• Other Conditions
• Joint pain
• Muscle injuries
• Strains and sprains
• Spinal pain
• Pre & Post orthopaedic surgery
• Spinal surgery
• Chronic pain
• Soft tissue injuries
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive strain injury
• Fractures
• Osteoarthritis
• Children with musculoskeletal injuries
• Rheumatologic problems
• Headaches
• Pregnancy related back and pelvic pain

Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains can occur during any type of exercise or in day to day life and are the most common injury in sport. A strain is when the thick band that connects the muscle to the bone called a tendon or the actual muscle fibres itself is put under an abnormal stress such as a twist or lengthening of the structure beyond what it is normally capable of performing.

A sprain differs from a strain as these are injuries that affect the structures called ligaments. These are bands of cartilage that are responsible for connecting bone to bone. Injuries to ligaments also usually occur when they are forcibly taken beyond their natural limits and alignment.

Sprains are categorised as follows:

• First degree, this is when there is only a few ligament fibres damaged
• Second degree sprains refer to a more comprehensive damage to the ligament associated with a loss of function and swelling
• Third degree sprains refer to a complete rupture of the ligament accompanied with swelling and possible dislocation.

An initial assessment with one of the physiotherapists will determine what type and grade of injury has occurred. Immediate attention is required for a faster recovery.

Treatment can consist of:-

• Reduce swelling and inflammation
• Reduce pain
• Ultrasound
• Improve scar tissue
• Exercise techniques
• Correction of biomechanical faults
• Increase range of movement

To aid in a faster recovery period it is advised that if you suspect that you have sprained or strained one of the structures to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible. If you were to leave it untreated it could result in:-

• Increase in muscle weakness
• Reduced range of movement
• Scar tissue formation
• Increased in stress on other areas.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to one of our physiotherapists please call 07734054192 or send an e-mail to office@sportandspinalphysio.co.uk