Sprain and Strain Treatment South St. Louis, MO

Sprain and Strain Treatment South St. Louis, MO

Return to the daily routines you miss with our South St. Louis, MO therapy experts.

Sprain and Strain Treatment in South St. Louis, MO. Many people suffer from sprains and strains every year, and if you’re one of them, know that help is available.

Whether your strain or sprain occurred during sports, occupational tasks, or everyday life, these soft tissue injuries can be painful and reduce your mobility. At Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, MO, we focus on assisting patients recover quickly and under expert care through advanced, hands-on rehabilitation techniques and tailored recovery programs.

Our expert team is dedicated to getting you back to full health with proven, evidence-based strategies.

Sprain vs. Strain: What’s the Distinction?

Although both sprains and strains affect soft tissues, they impact different parts of the body.

  • Sprains:
    Happen when ligaments—tissues that connect bones—are stretched or torn.
    The most commonly affected areas include the ankles, wrists, and knees.
  • Strains:
    Develop when muscles or tendons suffer excessive stretching or tearing.
    Common locations for strains include the lower back, hamstrings, and shoulders.

Medical professionals classify both sprains and strains into three levels of severity.

  • Grade 1 (Mild):
    A minor injury with small tears in the ligament or muscle, leading to slight discomfort.
  • Grade 2 (Moderate):
    A more serious injury where the ligament or muscle sustains partial damage, causing visible swelling and discomfort.
  • Grade 3 (Severe):
    A complete tear of the ligament or muscle, often accompanied by significant pain, swelling, and instability.

Sprain and Strain Treatment St. Louis | Physical Therapy

What Leads to Sprains and Strains?

Recognizing the causes of these injuries can help you take steps to prevent them.

Common Causes

  • Unexpected falls or poor landings often result in sprains and strains.
  • Strains and sprains often stem from repetitive actions in sports or jobs that involve physical exertion.
  • Weak muscles, improper posture, and skipping warm-ups all contribute to sprain and strain risks.
  • Improper shoes and incorrect lifting form often lead to excessive strain on muscles and ligaments.

High-Risk Groups

  • Athletes: These injuries are common among athletes, especially those involved in high-impact sports.
  • Office workers: Poor ergonomic setups can lead to repetitive strain injuries over time.
  • Manual laborers: Workers in physically demanding jobs face a higher likelihood of developing strains and sprains.
  • Seniors: Reduced flexibility and balance issues make older adults more prone to falls and sprains.

Types of Sprains and Strains

Understanding where sprains and strains occur most frequently can help determine the best treatment approach.

Types of Sprains

Sprains happen when ligaments—the tissues that connect bones—are overstretched or torn. The most frequent types include:

  • Ankle Sprains: One of the most prevalent sports-related injuries, caused by rolling or twisting the ankle.
  • Wrist Sprains: Often result from falling onto an outstretched hand.
  • Knee Sprains: Can occur from sudden twisting motions and are common in high-impact sports.
  • Thumb Sprains: Often caused by intense impact or sudden movements that overstretch the thumb ligaments.

Types 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: Can result from improper lifting techniques or prolonged poor posture.
  • Shoulder Strains: Develop from repetitive overhead movements, such as throwing or swimming.
  • Calf Strains: Typically occur in activities requiring sudden bursts of movement, such as sprinting or jumping.

Whether you’re suffering from a sprain or strain in South St. Louis, MO, Axes Physical Therapy offers customized treatment plans to promote long-term healing.

Symptoms of Sprains and Strains: When to Seek Help

Spotting the signs of a sprain or strain early allows for timely and effective treatment.
Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for:

  • Pain and tenderness in the affected joint or muscle.
  • Swelling and inflammation that can develop quickly after the injury.
  • Bruising or discoloration (indicating potential ligament damage).
  • Limited range of motion that may prevent full mobility in the injured area.
  • Muscle weakness or spasms (more common with strains).
  • A popping sensation at the time of injury (may indicate a severe sprain).

Untreated sprains and strains can develop into persistent pain and ongoing complications.

Should discomfort persist for more than a few days, getting expert care at Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, MO is recommended.

