A strain refers to an injury where a muscle or tendon has been stretched or torn. Similar to a sprain, which is an injury to a ligament, a strain causes many uncomfortable symptoms that can get worse if left untreated. Strains are common in the lower back, the hamstrings, and the neck. Sometimes strains go away on their own with rest, ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory drugs, but more severe strains often require medical treatment.

What are the symptoms of a strain?

Symptoms of a strain vary depending on the location and severity of your injury. Common signs of a strain include muscle spasms, sudden pain, soreness, swelling, and limited range of motion. With mild strains, you may feel only slightly stiff or uncomfortable. With a severe strain, you can experience extreme pain. All sprains, however, generally cause pain right away and are sometimes correlated to a change in activity. In other cases, the pain may occur randomly. Your skin or the affected area might also feel tender to the touch.

How is a strain treated?

Dr. Zocca treats strains with a number of pain management techniques. Your customized treatment plan may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or trigger point injections. The goal of treatment is to help you manage pain and regain mobility where you’ve felt the strain. Dr. Zocca might also recommend a protocol of rest, icing, dietary changes, or herbal supplements to support your healing. With the right care, you can easily recover and get back to your favorite activities. To book a consultation about your symptoms, contact the office today by calling or scheduling an appointment online.

Muscle Strain Specialist

Q: What causes a strain?

There are many ways you can strain a muscle or tendon. The most common cause of strains is injury, which can happen for a number of reasons: poor flexibility, lack of conditioning, not warming up before exercise, or overexertion. In other cases, strains can come from accidents, slips, throwing something heavy, or awkwardly lifting an object. If you have a chronic strain, it’s often due to repetitive motions or poor posture.

Experiencing muscle pain after a workout or sudden movement? You might be dealing with a muscle strain. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about muscle strains, how they differ from sprains, and when it’s time to seek help from a muscle strain specialist.

At Maiden Lane Medical in NYC, we specialize in treating soft tissue injuries, including muscle strains. Call us today to schedule a consultation!

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What is a Muscle Strain?

A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, typically due to overuse or sudden force. This can affect muscle function and cause discomfort in the injured area. Most muscle strains happen in the lower back, neck, shoulder, or hamstrings, making everyday movements painful.

What's the Difference Between Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are terms used to describe soft tissue injuries. While muscle strains involve the muscle fibers, sprains affect the ligaments, the tissues connecting bones to form joints. Severe sprains can cause significant instability in the affected joint, whereas a strained muscle impacts muscle movement and strength. Understanding this distinction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Degrees of Severity of a Muscle Strain

Muscle strains are classified into three degrees based on severity:

Grade I: Mild strain causes damage to a few muscle fibers. Muscle strength and range of motion continue to be unaffected. However, pain and tenderness are felt the next day.
Grade II: Moderate strains cause more extensive damage, and there is some loss of muscle function and swelling.
Grade III: Severe strain is when there is a complete tear of the muscle fibers, often requiring surgical intervention.

What Causes a Strain?

Muscle strains are commonly caused by:

Overuse: Repetitive motions without adequate rest can lead to a strained muscle.
Sudden Movements: Quick or awkward motions, like jumping or lifting heavy objects, may cause muscle fibers to tear.
Poor Conditioning: Lack of flexibility or strength can make muscles more susceptible to injury.
Accidents: Severe strains can result from falls or collisions.

What Does a Muscle Strain Feel Like?

Symptoms of a muscle strain include:

Muscle Pain: Ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain in the injured muscle.
Swelling and Bruising: The injured area may swell or bruise, indicating damage.
Limited Movement: Difficulty using the affected muscle without pain.
Muscle Weakness: Loss of strength in the strained muscle.

Diagnosing a Muscle Strain

A muscle strain specialist will conduct a physical exam and may use imaging tests to assess the extent of the injury if time to improvement of symptoms is taking longer than is typical.

How to Treat a Muscle Strain

Muscle strain treatment focuses on relieving pain and restoring muscle function. The following methods may be used to treat a muscle strain.

Rest: Reducing activity can prevent muscle strain from getting worse.
Ice: Applying ice can help minimize swelling. Aim to use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Wrap the ice pack with a towel or something similar to prevent the ice from coming into direct contact with the skin.
Compression. An elastic bandage can help reduce swelling
Elevation: Try to keep the injured muscle above the level of your heart to reduce inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Guided exercises help rebuild strength and flexibility, preventing further injury.
Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate severe pain.

In cases of severe injuries or torn muscles, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

Where to Get Help for Muscle Strains

If you’re suffering from a muscle strain, Maiden Lane Medical in Manhattan, NY, is here to assist. Our team of specialists in musculoskeletal conditions offers comprehensive care for soft tissue injuries, including severe strains and sprains. We provide personalized treatment plans to help you recover and prevent muscle strains in the future.

Seek Expert Care Today

Don’t let a muscle strain limit your activities. At Maiden Lane Medical, our expert care ensures that you’re back to your best in no time. Contact us at one of our offices in the New York area today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward recovery!

Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Sprains are caused by trauma such as a fall or blow that stresses a joint out of position. A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. Learn more about muscle and ligament sprains and strains and how to lower your risks.

Medically Reviewed By

Jennifer Zocca, MD

Dual Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician & Anesthesiologist Medical Director

Specialists

Marla Abramson, MD

Page Baker, DPT

Jenna Evans, PT, DPT

Jennifer Zocca, MD

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