Sprains and Strains

Benefits of Physical Therapy For Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are very common for people that have active lifestyles and occupations. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of a ligament- the connective tissue that connects bones together in your joints. A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). 

In most cases, physical therapy can effectively help you recover from sprains and strains. During your evaluation, your physical therapist will identify the nature of your injury and prescribe a treatment plan to relieve your swelling, and pain and begin restoring your range of motion.

If you participate in sports or are very active in your job, we work closely with you to make sure that we help you recover and can participate in those activities that are most important to you.

Request an Appointment

Request an Appointment Today!

Types of Sprains and Strains

There are several kinds of sprains and strains that physical therapists at MVPT Physical Therapy can help with!

Knee Sprains and Strains

Knee sprains and strains are common injuries that can happen to anyone. They are usually caused by a sudden twisting or turning movement of the knee, or by landing awkwardly after jumping or falling.

The most common acute injury is a sprain, which is an injury to the ligaments that connect the shin bone to the thigh bone, near the knee joint. The knee is a very complex joint, and an injury to one or more of the ligaments can commonly occur. 

Knee injuries can be classified as either acute (recent) or chronic (long-term). Acute knee injuries include ligament tears, which usually heal within 6 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic knee injuries may require surgery and may take months or years to heal. A torn ligament does not always require surgery. Ask your physician about trying physical therapy first before considering surgery.

Back Sprains and Strains

It can be quite easy to sprain or strain your back. There are hundreds of small muscles in the spine, which guide the intricate movements of each bone and multi-level joints. Because of this complexity, you can sustain injuries to your back if heavy lifting is involved- especially when poor ergonomics are used.

The majority of people sprain or strain their back when they combine lifting with twisting. The best way to avoid an injury to the low back is to use your legs when lifting, bending at the knees, hinging at the hips, and keeping your back fairly straight. If you have to turn while lifting, move your feet, otherwise the strain of lifting while twisting can cause injury. Sound like a lot to be thinking about? Don’t worry! Your physical therapist will focus on proper posture and lifting mechanics during your physical therapy sessions. This will help you prevent the recurrence of future injuries in the future!

Ankle Sprains and Strains

Ankle sprains are very common injuries and typically occur from improper footwear on uneven terrain. Most often, sprains occur from sports or trips over objects that were unseen. While physical therapists can help you recover from the pain and swelling that accompanies ankle sprains, they can also assess your muscular strength and balance to prescribe exercises that improve your ankle joint mobility to limit the potential for similar injuries in the future. 

Shoulder Sprains and Strains

The damage from a shoulder sprain/strain can be minor or major, depending on the severity of the injury, person’s health, and age. As we age, our tissue becomes less elastic and becomes more prone to tearing. If you’ve suffered an injury to your shoulder as a result of a work or sports accident, our team at MVPT Physical Therapy will guide you to optimal recovery and help you prepare for a return to full function. 

Choose Physical Therapy to Recover from Injury

Have you suffered a ligament sprain or muscle strain? Working with a physical therapist can help you recover quickly and safely and help reduce the likelihood of reinjury in the future. Call MVPT Physical Therapy today to discover how we can effectively treat your sprains or strains.