Recovery Timeline for Sprains and Strains

Several factors affect how long it takes to heal, including injury grade, fitness level, and adherence to a rehabilitation program.

Undergoing professional physical therapy in South St. Louis, MO can promote faster and more complete recovery.

Healing Periods by Injury Grade

  • 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): Moderate injuries may require several weeks to a few months to heal completely, with rehabilitation playing a crucial role.
  • 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.

Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, MO is dedicated to helping patients heal quickly with structured, expert-led programs.

Returning to Sports and Daily Activities After a Sprain or Strain

Knowing when and how to safely resume physical activity is key to preventing reinjury.

Returning too soon may delay full recovery.

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.
  • Regain full range of motion in the affected area.
  • Your injured limb should feel just as strong as the other.
  • Be able to perform functional movements (e.g., running, jumping, lifting) without discomfort.

Best Exercises for Injury Recovery

To support full recovery, incorporate these rehabilitation exercises into your routine.

  • Balance training: Strengthens stability, reducing the likelihood of another injury.
  • Strength-building exercises: Rebuilds muscle function and protects against future injuries.
  • Dynamic stretching: Increases mobility and reduces stiffness before activity.

Tips to Prevent Reinjury

  • Gradually increase intensity: Don’t rush; increase your exercise levels step by step.
  • Warm up properly: Prepare your body with stretching and movement drills to reduce injury risk.
  • Use proper techniques: Proper movement mechanics are key to preventing long-term issues.
  • Listen to your body: If pain or discomfort returns, take a break and seek professional advice.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we provide professional guidance to ensure a confident and pain-free return to activity.

Effective Treatment for Sprains and Strains in South St. Louis, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, MO, we implement a combination of time-tested methods and innovative treatments to speed up healing.

Depending on your condition, your therapy program may feature the following treatments:

1. Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Mobilization

Manual treatments focus on relieving tension, boosting circulation, and restoring flexibility.

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

These innovative treatments are used to relieve pain, speed up the healing process, and support muscle recovery.

4. Targeted Workouts for Injury 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

We focus on educating patients about correct posture, muscle conditioning, and flexibility exercises to prevent reinjury.

Home Care & Recovery Tips for Sprains and Strains

While professional treatment is the most effective route, you can also take steps at home to aid recovery.

Use the R.I.C.E. Approach for Recovery

  • Rest: Limit movement and avoid placing weight on the affected area.
  • Ice: Use an ice pack in intervals to keep swelling down and soothe discomfort.
  • 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: Give your body the necessary time to heal before resuming normal activity.
  • Practice gentle stretching and strengthening exercises: Engage in controlled stretching and strengthening techniques to aid recovery.
  • Office workers should adjust their ergonomic setups: Adjust your chair height, desk alignment, and posture to avoid additional stress on your body.
  • Monitor pain levels: Seek professional care if your pain does not improve within a few days.

Top Reasons to Trust Axes Physical Therapy for Sprain and Strain Recovery in South St. Louis, MO

We specialize in helping individuals heal with proven techniques and evidence-based care.

Here’s why we’re the best choice for healing and recovery in South St. Louis, MO:

1. Accessible Care Across South St. Louis, MO

We provide convenient access to professional rehabilitation services with multiple locations in South St. Louis, MO.

2. Advanced Treatment Centers

Each of our clinics features specialized rehabilitation tools to help you recover faster.

3. Skilled and Knowledgeable Physical Therapists

Our highly experienced therapists in South St. Louis, MO are dedicated on providing effective treatment plans for athletes, workers, and those needing rehabilitation.

4. Free Injury Screenings

Take advantage of our free injury evaluations to get an expert assessment of your condition.

5. Trusted by Thousands of Patients

We’ve helped thousands of patients regain strength, restore movement, and get back to daily life after injuries.

Begin Healing from a Sprain or Strain in South St. Louis, MO

We’re here to help you heal through individualized therapy in South St. Louis, MO.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Let Axes Physical Therapy in South St. Louis, MO Help You Get Back to Your Best!

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Zac Schniers
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT

Locations

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Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.