Muscle Strain – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
A muscle strain is a partial or complete injury to muscle fibres, most often during a sudden movement or overload. In most people mild and moderate strains heal well with proper loading and physiotherapy.
What a muscle strain is
A muscle strain occurs when a muscle is overstretched or contracts suddenly and some of its fibres are damaged. It most often affects the back of the thigh, the calf, the front of the thigh and the groin. Strains are usually graded from mild, with few fibres involved, to a complete tear.
Typically you feel a sudden pain during movement, such as sprinting or a sharp start, sometimes with a feeling of a pop. Soreness follows, with mild to moderate swelling and bruising, and movement and loading are limited.
Mild and moderate strains often recover within a few weeks, but the time depends on the grade and the muscle. Returning to sport too early increases the risk of re-injury.
Common causes
- sudden acceleration, sprinting or changes of direction
- insufficient warm-up before exertion
- muscle fatigue and inadequate recovery
- muscle imbalance and weakness
- limited flexibility or a previous injury
- sudden lifting of a heavy load
How it feels
- sudden pain during movement
- tenderness when pressing on the muscle
- swelling and sometimes bruising
- pain when stretching or contracting the muscle
- weakness and stiffness
- limited movement and limping
How we can help
After a thorough assessment we determine the grade of the injury and the stage of healing. We use therapeutic massage, manual therapy, electrotherapy, laser, magnet, ultrasound or TECAR to ease pain, and introduce therapeutic exercise gradually to restore flexibility and strength. We also help with a safe return to sport. If we suspect a more serious injury, we will refer you to a doctor.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for severe pain, inability to bear weight or use the limb, a visible gap or lump in the muscle, or rapidly increasing swelling and bruising. Seek urgent help for severe pain, swelling, warmth and redness of the calf, especially with shortness of breath, as this could be a blood clot.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.