Will Epsom Salt Help a Pulled Hamstring?

Hamstring injuries can be quite debilitating for athletes. When an athlete pulls a hamstring muscle, his ability to run is severely affected and acceleration is all but impossible. The hamstring can get pulled through overuse or through one sudden movement. In order to recover from the injury, Epsom salt can be used to help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

  1. Initial Treatment

    • A hamstring pull can be quite a painful injury. When the pull comes as a result of a sudden movement, the athlete will have a hard time moving, even to get off the field of play. The first way to treat the injury is with rest and ice. Get off your feet and do not tax the muscle with any extra movement. Elevate your injured leg and ice the injury. Wrap an ice pack around the injured hamstring for 15 minutes of every waking hour during the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury.

    Epsom Salts

    • Take a hot bath with Epsom salt once the pain and swelling have started to reduce. Put two handfuls of Epsom salt in the batter and mix well. Epsom salt contain magnesium and this will help draw the inflammation and swelling away from the injury. Once the swelling has started to subside and the inflammation has been relieved, you will be able to get around much better and will no longer have to rest the hamstring. Sit in the bath for about 20 minutes and do this for two or three days.

    Therapeutic Exercise

    • The use of Epsom salt should bring significant relief to your hamstring muscle and allow you to start rehabilitation exercises. Start your rehabilitation with stretches that will encourage blood flow to the injured area. After your workouts, continued Epsom salt therapy will help reduce swelling and inflammation.