Sprains and strains top the list of common injuries. Most of us have had this unpleasant experience, but not everyone knows how to treat symptoms or identify what has happened.
Strains occur when a tendon or muscle is overstretched or irritated. Tendons are the fibres that connect your bones to your muscles. Sprains, on the other hand, occur when a ligament connecting two bones together is torn or overstretched. Knowing the difference is important as it affects how it is managed.
Either way, both are painful experiences and can keep even the best athletes on the couch for anywhere up to several months. If you’re an active person, even a low-grade muscle strain can negatively impact your work, leisure, and mental health.
A sprain or strain can happen anytime and for a variety of reasons. Some common culprits are:
Symptoms are often acute and felt immediately. The most common being:
Treatments for mild sprains are straightforward, but be sure to monitor closely for increased swelling or numbness. Make sure to:
People often stubbornly tolerate muscle strains and avoid seeing a physio because of the hassle. However, this could be detrimental if the pain persists. Seeking professional assistance could be the difference between days and weeks of recovery. Some typical causes are:
Symptoms are often similar to a sprain, and will often be concentrated to the area of injury:
A mild inconvenience at the best of times, a muscle strain can persist and worsen if not treated effectively:
Knowing where to turn for expert treatment is important. Just having this peace of mind can alleviate stress and allow for a quicker recovery. Our team of experts know the importance of rehabilitation. Having the right tools and exercise routine is key.
We know a strong recovery from any muscle/tendon strain or ligament sprain means having a solid plan. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective tools against muscle, tendon or ligament pain. Physiotherapists know how to manage these conditions regardless of whether they are acute or chronic.
See our physiotherapists for assistance with your muscle strains or ligament sprains. Your best step towards a quicker and stronger recovery.