A forearm muscle strain can be a serious injury. After straining a muscle in your forearm, you may experience acute arm, hand, and wrist pain. You may also have difficulty using your arm as you normally would. This can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with daily tasks like lifting or writing. Muscle strains are often caused by repetitive stressful motions. In 2021, research shows that almost 1 in 10 U.S. adults had sustained repetitive strain injuries in the past three months. Muscle strains can also be caused by sudden injuries. If your muscle tissue is stretched too far or torn, it may become strained. Fortunately, recovery is possible. With proper treatment, oftentimes forearm muscle strains can heal, allowing you to regain strength and function.

6 top physical therapy treatments for strained forearm muscles

1. Activity modification — When you strain a forearm muscle, you may not be able to keep up with your regular activities. After sustaining a strain, one of the first steps in treatment may be activity modification. A licensed physical therapist can help you make useful modifications to your usual activities. They can work with you to avoid movements that cause pain or put stress on the injured muscle. For example, gripping and lifting may cause discomfort. If you do a lot of lifting as part of your daily exercise routine, you might need to make some changes. Your physical therapist may advise you to take a break from these activities to give your muscles time to heal. Instead of lifting, your physical therapist can help you find lighter alternative exercises. Activity modification doesn’t mean complete rest; gentle movement within your pain-free range can help maintain circulation and prevent stiffness. Your physical therapist can guide you on how to adjust your activities without delaying recovery.
2. Gentle stretches — Stretching can be an essential part of recovering from muscle strain. Gentle stretches can improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and promote blood flow to the injured area. Start with light, controlled stretches to avoid further irritation. For example, to stretch your forearm muscles, extend your arm in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers back toward your body. Hold the stretch for around 20 seconds; then release. Your physical therapist can help determine the ideal number of repetitions for you. Getting professional guidance on stretching can be essential. Stretching should never cause sharp pain. If it does, you should stop immediately. Your physical therapist can help you find stretches that promote recovery without causing any further pain.
3. Strengthening exercises — As your muscles begin to heal, strengthening exercises can help restore function and prevent future injuries. These exercises target the muscles and tendons in the forearm. Building strength in your muscles can help them regain their ability to handle everyday activities. One simple forearm strengthening exercise involves using a light resistance band. Hold the band with both hands and slowly stretch it apart, engaging your forearm muscles. Gradually increase the intensity as your strength improves. Your physical therapist can help you find more great strengthening exercises. Together with your physical therapist, you can create a personalized exercise plan that matches your recovery stage, helping to ensure safe and effective progress.
4. Manual therapy — Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques that help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. Key manual therapy techniques include soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization. Your physical therapist may use soft tissue manipulation to release tension in your injured forearm muscles. They may also use hands-on treatment to mobilize stiff joints in the forearm and wrist. These techniques can offer a range of benefits. In addition to releasing tension and stiffness, manual therapy can address muscle imbalances or adhesions (scar tissue) that may form after an injury. Effective manual therapy treatment can improve flexibility, speed up recovery, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
5. Ultrasound therapy — Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to create gentle heat within the tissue of the forearm. This heat increases blood flow, reduces inflammation,n and promotes healing. During an ultrasound therapy session, a physical therapist uses a small handheld device to deliver sound waves to the injured muscle. The treatment is painless and can be especially helpful for strains that involve deep tissue. For best results, ultrasound therapy is often combined with other treatments like manual therapy and targeted exercise.
6. TENS — TENS is short for transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation. This is a type of electrical stimulation therapy used to address tissue injuries. TENS therapy uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate nerves and reduce pain. Small adhesive pads are placed on the skin near the injured area, and the device sends mild electrical pulses through the pads. TENS can help block pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief without medication. It may also improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension in the forearm. Many physical therapy providers offer TENS therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

5 strained forearm muscle symptoms

A forearm muscle strain occurs when the fibers in the forearm muscles stretch too far or tear. Symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the severity of the strain. Some common symptoms include:

1. Persistent pain — Pain tends to be one of the most noticeable symptoms of a strained forearm muscle. You may feel a dull ache, sharp pain, or discomfort when using your arm. The pain can be constant or worsen during specific movements, such as gripping or twisting.
2. Swelling — Swelling in the forearm is a common physical response to muscle strain. This occurs as the body sends extra fluid to the injured area to begin the healing process. Swelling may cause stiffness and limit your range of motion.
3. Muscle weakness — Strained muscles may feel weak, making it hard to perform everyday tasks. You might notice difficulty holding objects, opening jars, or carrying items. Muscle weakness can persist until the strain heals.
4. Tenderness — Strained forearm muscles often feel tender to the touch. Pressing on the injured area might cause discomfort or sensitivity. This tenderness may be especially noticeable in the early stages of healing.
5. Bruising — A bruise, sometimes called a contusion, occurs when minor blood vessels break beneath the skin. Bruising often occurs after soft tissue injuries, including muscle strains. Bruising may appear along your forearm after straining your muscles. Bruising can range in severity and duration depending on how much force was involved in your injury.

How to accelerate healing of a strained forearm muscle

Healing from a forearm strain takes time. However, there are steps you can take to speed up the process. Some ways you can accelerate your healing include:

• Rest — Rest and protect your injured muscles. You can give your forearm the rest it needs by avoiding activities that cause pain. If needed, use a brace or wrap to support the muscle and reduce strain.
• Gradually return to activities — As your condition improves, slowly reintroduce activities. Avoid jumping back into strenuous tasks too soon, as this can delay healing or cause reinjury.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle — Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated supports your body’s natural healing processes. Protein-rich foods specifically can help repair damaged muscles.
• Stay consistent with treatment — Staying consistent in physical therapy can be highly beneficial. Follow your physical therapist’s recommendations each step of the way. Make sure to attend each PT session and keep up with any prescribed at-home exercises. Consistency promotes steady progress.

Get treatment for your forearm muscle strain at Lattimore Physical Therapy

If you’ve strained a forearm muscle, you can get top-notch treatment at Lattimore Physical Therapy. Our team of experts specializes in treating musculoskeletal disorders and helping patients achieve their recovery goals. We offer personalized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-driven treatments like manual therapy and ultrasound therapy.

Contact our team today for more information about treating muscle strain or to schedule an initial appointment.