Muscle tears are relatively common, specifically in the sporting population. Muscle strains occur very suddenly on exertion or because of quick deceleration and cause a very sudden and severe pain. The most common area to get a muscle strain is in the hamstrings (back of the upper leg) or your gastrocnemius (calf). It’s important that when you have a muscle strain that you seek examination as well as treatment from a experienced Physio to aid the recovery of the injured muscle. It’s also advisable to start the RICE theory – Rest, Ice, Compression along with Elevation to help reduce swelling and help prevent further injury.

Physio is very beneficial in the first stages of injury to help you control inflammation, eliminate toxins through the use of soft massage and initiate strengthening of the muscle to improve function. Your Physio will also offer you tips on what you should do and what to avoid and could sometimes give you something to support and minimize force on the muscles. In the middle and later stages of recovery, massage therapy is vital to maintain the compliance of the damaged muscle fibres and make certain it mends as similar to the other tissue as possible. Animal research has demonstratec that massage decreases adhesions and fibrosis after injury.

It is vital following a muscle strain that you rest for at least the first week to allow the muscle to mend. During this time you might commence some gentle specific strength exercises under the guidance of your Physiotherapist. You will then gradually stretch and strengthen the injured area within limits. If you are too aggressive or attempt to resume sports activity or physical exercise too early, you can damage the recovering tissues once again.

For muscle strains to heal rapidy, you need to see your trusted physiotherapist so they can look after the injury as quickly as possible. They will diagnose how severe the strain is then commence treatment. They will also give you a graded exercise programme to strengthen the muscles and return you to your standard function.

As it’s very common to re-tear an injured muscle if it’s not rehabilitated correctly, it is very important you see your Physio.

Visit your local brisbane physiotherapists or sports injury clinic to get your muscle injury seen to today.