Pulled Muscles

I Think I Pulled a Muscle... Now What?

A pulled muscle, or a muscle strain, is a painful experience.  Muscle strains occur when a muscle is overloaded and begins to break down.  This process can occur after one forceful movement (such as during sprinting) or after repetitive movements (such as climbing a long flight of stairs).  Common sites of muscle strains occur in the hamstrings, quads, shoulders, and calves.

A strained muscle must go through a healing process that allows the muscle cells to glue themselves back together.  Depending on the severity of your muscle strain, this process can take anywhere from 2 to 6+ weeks.  

Initially, a strained muscle is rested, iced, compressed, and elevated (usually for 48 hours).  However, after the initial rest phase, it is important to gradually begin moving the muscular unit to promote proper healing.  Physical therapy must include manual therapies, stretches, and exercises to promote proper healing.  Muscle strains that are not properly treated can become sites for re-injury in the future.  

If you are dealing with any muscle strain, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy today to find out how our Physical Therapists can help you maximize your muscle strain recovery.  

Stephen Uhrbach is the clinic owner and lead physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.

Whiplash

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck. It is typically associated with car accidents but can occur any time the neck is rapidly forced forwards and backwards, such as in sports or a fall. Whiplash symptoms can include pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as stiffness, headaches, and jaw pain. Treatment for whiplash usually involves gentle movement, manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, specific stretches, and exercises to help restore good posture and neck mobility. If your whiplash is the result of a motor vehicle accident, your automobile insurance will cover physiotherapy treatment to help resolve your pain. If you have pain in your neck, from a motor vehicle accident or any other reason, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how we can help.

Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.

Lingering Injuries

Can Physical Therapy Help Old Injuries?

Absolutely!  Physical therapy is an extremely effective way to help manage and resolve chronic, or old, injuries.  Chronic injuries are usually the result of incomplete healing during the acute, or new, injury stages.  If left untreated, individuals tend to develop shortened muscles, restricted joints, and areas of weakness.  These deficiencies lead to pain and decreased function – thus limiting your ability to perform daily activities such as golf, hike, lift objects, sit, and sleep.

If you are dealing with a chronic injury, a physical therapist will take a detailed history of your injury episode, perform a biomechanical assessment of your injury site, and develop a plan to help resolve your pain.  This plan will be tailored to your specific needs and involve elements of hands on treatment paired with proper corrective exercises to maximize your recovery.  If you are dealing with an old, lingering injury, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy today to find out how we can keep you moving!

Stephen Uhrbach is the clinic owner and lead physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.