Sprains and strains, what are we dealing with?
- Sprains refer to ligament injuries, such as when an ankle gets twisted. Ligaments connects bone to bone.
- Strains refer to muscular and tendon tissue injuries. Tendons connect the muscle to the bone.
Physical therapy is highly specialized in treating sprains and strains.
- The goal is restoration of range of motion, strength, and regaining the brain body connection (1, 2).
- The one rule with a sprain or a strain is, how much is this injury keeping me from doing my daily activities? Can I walk? Can I lift a bottle water or cup of coffee? Can I reach to the top shelf, grab something, and safely bring it down? When the injury relates to sports and athletic activity the questions revolve around how does the injury limit you?
- If unstable and cannot maintain balance or control, you likely need more medical intervention.
- However, there are patients who opt to live without surgery for injuries and they are doing well because they keep the surrounding structures strong.
- We have treated complete ruptures of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee for patients who individually opted out of surgery with success.
If you live in Springfield, MO and the surrounding area, let The SHOP help evaluate and treat your sprains and strains. Do you want to learn more or get started?
