Sprain and Strain Treatment in Bridgeton, MO. Many people deal with sprains and strains every year, and if you’re one of them, know that help is available.
Whether the injury happened during sports, your job, or routine activities, these soft tissue injuries can be painful and limit your mobility. At Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO, we specialize in supporting people regain strength as soon as possible and safely through advanced, hands-on treatment techniques and customized plans.
Using hands-on care and the latest in therapeutic advancements, we ensure that each patient receives the best possible care for their recovery.
What’s the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?
Sprains and strains may seem similar, but they target different components of the musculoskeletal system.
- Sprains:
Occur when ligaments, which hold bones together, are overstretched or torn.
The most commonly affected areas include the ankles, wrists, and knees. - Strains:
Occur when muscles or tendons—tissues that connect muscles to bones—are overstretched or torn.
They frequently happen in the lower back, hamstrings, and shoulders.
Both injuries can range in severity and are classified into three grades.
- Grade 1 (Mild):
Involves slight overstretching or tiny micro-tears with minimal pain and swelling. - Grade 2 (Moderate):
A more serious injury where the ligament or muscle sustains partial damage, causing visible swelling and discomfort. - Grade 3 (Severe):
A total tear leading to intense swelling, severe pain, and major instability in the affected area.
Understanding the Causes and Risks of Sprains and Strains
Recognizing the causes of these injuries can help you take steps to prevent them.
Leading Causes
- Unexpected falls or poor landings often result in sprains and strains.
- Continuous overuse or repeated motions in athletics or work can increase injury risk.
- Failing to warm up, having weak muscles, or maintaining poor posture can make you more prone to injuries.
- Wearing the wrong type of footwear or lifting with incorrect techniques can increase your chances of getting injured.
Groups Most Likely to Experience Sprains and Strains
- Athletes: Runners, basketball players, and weightlifters frequently suffer from strains and sprains.
- Office workers: Poor ergonomic setups can lead to repetitive strain injuries over time.
- Manual laborers: Jobs requiring heavy lifting and repetitive motions significantly increase injury risks.
- Seniors: Aging leads to decreased mobility, making seniors more vulnerable to ligament and muscle injuries.
Types of Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains can differ not just in severity but also based on the specific body parts affected.
Common Sprains
Sprains are injuries that result from the overextension or tearing of ligaments. The most frequent types include:
- Ankle Sprains: A very common injury in sports and everyday life, often resulting from a misstep.
- Wrist Sprains: Can develop due to forceful impact on the wrist, especially from falls.
- Knee Sprains: Develop when excessive force is applied to the knee ligaments, often in sports.
- Thumb Sprains: Often caused by intense impact or sudden movements that overstretch the thumb ligaments.
Different Kinds of Strains
Strains affect muscles or tendons and are categorized by the area of the body where they occur.
- Hamstring Strains: Occur frequently in high-speed sports when muscles are overextended.
- Lower Back Strains: A frequent issue for people who perform repetitive bending or lifting motions.
- Shoulder Strains: Occur when excessive strain is placed on the shoulder muscles through repeated motions.
- Calf Strains: Happen when the calf muscle is overstretched during high-intensity movements.
Whether you’re suffering from a sprain or strain in Bridgeton, MO, Axes Physical Therapy delivers customized treatment plans to ensure a full recovery.
When to Get Help for a Sprain or Strain
Recognizing the warning signs of these injuries ensures you seek care before they worsen.
The following symptoms are frequently associated with these injuries:
- Pain and tenderness near the affected joint or muscle.
- Swelling and inflammation which often occurs immediately after the injury.
- Bruising or discoloration (indicating potential ligament damage).
- Limited range of motion due to pain and stiffness.
- Muscle weakness or spasms (more common with strains).
- A popping sensation at the time of injury (suggesting a more serious injury requiring medical attention).
Failing to address these symptoms may lead to long-term discomfort and recurring issues.
Should discomfort persist for more than a few days, getting expert care at Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO is recommended.
How Long Does It Take to Recover?
The amount of time needed to recover from a sprain or strain depends on various factors such as severity, age, and treatment compliance.
Undergoing professional physical therapy in Bridgeton, MO can promote faster and more complete recovery.
Expected Recovery Durations for Different Injury Levels
- Grade 1 (Mild): Recovery typically takes a few days to two weeks. These minor injuries often heal with rest, ice, and targeted exercises.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Recovery for this level of injury ranges from a few weeks to two months, depending on treatment consistency.
- Grade 3 (Severe): These injuries often take several months to heal, sometimes requiring surgery followed by intensive physical therapy.
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
- Early intervention: Getting medical attention quickly can reduce recovery time and lower the risk of chronic issues.
- Consistent physical therapy: Structured rehabilitation exercises help rebuild strength and mobility more effectively.
