What Is Musculoskeletal Strain?

A muscle strain occurs when there is an injury to a muscle or tendon. A tendon is fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. The injury can range from minor, such as the muscle or tendon being overstretched, to more severe, resulting in a partial or completely torn muscle or tendon. There are three grades to represent strain severity.

A muscle strain can happen to anyone and is one of the most common types of injuries. It is more common in athletes, or people who play contact sports or do high-intensity exercises or sports. Often, strains can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with over-the-counter medication. For more severe strains, you may need to see a doctor.

The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a sprain occurs when the injury happens to the band of tissues that connect two bones together. A strain occurs when the muscle or tendon that connects to a bone is injured. Additionally, there is no difference between a muscle strain and a pulled muscle.

Common Locations of Strains

A strain can happen in any muscle of the body. The most common locations a person may experience a strained muscle include:

• Back
• Hamstring
• Calf
• Abdominal
• Chest
• Bicep

Causes

A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fiber tears. Acute strains are caused by a singular event. Chronic muscle strains typically happen from repetitive usage or injuries over time. There are several different causes of muscle strain. Causes may include:

• Overuse or repetition of movement
• Lack of flexibility
• Not warming up or stretching before exercise
• Muscle fatigue
• Injury

Symptoms

Muscle strain symptoms vary depending on the severity of the strain. Symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Swelling and redness
• Bruising and tenderness
• Limited motion
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a muscle strain requires a physical examination. Your doctor will check the area for bruising and tenderness to determine the location and severity of the strain. It is important to give details surrounding what caused the strain and what symptoms you are currently having. If the strain seems more severe, your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm if there has been any tearing. Tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, or an MRI.

Treatment and Management

Most muscle strain injuries can be treated and managed at home. The most common treatment options are using the RICE method and over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol. In more severe cases, such as a grade 3 strain, treatment may require surgery. Physical therapy may also be recommended for some people.

• Rest: It is important to avoid activities that may aggravate the injury or cause more damage, swelling, or discomfort. Rest gives time for the body to heal, however, it is important that you do not become sedentary or avoidant of all movement. Appropriate movement is important to the healing process.
• Ice: Using ice on the injured area helps to reduce swelling and can alleviate pain. You can ice the area for 15-20 minutes once every few hours for the first 2-3 days of being injured. Alternatively, you can also try soaking the injury in an ice bath for 15-20 minutes every few hours.
• Compression: Compression helps to reduce or stop the swelling around the injured area. An elastic wrap or bandage can be wrapped around the injury, beginning the wrap at the farthest point away from your heart. Make sure not to wrap it too tightly, as that may cut off circulation or inhibit blood flow. Loosen the bandage if you notice swelling below the wrapped area or if it feels more painful.
• Elevation: To reduce swelling, elevate the injured area above the heart. This is especially helpful to do at night. Gravity helps to reduce the swelling.

How Long Does a Strained Muscle Take to Heal?

Generally, muscle strains take a few weeks to heal. It is important to ease back into physical activity, making sure to monitor symptoms, so as not to reinjure yourself or cause further damage. Speak with your healthcare provider before jumping back into intense physical activity.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a muscle strain is to consistently stretch and warm-up before exercise or intense activity. Improving muscle strength in the large and small muscles is also important for maintaining healthy and flexible muscles. Consistency in these areas will help to reduce the chances of straining or tearing a muscle. Additionally, regular movement or exercise and maintaining a nutritionally balanced diet can help to reduce the chance of experiencing a muscle strain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although most strains heal in a few weeks with at-home remedies, some do require medical attention. Initially, you may need to seek medical attention to determine the severity of the strain and whether it requires surgery or physical therapy. Typically, if the injury is painful enough that you cannot bear weight or if it is impacting your sleep, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you what type of injury you have, how severe it might be, and what treatment options might be best for you.

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