3 Ways to Treat a Pulled Ligament in the Chest
A common treatment strategy for pulled ligaments is known as RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.
A common treatment strategy for pulled ligaments is known as RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Rest: if you become injured and you need to treat a pulled ligament in the chest, the most important thing is rest, rest and more rest. This is very difficult since you use your chest muscle in all types of daily activities. That's all the more reason to stop lifting and straining with your chest muscles. Try asking for help when you need to lift things. Refrain from weight training. Limit aerobic exercise since most types like running, biking and swimming call on your chest muscles which will aggravate the pulled ligament in your chest.
Ice: apply an ice pack to your pulled ligament in your chest 15 minutes of every hour for several hours to reduce the swelling. Make sure to put a thick cloth around the ice so it does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Compression: A simple compression wrap around your chest can provide support and help to minimize swelling which will decrease pain. Use a four-inch-wide wrap, and have a friend help wrap it tightly and evenly around your chest muscle.
Elevation: Normally, you want to elevate the uninjured area so the blood flow is minimized thus reducing swelling. This can be tricky for a pulled ligament in your chest muscle. Try lying on the uninjured side with the strained chest muscle higher than your other chest muscle.
A common treatment strategy for pulled ligaments is known as RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Rest: if you become injured and you need to treat a pulled ligament in the chest, the most important thing is rest, rest and more rest. This is very difficult since you use your chest muscle in all types of daily activities. That's all the more reason to stop lifting and straining with your chest muscles. Try asking for help when you need to lift things. Refrain from weight training. Limit aerobic exercise since most types like running, biking and swimming call on your chest muscles which will aggravate the pulled ligament in your chest.
Ice: apply an ice pack to your pulled ligament in your chest 15 minutes of every hour for several hours to reduce the swelling. Make sure to put a thick cloth around the ice so it does not come into direct contact with the skin.
Compression: A simple compression wrap around your chest can provide support and help to minimize swelling which will decrease pain. Use a four-inch-wide wrap, and have a friend help wrap it tightly and evenly around your chest muscle.
Elevation: Normally, you want to elevate the uninjured area so the blood flow is minimized thus reducing swelling. This can be tricky for a pulled ligament in your chest muscle. Try lying on the uninjured side with the strained chest muscle higher than your other chest muscle.