What should I do if I can't lift my arm due to muscle strain

Muscle strains in the arm that cannot be lifted can be relieved through rest braking, alternating cold and hot compresses, medication treatment, physical therapy, rehabilitation training, and other methods. Muscle strains are usually caused by sports injuries, improper posture, muscle fatigue, external impact, insufficient warm-up, and other reasons.

1. Rest brake [SEP]: After muscle strain occurs, activity should be stopped immediately to avoid aggravating the injury. Use a triangular bandage or bandage to suspend the affected limb in front of the chest, maintaining a 90 degree flexion of the elbow joint. During the acute phase, strict braking is required for 2-3 days, during which lifting heavy objects or performing arm lifting movements is prohibited. If forced activity continues, it may lead to an expansion of the range of muscle fiber rupture and prolong the recovery time.

2. Alternating between cold and hot compress

Within 48 hours after a strain, use ice packs for 15-20 minutes each time, repeating every 2 hours to reduce tissue exudation and swelling. After 48 hours, switch to hot compress to promote local blood circulation. When applying cold compress, wrap an ice pack with a towel to avoid frostbite to the skin. The temperature for hot compress should not exceed 40 degrees Celsius to prevent burns.

3. Medication therapy

When pain is significant, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, etc. can be used according to medical advice. Muscle spasms can be treated with muscle relaxants such as methylprednisolone hydrochloride tablets. For external use, flurbiprofen gel paste or diclofenac diethylamine emulsion can be selected. It is prohibited to adjust the dosage and course of medication on one's own.

4. Physical therapy

After the acute phase, ultrasound therapy can be used to promote tissue repair for 10 minutes each time. Intermediate frequency electrotherapy can help alleviate pain and muscle tension. Shock wave therapy has a good effect on chronic muscle adhesion. The treatment needs to be operated by a professional rehabilitation specialist, adjusting parameters according to the degree of injury. Generally, 10 sessions constitute one course of treatment.

5. Rehabilitation training

After pain relief, passive joint activity begins and gradually transitions to active movement. Perform pendulum exercises and grip strength training initially, and add resistance training with elastic bands after 2 weeks. During the recovery period, wall push ups and dumbbell side lifts can be done, gradually increasing the weight from 0.5 kilograms. Pain during training should be stopped immediately, and rehabilitation physicians should be consulted if necessary. During the recovery period of muscle strain, it is important to ensure high-quality protein intake, such as egg white and chicken breast meat, to promote muscle fiber repair. Daily supplementation of vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis. Rehabilitation training should follow the principle of gradual progress and avoid engaging in high-intensity exercise too early. Use a pillow to elevate the affected limb during sleep to reduce swelling. If the arm cannot be lifted or skin bruising spreads after 3 weeks, timely re examination is necessary to rule out serious injuries such as tendon rupture.