Muscles are a crucial element in the human body as they account for all movements in the body from walking to tapping your toe. Therefore, if too much strain is put through one or more muscles, it may result in muscle strains. Muscle strains are also referred to as muscle pulls. Muscle strains can be mild, moderate or severe. A severe muscle strain occurs when all fibers of the muscle are completely torn, while a mild muscle strain occurs when very few muscle fibers have been injured. Physical therapy at Enchantment Physical Therapy has shown positive results in patients with muscle strains
What are the symptoms?
- Sudden onset of pain a day after the injury or trauma
- Limited range of movement that is abnormal
- Reduced strength in the affected area
- Bruising and swelling in the affected area.
- “Knotted up” feeling
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
Causes of Muscle Strains
A muscle strain is caused when muscle tears suddenly and unpredictably. The tears occur from sustaining injuries or trauma. This could be due to:
- Failing to warm up properly before physical exercise
- Poor flexibility
- Overexertion of a muscle
- Fatigue from overworking the body
- Poor conditioning
- Poor posture such as holding the neck or back in an awkward position
- Overindulging sports
Physical therapy at Enchantment Physical Therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for a muscle strain. The approach towards the treatments depends on how soon after the injury the patient visits a therapist. Our therapists will first manage the inflammation and pain in the affected area. Physical therapists at Enchantment Physical Therapy are trained to use electricity modalities such as ultrasound or interferential current to control the inflammation and pain.
They will massage the area or around the area where the muscles are torn, depending on the state of the muscles. Physical therapists in Rio-Rancho and Gallup administer static stretches to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. For successful treatment, the exercises are done in moderation over a long period.
Prevention
Muscle strains can be avoided by doing adequate warm-up practice before intense exercise and avoiding fatigue. For better knowledge of the preventive measures, seek further professional and customized opinions at Enchantment Physical Therapy.