Rehabbing a Pulled Muscle: What You Need to Know to Get Back Fast

Muscle strains—commonly referred to as “pulled muscles”—are among the most frequent injuries seen in both athletes and everyday movers. Whether it’s a hamstring tear during a sprint, a calf strain from a misstep, or a low back pull from lifting, the result is the same: pain, stiffness, and a frustrating pause in your routine. At Healios Laser Therapy, we specialize in accelerating recovery from muscle injuries using Class IV laser technology. Here’s what you need to know to heal smarter and faster.

UNDERSTANDING MUSCLE STRAINS

Muscle strains occur when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn. They’re typically classified into three grades:

• Grade I (Mild) – Microscopic tearing with minimal loss of strength or motion
• Grade II (Moderate) – Partial tearing with noticeable weakness, swelling, and bruising
• Grade III (Severe) – Complete rupture of the muscle or tendon, often requiring surgical repair

Common symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, muscle tightness, and difficulty using the affected limb.

WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A MUSCLE STRAIN

• Stop the activity to prevent further damage
• Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48 hours
• Use compression and elevation to reduce swelling
• Avoid heat and massage in the acute phase
• Seek evaluation if you hear a pop, see bruising, or can’t bear weight

HOW LASER THERAPY ACCELERATES MUSCLE HEALING

Our Class IV laser device delivers super-pulsed infrared light deep into muscle tissue, stimulating cellular repair and reducing inflammation. Here’s how it works:

• Increases ATP production to fuel tissue regeneration
• Reduces inflammation by modulating cytokines and prostaglandins
• Improves circulation for better oxygen and nutrient delivery
• Relieves pain by interrupting pain signaling and reducing nerve sensitivity
• Accelerates collagen synthesis for organized muscle fiber repair

Laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, and safe for both acute and chronic muscle injuries.

KEY BENEFITS OF LASER THERAPY FOR PULLED MUSCLES

• Speeds up healing time by enhancing cellular metabolism
• Reduces swelling and bruising through improved lymphatic drainage
• Minimizes scar tissue formation by promoting organized collagen deposition
• Relieves pain without medication by modulating nerve activity
• Restores mobility faster by reducing stiffness and improving circulation

WHEN TO START LASER THERAPY

Laser therapy can be initiated within 24–48 hours of injury, once acute bleeding has stabilized. Early intervention leads to faster resolution of inflammation and less downtime. For chronic strains or re-injuries, laser therapy helps break the cycle of inflammation and incomplete healing.

THE HEALIOS LASER THERAPY EXPERIENCE

At Healios, we tailor each treatment plan to your injury grade, location, and recovery goals. Sessions typically last 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of body parts treated. Most patients feel relief after the first visit. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or recovering from a work-related strain, we’ll help you get back to full strength—faster and safer.

CONCLUSION

A pulled muscle doesn’t have to sideline you for weeks. With the right care—including Class IV laser therapy—you can reduce pain, accelerate healing, and return to activity with confidence. At Healios Laser Therapy, we combine science-backed technology with personalized care to help you recover smarter.

Book your session today and take the first step toward a faster recovery.

REFERENCES

• Aimbire, F., Albertini, R., Pacheco, M. T. T., Castro-Faria-Neto, H. C., Leonardo, P. S., & Lopes-Martins, R. Á. B. (2006). Low-level laser therapy induces dose-dependent reduction of TNFα levels in acute inflammation. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(1), 33–37.
• Bjordal, J. M., Couppé, C., Chow, R. T., Tunér, J., & Ljunggren, E. A. (2006). A systematic review of low-level laser therapy with location-specific doses for pain from chronic joint disorders. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(2), 77–85.
• Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.
• Pankonin, C. (2024). Class IV laser therapy for partial ACL tears: A randomized clinical trial. Open Access Journal of Medical Sciences.
• University of Lahore. (2025). Low-level laser therapy versus shortwave diathermy in patients with partial ACL tear. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT07089459.
• Springer. (2024). In-vitro study on type I collagen synthesis in low-level laser therapy-treated ACL fibroblasts. Lasers in Medical Science. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-024-04151-7