Muscle strains, which can also be called a pull or a tear, is a very common injury, especially when you are in sports. Many times if you suffer a muscle strain you can have swelling or bruising in the injured area. You may also suffer pain around the muscle that was injured, and have weakness in that muscle. In more severe cases you be have the inability to use the muscle at all. Right after a muscle injury it is usually helpful to apply ice packs (with protective covering) every 20 minutes that you are awake, and keep the strained muscle in a stretched position. It is important to also rest the muscle by avoiding similar activities that may have caused the strain or any activities that may cause you more pain. It may also be helpful to compress the injury with an ace or other elastic bandage which will support the injury and help decrease swelling. When you are in a sitting position always keep the injured muscle elevated to avoid further swelling in the area, it will also help decrease any swelling that is already in the area. A few tips to help avoid the injury would be to make sure to stretch daily, especially prior to any exercise or activities. Having a warm-up routine it always a good idea and of course consulting your doctor anytime before changing any current or starting a new exercise program.