Recovering from pulled/strained muscle

[MarshaBrady1968]

Originally Posted by Maddog411

On July 4th, I apparently strained/pulled a muscle in my left side abdomen. If I don't lift anything with my left arm heavier than my wallet for a few days, the pain generally goes away. As soon as I start using my left arm again as part of my normal routine though, I get some pain. I was in so much pain on July 15th I went to the ER, who ran a CT scan and found nothing so they gave me some pain medication and sent me on my way.


Has anyone ever had an experience like that? What else can I do other than wait longer? Do I need to start back in a different way? Just tired of dealing with this. Thanks!

Hi OP! Sorry to hear!

I have had a similar strain, in fact still bothers me from time to time years later, which I believe to be some mal-formation in either my anatomy itself, or my movement
Yes, wait longer- it has only been a month, and you have tried to use it in between, which set you back possibly (you didn't say how you were using it specifically, so I cannot be sure). Also you do not say how old you are, which, I am sad to report, makes a big difference.
Start back with some body weight supported exercises such as mat Pilates. I agree a physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist is best. If you can find someone in your area who does MAT (Muscle Activation Technique) I cannot recommend that enough!
I hate to say it, but start back lighter and slower. When you start lifting - which should not be until PT says so, probably about 6 more weeks- light weights only! Work your way up. Every day, effective immediately, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and since you are so far post injury, you can also add heat. Heat to Ice is usually Ice 10/ Heat 10/ Ice 10.

[Chicago South Sider]

I strained my hamstring while deadlifting a couple of years ago. It took around 2 months to heal. I still was able to deadlift with light weight but it was painful at times.