Muscle injuries are one of the most common injuries sustained while playing sport. Muscle injuries can range on a continuum from contusion, strain, to tear. A muscle contusion often refers to a muscle bruise; where a strain and tear refers to the degree of damage sustained to muscle fibres.
Common symptoms indicating a muscular injury but not limited to are:
- Pain Bruising
- Swelling
- Loss of strength
- Loss of muscle length
Prevention strategies to sustaining muscle injuries include but not limited to:
- Completion of warm up, stretching and cool down
- Inclusion of both stretch and strength exercises in training programs
- Participation in gradual/ progressive functional training programs
- Adequate recovery periods between training and competition days
- Appropriate footwear for training / competitive surfaces
- Adequate hydration
Physiotherapy can assist in both the assessment and management of muscular injuries including:
- Assessment of the degree of muscular damage
- Discuss individual rehabilitation programs and timeframe for recovery and return to sport
- Provide treatment as individually indicated which can include one or more of the following: soft tissue massage, dry needling, ice, low level laser therapy, sports tape and/ or brace
- Prescribe home exercise programs, Pilates programs and/ or gym programs
Contact Whittlesea Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates on 03 9716 2250 if you have any enquiries or to schedule an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists.