Muscle Strains
Muscle strains can occur in any part of the body. Muscles work to stabilize/support the body while others are concerned with movement. Occasionally muscles may become overloaded as a result of vigorous activity or overuse.
Muscle Strains or torn muscles, lead to inflammation and pain at the site of injury. On other occasions the pattern of muscle activation can become dysfunctional resulting in a muscle overworking and becoming sore as a consequence. Particular movements of an affected area can stretch or place stress on the injured muscle.
Muscle Strains are classified as follows:
Grade 1: A strain involving a small number of muscle fibers and causes localised pain but no loss in strength.
Grade 2: 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.
Grade 3: A complete tear (rupture) of the muscle. Swelling/bruising is present. May have complete loss of function depending on where in the body the injury has occurred.