{"id":95582,"date":"2026-11-04T19:36:24","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T08:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/?p=95582"},"modified":"2026-11-04T19:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T08:36:24","slug":"pulled-muscle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/","title":{"rendered":"Pulled Muscle: When to Get a Massage and When to Wait"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-137013 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/getblys.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/pulled-muscle-blys-hero.png\" alt=\"Sports massage for a pulled muscle, showing a massage therapist working oil into a tight leg muscle at home\" width=\"1100\" height=\"764\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled muscle is a strain, meaning a muscle stretched too far or slightly torn, and the best time for massage for pulled muscle pain is after the first few days, once walking feels comfortable again. A fresh injury needs rest and sometimes a medical check, not a rub. Rubbing a fresh strain is like sanding wet paint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking to the car is the hard part when your hamstring says no, so it helps that a local therapist can bring<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/services\/sports\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sports massage sessions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a physiotherapist to your home once the early stage has passed.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #100249;color:#100249\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #100249;color:#100249\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_Is_a_Pulled_Muscle\" >What Is a Pulled Muscle?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_Is_a_Muscle_Strain\" >What Is a Muscle Strain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Strain_Grades_in_Plain_Terms\" >Strain Grades in Plain Terms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_Does_a_Pulled_Muscle_Feel_Like\" >What Does a Pulled Muscle Feel Like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Pulled_Hamstring_and_Pulled_Calf_Common_Examples\" >Pulled Hamstring and Pulled Calf: Common Examples<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Pulled_Hamstring_What_Happens\" >Pulled Hamstring: What Happens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Pulled_Calf_What_Happens\" >Pulled Calf: What Happens<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Pulled_Hamstring_vs_Tight_Hamstrings\" >Pulled Hamstring vs Tight Hamstrings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Red_Flags_When_a_Pulled_Muscle_Needs_a_Medical_Check\" >Red Flags: When a Pulled Muscle Needs a Medical Check<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Call_000_for_These_Signs\" >Call 000 for These Signs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#See_a_Doctor_or_Physiotherapist_Now_for_These_Signs\" >See a Doctor or Physiotherapist Now for These Signs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_This_Page_Is_and_Isnt\" >What This Page Is and Isn&#8217;t<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Massage_for_Pulled_Muscle_Recovery_A_Timing_Guide\" >Massage for Pulled Muscle Recovery: A Timing Guide<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#The_First_Few_Days_Wait\" >The First Few Days: Wait<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#The_Recovery_Stage_When_Massage_Can_Help\" >The Recovery Stage: When Massage Can Help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Back_to_Training_Sports_Massage\" >Back to Training: Sports Massage<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Green_Amber_and_Red_Light\" >Green, Amber and Red Light<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#How_Massage_Helps_a_Strained_Muscle\" >How Massage Helps a Strained Muscle<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Can_Massage_Help_a_Pulled_Muscle\" >Can Massage Help a Pulled Muscle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Sports_Massage_for_Returning_to_Training\" >Sports Massage for Returning to Training<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Hamstring_Massage_After_a_Strain_What_Gets_Worked_On\" >Hamstring Massage After a Strain: What Gets Worked On<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Massage_for_Tight_Hamstrings\" >Massage for Tight Hamstrings<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_Happens_in_a_Massage_for_Pulled_Muscle_Pain\" >What Happens in a Massage for Pulled Muscle Pain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Before_the_Session_The_Conversation\" >Before the Session: The Conversation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#During_the_Session_Positions_and_Pressure\" >During the Session: Positions and Pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#After_the_Session_What_to_Do_Next\" >After the Session: What to Do Next<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#How_Often_Do_People_Arrange_Massage_After_a_Strain\" >How Often Do People Arrange Massage After a Strain?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#When_to_See_a_Physio_for_a_Pulled_Muscle\" >When to See a Physio for a Pulled Muscle<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Signs_You_Need_a_Physiotherapist\" >Signs You Need a Physiotherapist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_a_Physiotherapist_Does\" >What a Physiotherapist Does<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Stretches_Load_and_Warm-Up_Between_Sessions\" >Stretches, Load and Warm-Up Between Sessions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Gentle_Movement_as_Pain_Settles\" >Gentle Movement as Pain Settles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Warm-Up_and_Build-Up\" >Warm-Up and Build-Up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Stretching_Without_Overdoing_It\" >Stretching Without Overdoing It<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Arranging_Sports_Massage_or_Physio_at_Home_With_Blys\" >Arranging Sports Massage or Physio at Home With Blys<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Why_Home_Works_When_Walking_Is_Sore\" >Why Home Works When Walking Is Sore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_to_Expect_When_Your_Provider_Arrives\" >What to Expect When Your Provider Arrives<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#What_to_Put_in_Your_Booking_Notes\" >What to Put in Your Booking Notes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Pulled_Muscle_FAQs\" >Pulled Muscle FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Can_you_massage_a_pulled_muscle_straight_away\" >Can you massage a pulled muscle straight away?