Muscle Strain
Introduction
A
strain to the muscle or muscle tendon is the equivalent of a sprain to
ligaments. A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibres cannot cope
with the demands placed on them by exercise overload and leads to tearing of
the fibres. It is a contraction-induced injury in which muscle fibers tear due
to extensive mechanical stress. This mostly occurs as result of a powerful
eccentric contraction or overstretching of the muscle. Therefore, it is typical
for non contact sports with dynamic character such as sprinting, jumping.
Categorisation
Strains are categorized
into 3 grades of severity
Grade I (mild)
strains affect only a limited number of fibers in the muscle. There is no
decrease in strength and there is full active and passive range of motion. Pain
and tenderness are often delayed to the next day.
Grade II (moderate) strains have nearly half of muscle fibers torn. Acute and significant pain is accompanied by swelling and a minor decrease in muscle strength.
Grade III (severe) strains represent complete rupture of the muscle. This means either the tendon is separated from the muscle belly or the muscle belly is actually torn in 2 parts. Severe swelling and pain and a complete loss of function are characteristic for this type of strain.
Grade II (moderate) strains have nearly half of muscle fibers torn. Acute and significant pain is accompanied by swelling and a minor decrease in muscle strength.
Grade III (severe) strains represent complete rupture of the muscle. This means either the tendon is separated from the muscle belly or the muscle belly is actually torn in 2 parts. Severe swelling and pain and a complete loss of function are characteristic for this type of strain.
Management
Management includes first aid to minimise bleeding
and swelling (RICE),
electrotherapy modalities (e.g. Ultrasound)
to promote efficient scar formation, Massage,
stretching and strengthening (in the end stages of healing).
Predisposing factors of muscle strains include;
ineffective warm-up, poor flexibility (tight muscles), fatigue, overuse and muscle
imbalance (when muscle groups are excessively stronger or weaker in relation to
each other).
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