- Age and overall health: Age and fitness level play a role in recovery, with healthier individuals often bouncing back faster.
- Severity of the injury: The greater the damage, the longer the rehabilitation period needed for full recovery.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we create personalized treatment plans to speed up healing and help our Bridgeton, MO patients return to normal activities without risk of reinjury.
Getting Back to Your Routine After a Sprain or Strain
It’s essential to understand when and how to ease back into movement to avoid setbacks.
If you push yourself before fully healing, you could develop chronic pain.
Indicators You Can Safely Start Moving Again
Before jumping back into sports or daily tasks, make sure you’ve met the following recovery milestones.
- Experience no pain during movement.
- Make sure you have complete flexibility and movement in the previously injured area.
- Ensure that the injured area has the same strength as the uninjured side.
- Be able to perform functional movements (e.g., running, jumping, lifting) without discomfort.
Recommended Exercises for Safe Return
These exercises can help restore strength, flexibility, and balance, ensuring a safer return to activity.
- Balance training: Strengthens stability, reducing the likelihood of another injury.
- Strength-building exercises: Helps restore muscle control and prevents further damage.
- Dynamic stretching: Boosts flexibility and prepares muscles for movement.
How to Avoid Another Injury
- Gradually increase intensity: Ease back into activity instead of jumping straight into high-impact movements.
- Warm up properly: Always do mobility drills before intense movement to prevent strain.
- Use proper techniques: Proper movement mechanics are key to preventing long-term issues.
- Listen to your body: Stop activity if you experience discomfort and check in with a professional if needed.
With the support of Axes Physical Therapy, you can get back to sports and daily routines with confidence.
Effective Treatment for Sprains and Strains in Bridgeton, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy in Bridgeton, MO, we implement a combination of time-tested methods and innovative treatments to speed up healing.
We tailor each recovery plan, incorporating a variety of these effective treatments:
1. Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Mobilization
Hands-on techniques designed to reduce stiffness, enhance circulation, and promote mobility.
2. Sports Therapy & Advanced Rehabilitation
If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, our targeted sports therapy helps restore function while preventing future setbacks.
3. Dry Needling & Blood Flow Restriction Therapy
We incorporate cutting-edge techniques to reduce discomfort, accelerate recovery, and improve muscular function.
4. Rehabilitation Exercises & Strength Recovery
Rehabilitation-focused workouts are tailored to restore movement, support strength, and ensure a smooth return to daily activities and sports.
5. Injury Prevention Strategies
Proper education on movement mechanics, stretching routines, and strengthening exercises to help reduce future injuries.
Self-Care Techniques for Faster Healing
In addition to in-clinic therapy, you can follow these at-home recovery methods to promote healing.
Use the R.I.C.E. Approach for Recovery
- Rest: Reduce strain on the injured area by resting as much as possible.
- Ice: Cold therapy helps control inflammation and provides relief from pain.
- Compression: A compression bandage can help stabilize the affected area and prevent excessive swelling.
- Elevation: Propping up the injury helps prevent excessive swelling and promotes proper circulation.
Extra Strategies for Faster Healing
- Avoid returning to activity too soon: Jumping back into exercise before fully healing may worsen the injury.
- Practice gentle stretching and strengthening exercises: Engage in controlled stretching and strengthening techniques to aid recovery.
- Office workers should adjust their ergonomic setups: Making ergonomic adjustments in your workspace can prevent future musculoskeletal issues.
- Monitor pain levels: If pain persists beyond a few days, consult a professional for further assessment.
Top Reasons to Trust Axes Physical Therapy for Sprain and Strain Recovery in Bridgeton, MO
At Axes Physical Therapy, we take pride in offering patient-focused care to help you heal effectively and without setbacks.
Discover what sets Axes Physical Therapy apart in Bridgeton, MO:
1. Accessible Care Across Bridgeton, MO
Our network of clinics throughout Bridgeton, MO ensures that you receive expert care close to home.
2. Modern Clinics with Cutting-Edge Equipment
We use high-quality rehab technology to enhance your healing process.
3. Experienced and Certified Therapists
Our Bridgeton, MO physical therapy team focuses on sports rehab, occupational injury recovery, and customized rehabilitation programs to address your personalized needs.
4. Free Injury Screenings
Not sure how serious your injury is? We offer free injury screenings to determine the severity of your injury and guide you to the right course of action.
5. Proven Track Record
We’ve helped thousands of patients recover from injuries, restore movement, and resume their normal routines after injuries.
Begin Healing from a Sprain or Strain in Bridgeton, MO
We’re here to help you get back to doing what you love through targeted therapy in Bridgeton, MO.
Start Your Recovery Today!
- Call the location nearest you.
- Request an appointment online
- Drop in for a complimentary injury evaluation and start your healing journey.
