AboutJoe A Shaw PA-C Expertise Most general questions that have to do with orthopedic and /or occupational medicine or ergonomics. With a focus on upper extremity disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. After many years of treating and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome I have developed a detailed website about carpal tunnel syndrome at Carpal-Tunnel-Symptoms.com
Experience I have been a board certified Physician Assistant for 17 years, in the fields of occupational and orthopedic medicine.
Organizations American Academy of Physician Assistants, State Academy of Physician Assistants.
Education/Credentials Physician Assistant degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine PA program. Bachelor of Health and Science degree. Board Certified Physician Assistant, Ergonomic certification, University of Michigan ergonomics certification. Associate Science degree in Emergency Medical Technology. Former Paramedic, EMT and Firefighter.
Awards and Honors Current certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life support, and Basic life support, and CPR certification. University of Michigan Ergonomic training and certification.
Expert: Joe A Shaw PA-C Date: 7/17/2008 Subject: What is the best treatment for muscle pull in the different part of the body?
Question What is the best method to treat muscle pull in all my body?Is paraffin good for muscle pull?
Answer Robert,
The tried and true method to treat a pulled or strained muscle is RICE. Rest the body part or get some type of brace or support, Ice ( custom wraps fit better, but ice bags can work) Compression..again custom fit ice packs fit and mold to part) but you want to make sure that the ice penetrates deep into the muscle and not just lay on top of skin. Elevate- This is suppose to reduce swelling ie if you have an ankle injury then putting it up on a chair w ice wrap is best.
Paraffin (hot wax) is mainly used for arthritic stiff joints in hands/fingers. Hot packs or moist heating pad can be used for larger or other body parts. There is nothing magic about the hot wax..it just feels goods to stiff cold joints and it retains heat to the area a little better than just warm water.
But heat should NOT be used with an acute strain..it may feel good initially, but it will increase swelling of the injured muscle area
