Muscle Strain - What is it?
Muscle strain is the medical term for “pulling a muscle”. Muscle is made up of long strands of fibers that are twisted together to create strength and movement. They resemble the look of a nylon rope. The ends of the muscle are connected to bones via tendons. A strain occurs when there is damage to this rope-like structure. Often, they are traumatic and occur while playing sports or creating power from the muscle. However, there are circumstances whereby the muscle tears due to wear and tear over time (just like a rope).
Muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3. A grade one strain means that the muscle is tender and sore, but none of the strands are broken. Grade 2, some of the strands are broken and the rope like structure is frayed, but it is still attached. Grade 3, the rope has completely broken, and the muscle ends are no longer attached. This serious injury involves a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, although surgery may not be necessary. Some muscles respond better to casting and bracing.
Muscle strains are graded from 1 to 3. A grade one strain means that the muscle is tender and sore, but none of the strands are broken. Grade 2, some of the strands are broken and the rope like structure is frayed, but it is still attached. Grade 3, the rope has completely broken, and the muscle ends are no longer attached. This serious injury involves a visit to an orthopedic surgeon, although surgery may not be necessary. Some muscles respond better to casting and bracing.
What can be Done?
As always, a complete and thorough assessment should be done by your physician or healthcare provider to determine which muscle is damaged and how severely.
Grade one and two strains are easily and safely treated within a clinic setting, however as previously mentioned, a grade three tear will involve a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
Relative rest for a few days is critical as the muscle heals. This combined with light massage and modalities such as ultrasound and acupuncture will reduce pain and return normal ability to walk and move. Once the first few days have passed, exercise is critical to restore muscle function and strength. This is an injury that will not get better by lying on a bed and resting. Graded movement and strengthening encourages the muscle to grow and heal.
Grade one and two strains are easily and safely treated within a clinic setting, however as previously mentioned, a grade three tear will involve a referral to an orthopedic surgeon.
Relative rest for a few days is critical as the muscle heals. This combined with light massage and modalities such as ultrasound and acupuncture will reduce pain and return normal ability to walk and move. Once the first few days have passed, exercise is critical to restore muscle function and strength. This is an injury that will not get better by lying on a bed and resting. Graded movement and strengthening encourages the muscle to grow and heal.