Sprains, Strains & Sports Injuries

 

Is it a sprain or a strain? The two are often confused because both are considered soft tissues of the musculo-skeletal system and both appear with similar symptoms. We can sprain our joints in a sport but we strain ourmuscles when we put a lot of effort into a task. Physiotherapists specialize in the differentiation of a sprain from a strain.

Our physiotherapists determine what is injured during the assessment. Ligaments are strong and tough like leather but can tear when pulledto their limit. Muscle fibers are pliable like elastics, resilient but when overexerted or stretched excessively, can also tear. Depending on the amount of the tear, a sprain or strain can be mild, medium or severe, often referred to level 1, level 2, or level 3 injury.

Pain, swelling and bruising make it difficult to differentiate one from the other.  If the injury resulted from trauma while playing sports, the physiotherapist may find evidence of both types of soft tissue injury and therapy may overlap considerably to treat both..

Acute injury treatment follows the RICE formula. Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. The goal of treatment for all soft tissue injuries is to restore function as soon as possible. By seeking prompt diagnosis and treatment, including physiotherapy, you can be back to usual activities in the shortest time possible.