
Strains and sprains are common injuries that can affect anyone, but are particularly common in athletes. A strain is when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far and tears. This can be caused by an accident, overuse of a muscle, or using a muscle in the wrong way. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and capsule of a joint in the body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An injury to muscles or tendons |
| Cause | Overuse of a muscle, using a muscle in the wrong way, or an accident |
| Treatment | Ice, compression, elevation, rest, protection, relative rest, supervision of return to work or sport |
| Healing Factors | Type of tissue, severity of injury, treatment undertaken, previous injuries, age, general health of the person |
What You'll Learn

Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons
Strains can be treated with ice, which should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day, and every three to four hours after that. After three days, either heat or ice may be used to reduce pain. It is also recommended to rest for a few days to protect the injury and allow it to start healing.
The healing time for a strain depends on various factors, including the type of tissue, the severity of the injury, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the person. Depending on the level of muscle strain, it may heal within a few weeks, but reinjury can occur.
It is important to seek medical advice for a strain, as a doctor, physical therapist, or trainer can help determine when it is safe to start moving the injured area again. They may also order an X-ray or other imaging study to check for additional injuries, such as a broken bone. Ongoing treatment and supervision for return to work or sport may be suggested through a physiotherapist.
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Strains are sometimes called pulled muscles
A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. Strains are sometimes called pulled muscles. This is because a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far, which can cause a tear in the muscle. Strains are often caused by overuse of a muscle, using a muscle in the wrong way, or an accident. They are common in athletes, particularly when they return to a sport after the off-season, and often affect the muscles in the back, neck, or legs.
The healing time for a strain depends on various factors, including the type of tissue, the severity of the injury, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the person. Strains can usually heal within a few weeks, but reinjury can occur. Immediate treatment for strains includes protection, relative rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Ongoing treatment and supervision of return to sport or work is suggested through a physiotherapist. Ultrasounds can sometimes be used to diagnose a minor tear.
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Strains can be caused by accidents, overuse or misuse of a muscle
A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons, which occurs when a muscle is stretched too much and part of it tears. Strains are sometimes called pulled muscles. They can be caused by accidents, overuse or misuse of a muscle.
Strains are common when athletes return to a sport after the off-season and often affect the muscles in their backs, necks or legs. They can also be caused by sudden (acute) or long-standing (chronic) soft tissue injuries. Soft tissues include ligaments, muscles and tendons.
The healing time for a strain depends on various factors including the type of tissue and severity of the injury, treatment undertaken, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the person. Depending on the level of muscle strain, it may heal within a few weeks, but reinjury can happen.
Immediate treatment for a strain includes protection, relative rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is recommended to apply ice right away to reduce swelling, wrapping the ice in cloth and not placing it directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every hour for the first day and every 3 to 4 hours after that, for the first 3 days. After this, either heat or ice may be helpful if you still have pain. Ongoing treatment and supervision of return to work or sport is suggested through your physiotherapist.
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Strains are common when athletes return to sport after the off-season
A strain is when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far, causing a tear in the muscle. Strains are common when athletes return to sport after the off-season, as they often affect the muscles in their backs, necks, or legs. This is because athletes may assume they can return to their previous fitness levels right away, which can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and re-injury.
During the off-season, athletes have time to rest, recharge, and strengthen their skills without officially going to practice. Some take a complete break from sports, while others maintain their fitness with gym training. However, stopping training completely can cause the body to revert to its pre-training state, with rapid changes occurring at the aerobic and anaerobic levels.
When returning to sports after a break, athletes should start slowly and steadily. Cross-training and activities like yoga can help build supportive muscles and improve flexibility. It is important to pay attention to any spots that feel stiff or "off" during warm-up and consult with sports medicine professionals if needed.
Treatment for strains includes relative rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Healing times depend on various factors, including the type of tissue, severity of the injury, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the individual.
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Strains can take a few weeks to heal, but reinjury can happen
A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons, which can be caused by an accident, overusing a muscle or using a muscle in the wrong way. Strains can take a few weeks to heal, but reinjury can happen. Healing depends on various factors including the type of tissue and severity of injury, treatment undertaken, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the person. Immediate treatment for a strain includes protection, relative rest (for example avoiding activities that significantly increase your pain but otherwise remaining gently active), ice, compression and elevation. Ongoing treatment and supervision of return to work or sport is suggested through your physiotherapist. Strains are common when athletes return to a sport after the off-season, often affecting the muscles in their backs, necks or legs.
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Frequently asked questions
A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. It can be caused by an accident, overusing a muscle, or using a muscle in the wrong way.
Strains are caused by muscles being stretched too much and tearing. They can be caused by accidents, overuse, or incorrect use of a muscle.
Immediate treatment for a strain includes protection, relative rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is recommended to apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day and every 3 to 4 hours after that. After 3 days, either heat or ice may be helpful if you still have pain.
Depending on the level of muscle strain, it may heal within a few weeks, but reinjury can happen. Healing depends on various factors including the type of tissue and severity of injury, treatment undertaken, previous injuries, and the age and general health of the person.
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and capsule of a joint in the body, whereas a strain is an injury to muscles or tendons.

