Don't Let a Muscle Sprain or Strain Slow you Down
Physical therapy can help you find real relief through natural and effective pain management if you’ve experienced a painful sprain or strain. Our practitioners provide natural and effective pain management and elimination for sprains and strains.
Sprains and strains can occur in any joint of the body where ligaments are present. Some common areas where sprains occur include the ankle, wrist, knee, and thumb. However, sprains can also occur in other areas, such as the elbow, shoulder, and neck.
Strain vs. Sprain: What’s the Difference?
You may have a strain or sprain if you’re experiencing persistent discomfort in your ankle, knee, or other joint. Although people tend to use these terms interchangeably, sprains and strains are not the same. A strain refers to the overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, while a sprain involves an overstretched or torn ligament. Both are a common type of sports injury.
Strains and sprains share similar symptoms, such as muscle spasms, swelling, inflammation, limited flexibility, and pain around the affected joint. However, sprains typically show bruising on the skin around the injured area. These injuries can occur from various causes, including lifting heavy objects, overexertion, athletic activities, slipping and falling, and prolonged repetitive motion.
Most sprains and strains can be treated at home with the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). However, if the injury doesn’t heal this way, it’s time to see a medical provider. Physical therapy can play a crucial role in recovery by reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, strengthening key muscles, and restoring mobility and function to the damaged muscle or ligament.
Physical Therapy for Sprains and Muscle Strain
First, your physical therapist at Megan Mullin PT will thoroughly evaluate your injury and its effects. This will allow them to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. The goal may be to alleviate pain, restore flexibility, strengthen the area to prevent further injury, or a combination of these things. You will likely have exercises, stretches, or treatments to perform at home in between therapy sessions.
Our physical therapists can provide a variety of treatments for sprains and strains, including:
- Targeted exercises and stretches
- Electrical stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Manual therapy, including massage and joint mobilization
- Heat therapy
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Strains and Sprains
Ankle injuries are a common sprain or strain. Half of all ankle sprains occur during athletic activity, and more than 1 million people visit emergency rooms each year due to ankle injuries. While they can happen to anyone at any age, men between 15 and 24 years old have higher rates of ankle sprains, and women older than age 30 have higher rates than men.
Take the Next Step
If orthopedic pain from a sprained ankle or muscle strain has sidelined you from recreational activities and even your daily routine, our expert physical therapists can help. Most people will experience a muscle strain or sprained ligament at some point. Receiving professional treatment for a sprain or strain that doesn’t heal on its own can lower the risk of long-term damage and re-injury. Physical therapy can alleviate pain and help you get back to your life faster.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment with a physical therapist in Woodstock, NY, or San Luis Obispo, CA. We also offer virtual appointments for some PT services.
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