What is a Muscle Strain and How to Treat It?

"Muscle strain is one of the most common injuries affecting muscles, and it occurs especially when muscle fibers are stretched beyond their limit, causing persistent pain," explains Dr. Corbetta. "This can happen during intense physical activity but also with everyday movements that appear harmless. It is a condition that can affect athletes of any level as well as people who engage in occasional physical activity."

Muscle strain can be classified into three categories based on severity:

• First-degree strain: Presents as a sensation of muscle tightness, cramps, or mild pain when the muscle is stretched or contracted. There is no significant loss of strength or movement.
• Second-degree strain: Pain is immediate and more intense, often accompanied by subsequent swelling and bruising, reduced muscle strength, and limited movement.
• Third-degree strain: A very severe injury where the muscle is completely torn, causing extremely intense pain, evident swelling (partly due to retracted muscle tissue), and the rapid appearance of extensive bruising from significant blood leakage. This type of tear prevents the use of the affected area even for simple tasks due to pain and severe muscle damage.

Which muscles are most affected?

“Some muscle groups are more prone to strain. For example, back muscles, particularly those in the sacral and lumbar areas, are among the most affected. The chest and abdominal muscles can also easily sustain strains. Additionally, the neck muscles and shoulder girdle are frequently involved. Finally, the thigh and leg muscles are equally susceptible to this condition. In particular, the triceps surae, often involving the medial gastrocnemius muscle, is a common site of injury,” specifies the specialist.

To ensure proper management and prevention of muscle strains, it is essential to understand their causes, symptoms, and treatment methods. The main causes of muscle strain include:

• intense physical activity;
• lack of appropriate warm-up;
• sudden movements, such as sudden changes in direction or abrupt jumps;
• poor muscle flexibility;
• muscle fatigue;
• postural and muscular imbalances;
• failure to respect the necessary recovery times after physical exertion or injury.

"These causes of muscle strain highlight the importance of adequate athletic preparation before engaging in any physical activity. Proper preparation, which includes adequate warm-up, flexibility exercises, proprioceptive exercises, and attention to posture, can help prevent injuries and maintain optimal muscle health."

The primary symptom of a muscle strain is pain, which occurs suddenly during a specific movement, either during sports activities or clinical tests. Other symptoms include:

• Stiffness: difficulty moving the affected muscle;
• Swelling: visible inflammation at the injury site;
• Bruising, which may appear following more severe damage;
• Movement limitations: difficulty performing daily activities.

All these symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury.

"Timely management of a muscle strain is essential to ensure effective recovery and reduce the risk of future complications. Initially, it is crucial to allow the affected muscle to rest, avoiding activities that might worsen the injury. During the first 48 hours after the injury, it is recommended to apply ice to the affected area for about 15-20 minutes every hour. This practice not only helps reduce swelling and pain but also limits inflammation."

It is also helpful to elevate the affected muscle, as this simple action can further reduce inflammation. In addition to these initial interventions, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. A physiotherapist can develop a personalized rehabilitation program aimed at restoring strength, mobility, and functionality to the affected area. This program may include:

• specific exercises;
• manual therapies;
• tecar therapy;
• laser therapy.

Returning to sports activity must be gradual and controlled, aiming to avoid relapses that could prolong recovery. Physical activity should gradually increase in intensity and duration, always paying attention to the signals from your body and stopping the activity or training if pain occurs. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury.

“In the case of a mild strain, recovery is expected within 1-2 weeks. For a moderate-grade injury, recovery may take 2-4 weeks, while more severe injuries could require 6 weeks or more for complete recovery. It is crucial to adhere to these timelines to avoid relapses and ensure full healing.”

If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult a physical medicine specialist who can provide a specific diagnosis and prescribe a rehabilitation therapy program.

Muscle health is crucial for overall well-being and requires ongoing attention and care. Preventive practices such as proper warm-up before physical activity, regular stretching exercises, and maintaining good hydration can significantly contribute to keeping muscles healthy and reducing the risk of future strains.