My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
WebMD Home

Ask Your Question

WebMD Answers

120 Characters remaining
120 Characters remaining
  • First, try and keep your question as short as possible.
  • Include specific words that will help us identify questions that may already have your answer.
  • If you don't find your answer, you can post your question to WebMD Experts and Contributors.

Close

Featuring Experts From

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See all
Back to List
  |  
Next Question
Didn't find your answer? Post to
WebMD Experts and Contributors
Q.

What can I do to relieve the pain from a latissimus dorsi strain, and when can I start running again?

Related Topics: Pain, Running
Posted:
| Report This Report Question
Answer This
 

Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Blake Boggess, DOBlake Boggess, DOSUCCESS!
Blake Boggess, DO
Sports Medicine
American Academy of Family Physicians
15 Answers
198 Helpful Votes
3 Followers
A.

Usually this strain resolves in a few days. The simplest treatment for muscle strains are listed below. If you are pain free, then you can return to running. Let pain be your guide. The worrisome symptoms for back pain are pain radiating down your leg or numbness, pain not responding to over the counter pain medicines. and pain with bowel or blader problems.

Depending on the degree of the injury the time to heal will vary. You can start with the following.
Rest
It is important to rest following the injury so it can heal. Let pain be your guide on how much activity you can do.
Stretching
Gentle stretching should be helpful, but it should not be painful.
Ice soon after the injury
Ice will help calm the inflammatory response and stimulate blood flow to the area. This can be done the first 2 days after the injury. Usually 20 minutes of icing 3x a day
Heat
Gentle heating before activity can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack prior to stretching or exercising.
Oral anti-inflammatory medications
These can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calm the inflammation.
Physical Therapy
If you are still having pain, you should see a doctor and you may be referred to physical therapy. They can do certain treatments called modalities to help you.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

Posted:
| Report This Report Answer

Was this helpful?

YesNo

Thanks for your feedback.

40 of 55 found this helpful
Read the Original Article: Latissimus dorsi Strain
 
 
1 Answer