Muscle Strain/tear Type of grade and management

Muscle Strain/tear ➽Muscles are strained or torn when some or all of the fibers fail to cope with the demands placed upon the. Muscles that are commonly affected are the hamstrings, quadriceps and gastrocnemius: these muscles are all bi arthrodial (cross two joints) and thus more vulnerable to injury. A muscle is most likely to tear during sudden acceleration or deceleration Muscle strains are classified in three grades .

Grade I strain involves a small number of muscle fibers and causes localized pain but no loss of strength. 

Grade II strain is a tear of a significant number of muscle fibers with associated pain and swelling. Pain is reproduced on muscle contraction. Strength is reduced and movement is limited by pain.

Grade III strain is a complete tear of the muscle, This is seen most frequently at the musculotendinous junction 

Management of muscle strains requires first aid to minimize bleeding, swelling and inflammation. After treatment promotes efficient scar formation through the use of strengthening exercises, electrotherapeutic modalities, soft tissue therapy and stretching

⧭ A number of factors predispose to muscle strains:

➦Inadequate warm-up 

➦Insufficient joint range of motion

➦Excessive muscle tightness 

➦Fatigue/overuse/inadequate recovery

➦Muscle imbalance

➦Faulty technique/biomechanics 

➦Spinal dysfunction 

➦Most muscle strains are preventable