As more of the population becomes dissatisfied with medical treatment for ligament sprains and muscle strains, it is of paramount importance to revisit and solidify your expertise in these areas. It is not necessary to be a sports injury guru to understand the fundamentals of these injuries. The overwhelming majority of my patients that experience muscle strains are not sports enthusiasts or practitioners. They are the average person who may or may not be physically active, and who may or may not be actively taking charge of their own health through proper exercise and nutrition.
Whether muscle injuries are the result of sports activities or doing household chores, no group is more equipped to handle these types of injuries than chiropractors. Why? Because we not only deal with the soft tissue problems that accompany muscle strains, as do physical therapists, but we go one very important step further. We address potential joint misalignments, especially in the spine, which result from the initial trauma, or from the residual compensations due to muscle imbalance.
Let's take a moment to review some of the basics as they relate to the muscle strain environment. We should be aware that muscle injuries may occur at different parts of the muscle structure.
Grade I: overstretching of a few muscle fibers with less than 10 percent actual fibers tearing. No palpable defect in the muscle.
Grade II: a partial tear of the muscle fibers usually between 10 and 50 percent of the fibers. A definite palpable defect in the muscle belly.
Grade III: an extensive tear or complete rupture of the muscle fibers. From 50 to 100 percent destruction. Very large palpable depression in the muscle. The muscle may be torn away completely. There is no possibility of normal contraction.
Predisposing Factors to Muscle Strains
Phase 1 immobilizes the muscle strain and uses RICE for 24-72 hours.
Phase 2 assures maximum, normal lengthening and contracting of the muscle. Grade I or mild Grade II strains may take as little as a few days. Grade III strains could require from 10 days up to many weeks for complete recovery. Start with limited ROM exercises. For severe strains, ROM exercises may be started in water (i.e., aquatherapy for strengthening and rehab).
Phase 3 begins after normal excursion returns. Progressive resistance exercises are started. At times, it is ideal to begin with machine type exercises rather than free weights and cables.
Phase 4 brings return to the types of activities used in the particular sport or activity in which these muscles were disrupted. Do this phase slowly.
Phase 5 is reconditioning for the particular sport or activity. In the conditioning phase, it is important, as always, to include plenty of stretching and strengthening exercises.
Heat and Cold
In general, patients should use whichever of the two gives them the most relief. Cold application leads to vasoconstriction and is recommended in acute injury. Heat is often more beneficial in muscular pain and may help in muscle relaxation. The contrast between cold and heat therapy is a technique that sometimes gives more relief than either modality used alone.
Moist heat seems to have a better effect than dry heat. Local application of heat is contraindicated in patients with decreased sensation or circulatory impairment. It is also contraindicated over areas of malignancy and not advisable in acute injury. Usual application is about 20 minutes, not more than 30 minutes.
Cold (ice in most cases) should not be used for more than 15-20 minutes per session with an hour break between sessions. In acute injuries such as sprains, ice packs can be applied for the first 24-72 hours. In muscular pain such as in the neck or back, contrast therapy often feels good. The use of cryotherapy (cold) is contraindicated over areas of decreased sensation or vascular compromise. It is also not advisable for patients with vasculitis or open wounds.
I would like to point out that some of this information is paraphrased from books that have been written over 15 years ago. It is just like an old saying: "The more things change, the more things stay the same."
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