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#How_long_does_a_pulled_hamstring_take_to_recover\" >How long does a pulled hamstring take to recover?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Should_I_use_heat_or_ice_on_a_pulled_muscle\" >Should I use heat or ice on a pulled muscle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Is_it_okay_to_stretch_a_pulled_muscle\" >Is it okay to stretch a pulled muscle?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Whats_the_difference_between_a_strain_and_a_sprain\" >What&#8217;s the difference between a strain and a sprain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Can_I_walk_on_a_pulled_hamstring\" >Can I walk on a pulled hamstring?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/pulled-muscle\/#Arrange_a_Recovery_Session_Before_Your_Next_Run\" >Arrange a Recovery Session Before Your Next Run<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Pulled_Muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Pulled Muscle?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled muscle is a muscle that tried a surprise sprint without a warm-up, and it wants an apology, not a massage. The medical word is a strain, and it ranges from a mild tweak you can walk off to a serious tear that needs a doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Muscle_Strain\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Muscle Strain?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A muscle strain happens when a muscle, or the tendon that joins it to the bone, stretches past what it can handle and some of the fibres tear. It usually happens during a sprint, a kick, a heavy lift or a sudden stretch, and it often hits muscles that cross two joints, like the hamstrings and calves. A strain isn&#8217;t the same as a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strain_Grades_in_Plain_Terms\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strain Grades in Plain Terms<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctors and physiotherapists group strains into three grades, and the table shows the plain-English version. Only a doctor or physiotherapist can grade yours.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In plain terms<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it often feels like<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next step<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade 1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A mild strain, with a few fibres overstretched<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tight and sore, you can walk, and it hurts a little when you use the muscle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rest, and ask a doctor or physiotherapist if unsure<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A partial tear<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharper pain, some swelling or bruising, a limp and less strength<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a doctor or physiotherapist<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grade 3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A severe tear, sometimes a complete one<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden pain, often a pop, big swelling and bruising, you can&#8217;t walk or use the muscle<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a doctor now<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_a_Pulled_Muscle_Feel_Like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a Pulled Muscle Feel Like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled muscle usually feels like a sudden sharp pain or a deep, tight ache in the muscle, and it often happens mid-activity, when you stop mid-stride or feel something go. It can be sore to touch, stiff to stretch and weak when you use it. Bruising can show up a day or two later, and it can sit lower than the injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pulled_Hamstring_and_Pulled_Calf_Common_Examples\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled Hamstring and Pulled Calf: Common Examples<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The hamstrings at the back of the thigh and the calves are the two muscles that get pulled most often, and they show how the same injury looks in different places.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pulled_Hamstring_What_Happens\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled Hamstring: What Happens<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled hamstring usually happens during a sprint, a kick, a stretch or a heavy lift, and you feel a sudden pain at the back of the thigh. Pulled hamstrings love a Saturday kick-around or an overconfident sprint for the bus. You may limp, find sitting uncomfortable or see bruising spread down the back of the leg. Runners and sprinters get it often, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/sports-massage-for-runners\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sports massage for runners<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the usual route back once the early stage has passed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pulled_Calf_What_Happens\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled Calf: What Happens<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled calf usually comes from pushing off hard, like a sprint or a jump, and it can feel like a sudden pain or a pop at the back of the lower leg. It can be sore to walk on and to stand on your toes. If your calf is swollen, red or warm, don&#8217;t assume it&#8217;s a strain, because that needs a doctor now, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/tight-calves-calf-cramps\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">tight calves and calf cramps<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a separate problem with their own red flags.