Recover from muscle strains with the help of Physiotherapy

Muscle strain can happen to anyone at any time and anywhere. A hamstring pull can occur to those who aren’t marathon runners and bicep tear can be felt by those who aren’t bodybuilders.

The muscle strain can happen due to overexertion of physical activities. Whenever you have a muscle strain, it is recommended to visit a physiotherapist. Taking medicine without going for physiotherapy might reduce pain temporarily, but it will do more harm than good to your body. Getting the injury treated by the physio will help you understand the extent of the injury, cause and ways to prevent it.

Difference between a strain and a sprain

Strain and sprain sound similar but are still quite different. These are 2 different types of injuries – one is specific to muscle and other to the ligament.

Strain: Stretch or tear of muscle or tendon. Tendon is the connection of the muscle to the bone.

Sprain: Stretching of the ligament i.e. tissue which connects 2 bones.

Causes of muscle strain-

·   Lifting a heavy object

·   Lifting an object improperly

·   Sudden twist

·   Sudden movement

Symptoms of muscle strain-

·       Pain while moving especially when standing and walking

·       Sensations in the lower back

·       Soreness when touched or physically manipulated

·       Stiffness and soreness

Some kind of muscle strain happens quite often than others. The most common muscle strain occurs in the lower body within the hamstring, quadriceps, calf and groin muscles.

In the upper body, biceps and rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder are most susceptible to muscle strain.

Muscle injury or strain can be treated by physiotherapy-

In the first visit, the physio will ask questions as to what led to the injury. After the physical examination, they will evaluate the extent of the injury. It is categorized as 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree that defines the severity. This helps in making the treatment plan and estimated recovery time.

Bruises indicate the tear of muscle fibres and their location and extent helps in determining the degree of injury.

Methods of treatment to treat muscle injury or strain-

·       Therapeutic modalities

There are electrotherapeutic devices such as ultrasound, interferential current and TENs. When the pain is very severe, these devices help in the healing process and controlling the pain.

·       Heat and Ice

Blood flow increases at the injured area and allows quick recovery by heating the tissue. Ice helps in controlling the pain, reduces inflammation and swelling.

·       Therapeutic taping

For a speedy recovery, therapeutic taping could be very helpful. Physiotherapists possess a variety of tape products. They know the taping techniques required to be done from the acute stage through a return to activity.

Tape provides compression and support. It also relaxes and facilitates the injured or strained muscle.

·       Manual or self-stretching

The main aim of the physiotherapist is to heal muscle strain with mobility. Muscle tightness occurs after an injury that affects the joint/muscle movement ability. This can cause injury to reoccur.

Physiotherapists assist in stretching the body which is beneficial for injury. This lengthens, loosens the muscles and increases flexibility and motion.

·       Strengthening exercises

This is very important for maintaining the strength in the injured area and regaining the muscle strength safely. Strength exercises are progressed carefully as injured muscle starts healing.

With this, the mobility is restored; strength and functioning are regained that helps in getting back to work activities.

If you have a muscle strain, visit physio at Manor Drive Physiotherapy for physiotherapy in New Malden. The physiotherapists hold decades of experience in treating aches, pains and various forms of a muscle tear. They will analyse the extent of the injury and create a plan for your full recovery.