Muscle strains are common injuries that happen when your muscles are past the normal range. Sometimes called a “Pulled muscle” or “Muscle tear,” they are often associated with sports because of the repetitive use of muscles and the extra load or stress it encounters on a routine basis. Muscle strains have many degrees ranging from mild to severe, but they all show some common symptoms, such as swelling, pain, stiffness, and bruising.
While there are many ways to treat muscle strains, recently, physiotherapy has become a revolutionary approach to managing muscle strains and restoring their functionality. Here is how it works.
Treatment Approaches
The physiotherapy designed for your muscle strain will depend on its intensity and healing phase. Before creating a treatment plan, your physio will do a thorough assessment by gaining background knowledge of your strain or injury.
Then a physical examination will evaluate the extent of the strain, classified as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree, which helps define the severity, treatment method required, and the anticipated recovery time. The physiotherapy process for muscle strains also includes education and suggestions to prevent recurrent and future injuries.
Some common physio interventions used for muscle strains include ;
Compression
This method is mainly used to reduce swelling and inflammation causing pain. It helps in enhancing the process of healing and giving more pain resistance. Statistic compression is sometimes done using an elastic bandage to apply consistent pressure and prevent further swelling. It also aids significantly in removing excess fluid in the strained area and increases the flow of oxygenated blood required for tissue repair and healing.
Massage
Using therapeutic massages increases blood flow and loosens tight muscles, helping to heal damaged tissues. Again applying pressure to injured muscle tissues removes excess fluid and cellular waste in the strained area. It also reduces pain in the surrounding muscles and improves the range of motion.
Thermotherapy
This is another method mainly used for relieving pain and increasing blood flow to promote the healing and relaxation of muscles. Thermotherapy can be given in the form of hot water bottles, electric pads, hot cloths, or warm baths.
TENS
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) provides pain relief caused by muscle strain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is very effective in breaking adhesions and thus increases circulation and mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy produces and transfers high energy to painful spots around the strained muscles and promotes regeneration resulting in healing.
Laser
Used to reduce inflammation and pain and increase the healing capacity of damaged tissues. Laser intervention in physiotherapy is also aimed at reducing the healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism.
Range Of Motion
A physiotherapist uses hands-on techniques to maintain the range of motions in your joints. Initially, a simple range of motion exercises is given to maintain mobility in the strained area. After acute management, other interventions such as crutches, bracing, or pain relief are given.
Strengthening And Stretching Exercises
These methods are used to improve muscle strength, resistance, and mobility and to increase the capacity of the muscles to prevent re-injury. Stretching exercises mainly help to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Your physio will first start with gentle muscle toning exercises and then slowly progress to weights, repetitions, and other stretching exercises, depending on your condition.