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pulled_Hamstring_vs_Tight_Hamstrings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled Hamstring vs Tight Hamstrings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pulled hamstring and tight hamstrings are different problems, and they call for different timing, so hamstring massage after a strain and massage for tight hamstrings aren&#8217;t the same thing. The table sets them side by side.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feature<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled hamstring (strain)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tight hamstrings<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it starts<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suddenly, often mid-activity<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gradually, over days or weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it feels like<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharp pain, sometimes a pop, then soreness<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A stiff, pulling feeling<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swelling or bruising<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Possible<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May be sore or cause a limp<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually fine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait for the early stage to pass<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can help, with your doctor&#8217;s okay<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who to see<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A doctor or physiotherapist<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A therapist, or a physiotherapist if it persists<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Red_Flags_When_a_Pulled_Muscle_Needs_a_Medical_Check\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red Flags: When a Pulled Muscle Needs a Medical Check<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most pulled muscles are mild, but a few signs mean you stop and get medical help first, and this is the part most massage posts skip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Call_000_for_These_Signs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call 000 for These Signs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call 000 if you&#8217;ve hurt your leg badly and it looks out of shape, you can&#8217;t put any weight on it or the foot is cold, pale or numb. Also call if calf pain or swelling comes with chest pain, shortness of breath or feeling faint, because a blood clot is an emergency. Don&#8217;t arrange a massage and don&#8217;t wait it out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"See_a_Doctor_or_Physiotherapist_Now_for_These_Signs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a Doctor or Physiotherapist Now for These Signs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a doctor or physiotherapist before any massage if you felt a sudden pop or tearing, you can&#8217;t walk normally or stand on the leg, or there&#8217;s a lot of swelling or bruising. Also get seen if you can feel a dent or gap in the muscle, have numbness or tingling, or the pain is getting worse, wakes you at night or is sharp at rest. If one calf is swollen, red, warm or painful, see a doctor now, and don&#8217;t massage it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_This_Page_Is_and_Isnt\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What This Page Is and Isn&#8217;t<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This page is general information about pulled muscles and massage, and it isn&#8217;t medical advice. It doesn&#8217;t diagnose or grade your injury, and it doesn&#8217;t promise that massage will speed up recovery. No massage on a fresh injury, and a severe strain needs a medical check, so ask your doctor or physiotherapist before you arrange anything if you have any red flag or any doubt.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Massage_for_Pulled_Muscle_Recovery_A_Timing_Guide\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage for Pulled Muscle Recovery: A Timing Guide<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most posts about massage for pulled muscle recovery skip the timing, and the timing is the whole point. A strain goes through stages, and the right move changes at each one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_First_Few_Days_Wait\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The First Few Days: Wait<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the first few days after a strain, the muscle is raw and sore, and the answer is rest, not massage. Don&#8217;t rub, knead or dig into the area, and don&#8217;t test it by sprinting to the bus. The sofa is a perfectly good treatment room for now, and a doctor or physiotherapist can check anything beyond a mild tweak.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Recovery_Stage_When_Massage_Can_Help\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Recovery Stage: When Massage Can Help<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the first few days have passed, the pain is easing, the swelling has settled and walking feels comfortable, massage around the area can ease the tightness that builds up around a strain. Massage for muscle strain at this stage<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0is gentle, works around the sore spot and builds up slowly, and it&#8217;s a very different job from massage for muscle strain on a fresh injury, which is a no. If the strain was moderate or severe, wait for your doctor&#8217;s or physiotherapist&#8217;s go-ahead first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Back_to_Training_Sports_Massage\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back to Training: Sports Massage<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re moving freely and heading back to training, sports massage can help keep the muscles around the area loose while you build your load back up. Your therapist works from lighter to firmer pressure as the area allows, and you can tell them when to stop, since<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/blog\/benefits-of-sports-massage\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the benefits of sports massage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are about looking after the muscles you rely on, not pushing them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Green_Amber_and_Red_Light\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green, Amber and Red Light<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The table turns the timing into a simple traffic light, and your doctor or physiotherapist has the final say.