Muscle Strains

A muscle strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon - the fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Minor injuries may only overstretch a muscle or tendon, while more severe injuries can involve partial or complete tears in these tissues.

Common Causes of Muscle Strains

Muscle strains can happen to anyone, but they are most common in athletes or individuals who engage in physical activities without proper preparation. Common causes include:

• Not warming up properly before physical activity.
• Poor flexibility or tight muscles.
• Overexertion or fatigue, which makes muscles less able to absorb stress.
• Sudden, unexpected movements or heavy lifting.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of a muscle strain include pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and limited ability to move the affected muscle. Treatment for a mild to moderate strain usually involves the RICE protocol:

• Rest: Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
• Compression: Wrap the area with an elastic bandage to minimise swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the injured area elevated above heart level, if possible.

Physical therapy and remedial massage can also be beneficial in the later stages of healing to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.