Overexertion and injuries can often result in muscle strains — pain that often limits mobility and may be a sign of a more serious tear. StayFIT Physical Therapy, located in Aiea and Kapolei, helps patients who have experienced muscle and joint sprains, as well as those who have had reconstruction on their hips and knees. Their physical therapy helps patients return to their full physical potential and improve their overall quality of life.

If a muscle has popped and you’re having intense pain, seek out emergency medical assistance. If you’re experiencing manageable muscle strains, there are things you can do to help ease the pain and restore the muscle. These include:

• Protect The Muscle: If it’s a muscle in your arm, use a sling to keep movement minimal. For other areas, use bandages to wrap and protect the muscle.
• Rest: Don’t use the muscles for a few days — allow it to relax and rejuvenate itself. Muscles can effectively heal themselves if given the proper treatment.
• Ice Often: You should ice the muscle frequently for the first two or three days. Aim for 10 minutes every hour.
• Compression: Use bandages to keep the muscle under wraps and compressed. Avoid wrapping it too tightly so as to not cut off circulation.
• Elevate: Keep the muscle elevated. This will result in better blood flow and promote faster healing time for muscle strains.
• Medication: You can take over-the-counter medication to help ease the pain of muscle strains. It’ll help reduce the inflammation.
• Seek Further Help: If you are experiencing a high volume of pain — even after a few days — you may have a significant tear that may need medical attention. Contact your doctor to examine the muscle more closely.

Physical therapy can also assist if you’ve experienced severe muscle tears, helping to build up their strength and return to their full functionality. If you’re seeking a physical therapist in Aiea or Kapolei for your muscle strains, contact the professionals at StayFIT Physical Therapy LLC. More information about their services can be found on their website or by calling (808) 487-0487 to speak with a staff member in Aiea or for the Kapolei location call (808) 674-0500. They can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.