Muscle Aches, Sprains and Strains
MUSCLE ACHES TREATMENT, LANGHORNE PA
Sprains and strains are usually injuries that are caused by sports, exercise, or other physical activity. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that links bones together at joints. Sprains happen most often in the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist. Strains are tears in muscle tissue. They happen most often in the muscles that support the calf, thigh, groin, and shoulder. Sometimes sprains and strains can be severe, needing weeks of rehabilitation.
Signs and Symptoms
Strains:
- Muscle stiffness, tenderness, or soreness
- Swelling
Sprains:
- Pain at the time of injury
- Swelling
- Bruising
The joint may be unstable or you may not be able to use the affected part of your body if the injury is serious, involving a muscle or ligament tear.
Causes
Sprains generally happen when a twisting force is applied to a joint while it is bearing weight, which causes the ligament to stretch beyond its usual limit. Sprains tend to happen with sudden, unexpected movement, like a fall or a twist.
Muscle strains happen when the weight on a muscle is greater than the weakest part of the muscle can bear. Strains tend to happen during activities that require your muscle to stretch and bear weight at the same time. Being injured before or having limited flexibility may contribute to sprains. You are at risk for a sprain or strain if you do the following:
- Exercise without warming up properly
- Use athletic equipment that does not fit properly
- Participate in sports and activities that you are not conditioned for
- Exercise when bones and muscles are fatigued
Chiropractic at Our Office
Many people visit chiropractors for sprain and strain injuries. In some mild cases home rest, ice, compression and elevation may work, however in our office our goal is to restore normal mechanics to the joint and help the soft tissue accelerate healing. This way the alignment and joint glide is corrected. Our treatment plans are designed to help patients reach optimal function restoring full range of motion and preventing future recurrences.
Treatment may include:
- Active Release Therapy
- Spinal and Extremity Adjustments
- Massage Therapy
- Traction Devices
- Shockwave Therapy
- Exercises
- Electric muscle stimulation
- Heat/Cold Therapy
- Nutritional Supplements
To determine the cause of your pain and fix it naturally, call us at 215-750-8006!