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Light<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What it looks like<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage?<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fresh injury, sharp pain, swelling, bruising, a limp or you can&#8217;t walk normally<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No massage. Rest, and get a check if it&#8217;s more than a mild tweak<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amber<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain is easing but the spot is still sore to touch, or the bruise is fresh<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait, or ask your doctor or physiotherapist first<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Green<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You walk comfortably, the pain is mild or dull, the swelling is gone and the tightness is around the area<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage around the area can help, building up slowly<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Massage_Helps_a_Strained_Muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Massage Helps a Strained Muscle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage for muscle strain works on the muscles around the injury once the early stage has passed, and it fits best as one part of a plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Massage_Help_a_Pulled_Muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can Massage Help a Pulled Muscle?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage for pulled muscle recovery can ease the tightness around the area once the early stage has passed, and some people feel looser and more comfortable afterwards. It doesn&#8217;t mend the strain, replace rest or a physiotherapist&#8217;s plan, or speed up recovery on its own. If you&#8217;re in the red or amber stage, wait.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sports_Massage_for_Returning_to_Training\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sports Massage for Returning to Training<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/services\/sports\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sports massage sessions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> use firm, specific pressure, and once you&#8217;re back to training they can keep the surrounding muscles loose while you rebuild.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hamstring_Massage_After_a_Strain_What_Gets_Worked_On\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hamstring Massage After a Strain: What Gets Worked On<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hamstring massage works along the back of the thigh, from the sitting bone down toward the knee, and your therapist also looks at the glutes, the calves and the hip flexors, since they all share the load. After a strain, the early work is light and around the sore spot, and it builds up as the area allows. Hamstring massage after a pulled hamstring waits until the early stage has passed, and hamstring massage for a mild tweak still starts light.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Massage_for_Tight_Hamstrings\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage for Tight Hamstrings<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage for tight hamstrings is a different job from massage for muscle strain, because the muscle isn&#8217;t injured, only stiff. It can ease that stiffness, and your therapist can use firmer, slower strokes along the muscle. If you&#8217;re not sure whether it&#8217;s tightness or a strain, ask your doctor or physiotherapist first.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_in_a_Massage_for_Pulled_Muscle_Pain\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Happens in a Massage for Pulled Muscle Pain<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A massage for pulled muscle pain is gentler than a normal sports massage, and it follows a predictable order.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Before_the_Session_The_Conversation\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before the Session: The Conversation<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your therapist asks what happened, when it happened, how it feels now, whether a doctor or physiotherapist has seen it and what you&#8217;re hoping to get back to doing. Say if you&#8217;ve had any red flag signs from the section above. Your answers decide which areas get the most time and how firmly your therapist works.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"During_the_Session_Positions_and_Pressure\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the Session: Positions and Pressure<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You usually lie face down for the hamstring or calf, with a pillow under your ankles or hips so the muscle can relax. Please keep your underwear on and lie under a sheet or a towel, and your therapist uncovers only the area they&#8217;re working on. Expect gentle pressure that builds slowly, never a sharp or frightening pain, and speak up if it&#8217;s too much.