Step One: Apply an Ice Pack
Before anything else is done, it is very important that the injured person take the time to rest for a few minutes while applying an ice pack to the area. The limb that is affected should be elevated using pillows. This will improve blood flow and help reduce any shock of the injury. A good way to tell if the injury has been iced for long enough …show more content…
This is important because more blood flow means extra healing nutrition and oxygen to the injury. The body reacts to control the heat, and in doing so, it helps lower inflammation and pain.
Menthol
This compound comes from plants in the mint family that produce it as a deterrent to keep insects and animals from attacking the leaves. Humans find the odor of menthol quite pleasant, but most bugs and wildlife don't. Menthol acts as a counter-irritant to cause a cooling sensation to occur even though the temperature of the body hasn't changed. Menthol is very soothing to injuries.
Step Three: Wrap the Muscle Injury
An elastic wrap should be comfortably positioned around the injury. It will help support the muscle, so it won't be injured any further. Don't put it on too tightly, or it will decrease blood flow though.
Step Four: Begin Gentle Exercises
Gentle stretches will release any built up lactic acid that is in the injured muscle, which will improve the healing time. Be sure to check with your doctor first before beginning any exercises though. The torn muscle has to be healed some before this step gets