A strain is an injury to a muscle.  This is commonly referred to as a ‘pulled’ muscle.  These injuries occur as a result of a muscle being overloaded, or stressed.  It can happen due to a trauma or accident, or from repetitive overuse.  A common mechanism of muscle strain is exerting a muscle that has not been warmed up properly.

Muscle strains are usually the result of lack of movement in another part of the body.  Because of this lack of movement, something else has to work extra hard to achieve the desired motion.  Because different muscles will now be overworked, performing jobs that they are not supposed to do, they are at risk for strain injuries.  The site of pain is usually the effect and not the cause. 

Common strain sites are the hamstrings, calf muscles, hip flexors, adductors (inner thigh muscles) quadriceps and pectorals.

Treatment

When treating strains, it is important to determine the main cause – is the muscle being overloaded because it is picking up the slack for another muscle that’s working effectively?  Are there adhesions or scar tissue restricting motion and causing overloading?  Was there a trauma?  Is there a lack of balance that caused a slow reaction time for the muscle?  All of these things must be considered.  It is essential to determine which tissue is the main culprit.

Treatment of strains includes reducing inflammation with ice, functional soft tissue therapy (A.R.T., Graston) to remove scar tissue and restore normal motion, and functional rehabilitation to develop strength and balance.  Kinesiotaping may also be used to allow overactive muscles to relax and reduce inflammation.