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"After_the_Session_What_to_Do_Next\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the Session: What to Do Next<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people feel a little tender the next day, and some feel looser right away. Move gently, keep to your normal routine and tell your therapist, doctor or physiotherapist if the pain gets sharper, the swelling returns or you notice a bruise spreading. An easy walk beats a long sit.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Often_Do_People_Arrange_Massage_After_a_Strain\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Often Do People Arrange Massage After a Strain?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your doctor or physiotherapist and your therapist decide how often makes sense, and it depends on how severe the strain was and what stage you&#8217;re in. On Blys you can set sessions to repeat and ask for the same provider each time, so the person arriving already knows your injury, your progress and what worked last time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_See_a_Physio_for_a_Pulled_Muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to See a Physio for a Pulled Muscle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A physiotherapist grades the strain, builds a recovery plan and tells you when to move on to the next stage, which is the one thing massage can&#8217;t do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_You_Need_a_Physiotherapist\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs You Need a Physiotherapist<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See a physiotherapist if you can&#8217;t walk normally, the pain isn&#8217;t easing after a few days, the same muscle keeps getting pulled or you&#8217;re not sure how bad it is. Also see one if you want a plan for getting back to sport safely.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_a_Physiotherapist_Does\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What a Physiotherapist Does<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A physiotherapist checks the muscle, grades the strain, shows you how to move safely and builds a plan to bring your strength and movement back step by step. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/services\/mobile-physiotherapy\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mobile physiotherapy visit<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one way to get that at home when walking is sore. They can also tell you when massage fits into the plan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stretches_Load_and_Warm-Up_Between_Sessions\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretches, Load and Warm-Up Between Sessions<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Massage can help the muscles around the strain, but what you do between sessions decides how smoothly you get back to normal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gentle_Movement_as_Pain_Settles\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gentle Movement as Pain Settles<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the pain settles, easy walking and gentle movement usually beat complete rest, but the right amount depends on how bad the strain was. Your doctor or physiotherapist can tell you when to start and how far to go, and sharp pain means stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Warm-Up_and_Build-Up\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm-Up and Build-Up<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good warm-up and a gradual build back to full speed give the muscle time to cope with the load. Sprinting at full speed in your first session back is how strains come back, and a physiotherapist can give you a step-by-step plan for the build-up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stretching_Without_Overdoing_It\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching Without Overdoing It<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stretching a freshly pulled muscle hard can make it worse, so wait for your physiotherapist&#8217;s go-ahead before you stretch the injured muscle. Once the strain has settled,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/getblys.com\/us\/services\/mobile-assisted-stretching\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">assisted stretching sessions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have your therapist hold the position while you breathe, which keeps you from overdoing it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arranging_Sports_Massage_or_Physio_at_Home_With_Blys\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arranging Sports Massage or Physio at Home With Blys<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When walking is sore, the last thing you want is a trip to a clinic, and a provider who comes to you fixes that.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Home_Works_When_Walking_Is_Sore\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Home Works When Walking Is Sore<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a strained hamstring or calf makes walking sore, a trip to a clinic means getting in and out of a car, sitting for the ride and walking from the car park, and each of those can hurt. Blys lists sports massage and physiotherapy, so you can arrange the right provider to your home, and hamstring massage at home means you can lie down on your own sofa afterwards. Bookings run from 6 am to midnight, seven days a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Expect_When_Your_Provider_Arrives\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Expect When Your Provider Arrives<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your therapist brings the table, fresh linen, towels and massage oil or lotion, with about 6.5 x 6.5 feet of floor to clear. You&#8217;re not charged until a provider confirms your booking, and same-day times depend on availability. A quiet room and a sturdy chair nearby are all the space you need.