SatCam, good call! I thought cold was only for injuries like a twisted/swollen ankle:
got this from the web...
Step One: Before we begin, keep in mind that the remedies described in this how-to are suitable for grade one sprains and that a severe muscle pull should be looked at by your family doctor. The rule for treating a mild muscle strain is to use a rest period, ice, compression and elevation in unison to help alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing as well as create an optimal situation for the muscle to heal.
Step Two: The first step toward healing a strained muscle is to rest. If you are in the middle of an activity that is using that muscle group stop immediately. The next 24 to 48 hours are crucial to your quick recovery. Continuing with your workout or activity will only cause more damage and a longer recovery in most cases. If you are worried about losing the ground you have gained through exercise work other areas of the body and simply isolate the strained muscle group allowing it to rest. This will help keep your spirits up and allow the muscle to heal.
Step Three: Applying ice to the muscle should be your next step. The cold from the ice will penetrate the muscle and actually slow down the flow of blood to the area. This will in turn help to reduce the swelling that is likely to occur along with the pain that is often associated with the swelling. Most gyms or other fitness centers have ice packs on hand for your use in just this instance. If you want, you can pack your own in your bag to ensure treatment immediately after the injury occurs. If you are very active, it makes sense to make an ice pack part of your gear. An ice pack isn't always available and you may have to substitute using a bag of ice wrapped in a towel or maybe even frozen vegetables from the freezer in your home. Whatever your substitution, be sure to wrap it in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin which can also be quite painful over time. Apply ice to the muscle for 20 minutes at a time with a 20-minute rest in between applications keeping up this schedule for two hours at a time at least twice each day for the first two days after the injury. In some cases, a heat pack might be recommended by a doctor after icing throughout the day. Apply heat for 20 minutes before bed and see how it makes the area feel. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of this method so it is up to you.
Step Four: The next step in your recovery is compression of the muscle. The most commonly used compression is an ace bandage or similar wrap. The wrap will help reduce the swelling and also support the muscle and limits its movement. Typically, a wrap is applied after icing the muscle and before any activity. You have seen professional trainers in sports arenas take great care in wrapping their players. The technique you employ can greatly enhance the effects of the wrap. It is best to start at the edge of the injured muscle furthest from the body wrapping toward the body. Keep the wrap in place for about two hours and then remove it and apply the ice again. Elevation during the wrap may also help. Keep an eye on the wrapped area to ensure it is not discoloring signaling a wrap that is too tight.
Step Five: The final step toward recovery is elevation of the affected area. Elevating the muscle will help reduce any pain you may be feeling as well as the swelling. You are essentially draining away any fluid from the muscle. Elevating the muscle is usually done while applying an ice pack. Get comfortable and just relax. This can be quite comfortable if you are experiencing a great deal of pain with the muscle pull. In addition, taking an aspirin or two can help eliminate additional fatigue and pain the injury is causing
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