Muscle Strain

What is a muscle strain?
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A muscle strain happens when muscle fibres are overstretched or torn. You may sometimes hear this called a “muscle sprain”, but the correct term is strain. This type of injury can occur due to sudden movement, overuse, lifting something heavy, or during sports.

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Muscle strains can range from mild overstretching to partial or complete tears. Most strains improve with the right rehabilitation. However, without proper management, they can become persistent or more likely to recur.

What causes a muscle strain?
 

Muscle sprains are commonly caused by:

• Sudden twisting or impact

• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly

• Overstretching

• Sports injuries

• Repetitive movements

• Poor warm-up before activity

• Fatigue or muscle weakness

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Common areas affected include:

• Lower back

• Hamstring

• Calf

• Shoulder

• Neck

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Muscle strains can happen to anyone – not just athletes. They are just as common during everyday activities like lifting, reaching, or moving awkwardly at home.​​

What does muscle strain feel like?
 

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury.

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Common signs include:

• Sudden sharp pain at the time of injury

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Muscle tightness

• Weakness in the affected area

• Pain when moving or stretching

• Reduced range of movement

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In more severe cases, putting weight through the area or lifting objects may feel difficult.

How can physio help after a muscle strain?
 

Physiotherapy helps ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of re-injury.

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It works by:

• Reducing pain and inflammation

• Restoring normal movement

• Rebuilding strength

• Improving flexibility

• Correcting movement patterns

• Gradually returning you to normal activity

Early guided rehabilitation helps prevent stiffness and long-term weakness.

What treatment will Village Physio do?
 

At Village Physio, we provide personalised, home-based rehabilitation tailored to your injury, lifestyle, and goals.

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Treatment may include:

• Gentle mobility exercises

• Progressive strengthening

• Soft tissue techniques

• Stretching programmes

• Postural correction and movement retraining

• Advice on pacing activity

• Gradual return-to-activity planning

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All sessions are one-hour home visits, giving us time for a full assessment and practical rehabilitation in your own environment. This means we can focus on the movements that matter most to you – whether that’s getting up from your chair, using the stairs, or returning to everyday activities with confidence.

What can I do to reduce my discomfort whilst I wait for an appointment?
 

• Rest the area initially, but try to avoid complete inactivity

• Apply ice to the affected area (wrapped in a cloth, not directly on the skin)

• Keep the area elevated if there is swelling

• Avoid movements that trigger sharp pain

• Keep the area gently moving within a comfortable range

• Consider pain relief if advised by your GP or pharmacist

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If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, numbness, or inability to move the area, seek medical advice promptly.