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Put_in_Your_Booking_Notes\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Put in Your Booking Notes<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put which muscle you strained, how it happened, how long ago, whether a doctor or physiotherapist has checked it and any grade you&#8217;ve heard in your booking notes. Add what you&#8217;re hoping to get back to, so your provider arrives knowing what to focus on and what to avoid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the early stage has passed and your doctor or physiotherapist is happy, a session at home is an easy way to ease the tightness around a strain, and the sofa is already there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/app.getblys.com\/new-booking\/?utm_source=website-blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=pulled-muscle\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking Still Sore? Arrange a Sports Massage or Physio at Home \u2192<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pulled_Muscle_FAQs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pulled Muscle FAQs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the questions people type into search once something goes ping.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_massage_a_pulled_muscle_straight_away\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you massage a pulled muscle straight away?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. A fresh strain needs rest in the first few days, and rubbing or digging into it can make it worse. Wait until the early stage has passed and walking feels comfortable, and ask your doctor or physiotherapist first if the strain was moderate or severe.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_a_pulled_hamstring_take_to_recover\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does a pulled hamstring take to recover?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on how severe the strain is, and a mild strain recovers on a very different schedule from a severe tear. A doctor or physiotherapist can grade it and give you a realistic timeline, and rushing back is how a pulled hamstring becomes a repeat injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_use_heat_or_ice_on_a_pulled_muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should I use heat or ice on a pulled muscle?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people use ice early on for comfort and heat later for stiffness, and doctors still debate how much either helps. Ask your doctor or physiotherapist what suits your injury, and don&#8217;t use either on skin that&#8217;s numb or injured.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_okay_to_stretch_a_pulled_muscle\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it okay to stretch a pulled muscle?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not hard and not early. Stretching a freshly strained muscle can make it worse, so wait for your physiotherapist&#8217;s go-ahead, and stop if you feel sharp pain.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_the_difference_between_a_strain_and_a_sprain\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s the difference between a strain and a sprain?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A strain is an injury to a muscle or the tendon that joins it to the bone, while a sprain is an injury to a ligament, which joins bone to bone. They can feel alike, and a doctor or physiotherapist can tell you which you have.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_walk_on_a_pulled_hamstring\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I walk on a pulled hamstring?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can walk comfortably, it&#8217;s usually a mild strain, and gentle hamstring massage can wait until the early stage passes, but if you limp, can&#8217;t put weight on the leg or heard a pop, see a doctor or physiotherapist before you do anything else. Take it easy on stairs and uneven ground until the pain eases.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=&#8221;full_width_background&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; bg_color=&#8221;#faf1eb&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;center&#8221; top_padding=&#8221;3%&#8221; bottom_padding=&#8221;3%&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221; shape_type=&#8221;&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arrange_a_Recovery_Session_Before_Your_Next_Run\"><\/span>Arrange a Recovery Session Before Your Next Run<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][nectar_btn size=&#8221;jumbo&#8221; open_new_tab=&#8221;true&#8221; button_style=&#8221;regular&#8221; button_color_2=&#8221;Accent-Color&#8221; icon_family=&#8221;none&#8221; text=&#8221;Book Now&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/app.getblys.com\/new-booking\/?utm_source=website-blog&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=pulled-muscle&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row type=&#8221;in_container&#8221; full_screen_row_position=&#8221;middle&#8221; scene_position=&#8221;center&#8221; text_color=&#8221;dark&#8221; text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; overlay_strength=&#8221;0.3&#8243; shape_divider_position=&#8221;bottom&#8221;][vc_column column_padding=&#8221;no-extra-padding&#8221; column_padding_position=&#8221;all&#8221; background_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; background_hover_color_opacity=&#8221;1&#8243; column_link_target=&#8221;_self&#8221; column_shadow=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_radius=&#8221;none&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; tablet_width_inherit=&#8221;default&#8221; tablet_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; phone_text_alignment=&#8221;default&#8221; column_border_width=&#8221;none&#8221; column_border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;][vc_column_text] A pulled muscle is a strain, meaning a muscle&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1920,"featured_media":95588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"Pulled Muscle: When Should You Get a Massage? | Blys","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Massage for a pulled muscle or pulled hamstring helps once the early stage passes. 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