Strains and Sprains
Strains and sprains are common injuries that occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are overstretched or torn. These injuries can happen suddenly due to accidents, sports activities, or overexertion. While strains affect muscles and tendons, sprains involve the ligaments. Massage therapy can be an effective way to reduce pain, improve healing, and restore function for both types of injuries.
What Is a Strain?
A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscles to bones) is overstretched or torn. This often happens due to sudden movements, lifting heavy objects, or overuse of a muscle. Strains are commonly found in muscles that are prone to repetitive use or are overexerted. This type of injury will typically hurt with active movement, since muscles are what facilitate movement in the body.
Common Locations for Strains:
- Lower Back: Overstretching or lifting improperly can strain the muscles in the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Hamstrings: A common injury in athletes, the hamstrings can be strained when running, kicking, or performing quick, explosive movements.
- Shoulders: Shoulder strains often occur during lifting, throwing, or reaching movements, especially when improper form is used.
- Neck and Upper Back: Strains in the neck and upper back can occur from poor posture, sudden twists, or prolonged sitting or standing in a fixed position.
What Is a Sprain?
A sprain occurs when a ligament, the tissue that connects bones together, is stretched or torn. Sprains usually result from a sudden twist, fall, or trauma that causes a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion. Like strains, sprains can range from mild to severe and may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint. These injuries tend to hurt with passive movement, since ligaments don't help to move the body but instead resist that movement. As a sprained ligament is stretched due to movement it will be painful.
Common Locations for Sprains:
- Ankle: One of the most common sprains, often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle during sports or walking on uneven surfaces.
- Knee: A sprained knee usually occurs due to twisting movements or overextension of the joint, such as in sports like soccer or skiing.
- Wrist: Sprains of the wrist typically happen when falling onto an outstretched hand, putting pressure on the ligaments around the joint.
- Elbow: Elbow sprains can occur from repetitive motion, such as throwing or lifting, or from an impact injury.
How Massage Therapy Can Help:
- Reduces Pain and Inflammation: Massage therapy helps reduce swelling and promotes the natural healing process by increasing circulation to the injured area.
- Relieves Muscle Tightness: After a strain or sprain, surrounding muscles often tighten up in response to the injury. Massage helps release this tension and prevents muscle imbalances that can lead to further discomfort.
- Promotes Healing: By improving blood flow to the injured tissue, massage helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that are essential for tissue repair and recovery.
- Improves Flexibility and Range of Motion: Gently stretching and mobilizing the injured area can help restore flexibility and joint function, preventing stiffness and promoting quicker recovery.
- Prevents Future Injuries: Regular massage can help strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and balance muscle groups to prevent the recurrence of strains and sprains.
If you're dealing with a strain or sprain, massage therapy can be an essential part of your recovery plan. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.