Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery

Muscle strains and ligament sprains are common injuries that affect people of all ages and activity levels. While they often occur during sports, exercise, or physical labor, they can also happen during everyday activities like lifting, bending, or sudden movements. Understanding the difference between the two and knowing how to treat them is crucial for a full recovery.

What’s the Difference?

Muscle Strains

  • A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn.

  • Often caused by sudden movements, overuse, or lifting heavy objects.

  • Commonly affects the back, hamstrings, quadriceps, or shoulders.

Ligament Sprains

  • A ligament sprain happens when a ligament (connective tissue connecting bones) is stretched or torn.

  • Usually occurs due to sudden twists, falls, or awkward landings.

  • Commonly affects the ankles, knees, wrists, or elbows.

Both injuries range from mild (Grade 1) to severe (Grade 3), depending on the degree of tissue damage.

Symptoms to Watch For

Muscle Strains:

  • Pain and tenderness in the affected muscle

  • Swelling or bruising

  • Muscle weakness or stiffness

  • Reduced range of motion

Ligament Sprains:

  • Pain around the joint

  • Swelling, bruising, or warmth

  • Instability or feeling that the joint “gives out”

  • Difficulty bearing weight or moving the joint

Why Assessment Is Important

A proper assessment by a physiotherapist or chiropractor is essential to:

  • Identify the type and severity of the injury

  • Determine which muscles, ligaments, or joints are affected

  • Detect compensatory movements that may cause further injury

  • Develop a personalized rehabilitation plan

  • Ensure safe return to activity

Without a thorough assessment, injuries may not heal properly, increasing the risk of chronic pain or re-injury.

How Physiotherapy Helps

  • Strengthening exercises: Restore muscle and joint stability

  • Stretching and mobility: Prevent stiffness and maintain range of motion

  • Manual therapy: Reduces pain, promotes healing, and improves circulation

  • Rehabilitation programs: Tailored exercises for safe return to sports or daily activities

How Chiropractic Care Helps

  • Realigns joints affected by ligament sprains

  • Reduces mechanical stress on muscles and ligaments

  • Improves movement patterns to prevent re-injury

  • Enhances overall function and recovery speed

How Massage Therapy Helps

  • Relieves tightness and muscle spasms caused by strains

  • Reduces swelling and improves circulation

  • Accelerates tissue healing and decreases discomfort

  • Complements physiotherapy and chiropractic care for faster recovery

Self-Care & Prevention

  • Rest and avoid activities that worsen pain

  • Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours in the first 48 hours

  • Use compression and elevation to reduce swelling

  • Gradually return to activity with proper technique

  • Wear supportive footwear or braces if recommended

Why a Combined Approach Works

Combining physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy:

  • Addresses the root cause of the injury

  • Reduces pain and inflammation more effectively

  • Restores strength, flexibility, and joint stability

  • Helps prevent future strains or sprains

Get Expert Care

At Medical Grade Physiotherapy & Wellness in Burlington, our experienced team provides comprehensive care for muscle strains and ligament sprains. Early assessment and personalized treatment help patients recover safely, reduce pain, and regain full function.

Treatment for Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains
At our clinic, we provide comprehensive care for muscle strains and ligament sprains to help you recover safely and effectively. These injuries often result from sports, physical activity, or everyday movements, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Our approach includes:

  • Accurate Assessment – A thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and rule out further complications.

  • Personalized Treatment Plans – Using evidence-based physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities to reduce pain and restore function.

  • Rehabilitation & Strengthening – Gradual programs to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and prevent re-injury.

  • Supportive Bracing & Taping – When needed, we provide braces or taping techniques to stabilize and protect the injured area during recovery.

Our goal is not just to help you heal but to restore your mobility, strength, and confidence so you can return to your daily activities or sport without setbacks.