helping a strained muscle feel better, hot compresses or cold ones?
150440
depends on how old the injury is -- in the first day or two, ice is recommended to reduce swelling and ease pain; after that, heat is recommended to increase blood flow and loosen any tightness.
549146
Like most recent athletic injuries, the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate) method of treatment, in the early stages, is most beneficial. Rest from the activity which caused the muscle strain allows for healing to occur. Immediately following the muscle strain, ice should be applied over the painful area for 10-15 min. Periodic icing (2-3 times per day) will help to control swelling and reduce pain. Heat should not be applied to the area during the first 3-4 days since this may increase swelling and bleeding within the muscle. An elastic wrap or compressive stocking may be applied to the area to assist with swelling control. If the compressive device causes increased discomfort or "pins and needles" in any part of your leg, its probably too tight. Lying down periodically with your leg elevated allows gravity to assist with your effort to control the swelling. \nThough some experts believe early stretching to be valuable, caution should be taken early on to avoid aggressive stretching (stretching beyond the point of mild discomfort) which may hinder healing. Gentle stretching and light resistive exercise during the first few days, will help to properly align the healing muscle tissue. Following exercise, the application of ice while maintaining a stretch, not only helps to control swelling, but also helps the muscle to maintain flexibility Within a pain-free range, walking, biking, and a chair/stool pull may be implemented during the first few days. Progress these exercises, using pain during or after activity as your guide, to running, sprinting, jumping, and full athletic competition. When beginning more advanced activities such as running, avoid quick starts and stops or other ballistic movements which can cause re-injury Remember to properly warm-up and stretch before participating in athletics, and then conclude with a good stretch The most effective stretching occurs when the muscle is warm from exercise and when the stretch is held for long duration (min 30 sec.).
376754
Massage the areas that are in pain, and apply heat. Whatever you do, do NOT apply cold or the muscles will tighten there and cause even graeter pain. A relaxing bath may help, as well as normal exercise. Hope it helps!
885200
This could actually be referred pain.Pain resulting from an underlying cause elsewhere.\nBest things to do to try to alleviate these pains(after a brief but thorough warm up) are neck rolling front to back and reverse,clasp something up high and gently and slowly support your own weight while stretching your back.Exhale slightly every time you stretch a little more.Straddle stretch while turning one side then the other reaching for your toes with the opposite hand.Sit on the floor with your legs spread,slowly lean forward then to either side.NEVER bounce when you stretch as this activates the myotatic reflex and can tighten the tear the muscle.\nTry taking hot baths and ibuprofen(not Tylenol) as an anti inflammatory.
868511
Before and after is fine if you are doing just normal static stretching (holding it in one place).  If you are doing more advanced stretching you need to be properly warmed up first.\n\nStretching "cold" muscles will not lead to long term gains in flexibility, rather it will lend temporary flexibility in the muscles which may help prevent some injuries.
413462
Drink PLENTY of water.  Warm up before and stretch after.  It takes a while to get over a pulled muscle.  I pulled a quad one fall, would think it's OK and then re-aggravate it every time I'd start to run.
609001
hot packs and keep hands warm in gloves, and i know this will hurt, but try to move them as much as you can to keep the circulation moving. not much help i know but the best i can do for you.
31849
First you have to warm up with a little of cardio like jumping jacks or running because the muscles are still stiff and you need to "warm them up".  This prevents strains.  Well, then after that you can stretch.
187544
Just put cold water on and then apply some butter. The same as you would do today to relieve immediate pain.
640870
Sore muscles are caused by lactic acid, which builds up in your muscles naturally, and causes the burn you often feel when lifting weights or are exhausted from a soccer match. When you warm up your muscles, the increased blood flow can remove some of the lactic acid, and make your muscles feel better. To further get rid of lactic acid, try stretching, eating bananas, or drinking tonic water (gin optional). \n(the quinine in tonic water breaks down lactic acid)
267645
whenever i get a leg cramp. if i stretch it out, it tends to feel better. if that doesn't work, try something to make you body relax, aspirin, warm milk, you get the idea.
950347
try stretching and doing some hot and cold treatments on it... do like 30 min cold and up to 5 min hott and repeat that like 5 times and wait a bit and then do it again... and stretch in between.... that should get your muscles to relax....and also if you can get them massaged or something like that... that will also help your muscles to relax.... ill swear by it!!
444692
In order to increase your flexibility you must stretch frequently.  (And never stretch a muscle when it is 'cold'  do a light warm-up first)  Try yoga.
824422
You've not told us where the pain is or what kind it is, so I'm going to guess maybe it's muscle pain or injury type pain.  If so, ice packs really help.  They slow down the injured nerve endings sending the signals to the brain which in turn makes you think you aren't hurting so bad.  I use ice all the time for my back, which was badly injured in a wreck.  Also, I know you wouldn't think this would work, but it really does, at least for a bit.  You need to close your eyes, and focus on exactly where the pain is.  Say it is in your hand.  Well focus hard on right where the pain is in your hand, and you actually will get some relief, albeit temporary.
1174372
Awww you poor thing\n\nhas anyone suggested physiotherapy to you?\nIts the most effective way of easing the pain but it's not the answer.\n\nAnti-inflammitorys don't work i know cos ive tried them all-- what about accupuncture-- it's been tried and tested and proved to work\n\nOther than change of lifestyle swimming is very good for the muscles\ni cant think of anything else sorry if this doesn't help
926501
If the 3 rolls aren't huge....exercise, exercise, exercise.  I have found that stretching exercises are the easiest and most effective with quick results.  Yoga exercises are great.   Make sure not to push too far though at the beginning.   Take hot salt (1/2 hr) bath soaks  after exercising and push through the stiffness the next couple of days to carry on.   Once the initial muscle stiffness is out of the way, the rest is a breeze.   Good luck.
304366
try ice or heat and very little movement until muscle heals then do a little at a time until it is fully healed...