Muscle Strain: Prevention and Treatment

A Muscle Strain is an injury or a tear in a tendon or muscle. This differs from a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament.
Ehren Allen, DPT, COMT of JOI explains that strains can happen with a quick load of force to a muscle or tendon or with a quick direction change. Starting new exercises or sports activities can lead to a strain if you do not warm up and progress properly and give your muscles and tendons time to adapt. Weakness or lack of flexibility can increase your risk of straining a muscle. The risk of a muscle strain increases with age.
Strains are graded based on the severity of the injury. A Grade 1 strain is when less than 5% of the fibers are torn. Grade 2 Strain is when many fibers are torn. Grade 3 strain is when most or all of the fibers of a muscle or tendon are torn. Grade 3 strains may require surgery to repair. A tendon can pull away from the bone as well. This is called an avulsion.
Minor Strains can be treated with Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This is known as the R.I.C.E. method. After 2 to 3 days, you can slowly introduce movement and return to activity within 2 to 3 weeks. If it still hurts, Physical therapy may be helpful to promote healing with strengthening and stretching exercises. A physical therapist may also use Graston therapy or Laser therapy to help promote healing.
It's time to go to the doctor if there is no improvement in the first 48 to 72 hours or if you cannot move the muscle at all. If there was a "pop" at the time of injury or there is severe pain, swelling, or discoloration, you should also go to the doctor.
If a muscle strain has you sidelined, the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute can help! Call 904-JOI-2000, or go to JOIONLINE.net to schedule an appointment today. Let JOI get you back in the game!