Pulled Muscles

What is a Pulled Muscle?

The human body has hundreds of muscles.  The muscles that people are most familiar with are the ones that move bones - such as the biceps that move the elbow or the hamstrings that move the knee.

When a muscle is overloaded or overstretched, it begins to break down.  This process can occur at varying degrees but involves tearing of the muscular tissue.  In order for the muscle to heal, the tissue must undergo an initial period of rest.  During this rest period, the muscle must be moved to encourage blood flow but not overloaded to a point of further damage.  After a brief period of rest, the muscle must be stretched, stimulated, and strengthened.  This process can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury, to restore the muscle to full capacity.  

If not properly treated, a muscle strain can turn into a weak point that is vulnerable to re-injury.  If you are dealing with a new or old muscle strain, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy today at 403-982-5600 to find out how our therapists can help heal any sore and strained muscles. 

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

Good Pain vs. Bad Pain

Should I Run or Exercise Through Pain?

Often the catch phrase “no pain, no gain” is tossed around when people run or exercise.  Although some “pain” can be of benefit, it is most often a sign of dysfunction and potential injury.   At Momentum, when we return our athletes to their sport of choice, we very clearly differentiate the difference between good pain and bad pain.

Good pain occurs when muscles fatigue as the result of a training regime.  This pain should be very predictable, feel like fatigue, and resolve quickly with appropriate rest.

Bad pain occurs when muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones are used incorrectly and begin to break down.  This pain can lead to tendon, muscle, or bone injuries that can require a lengthly rehabilitation process.  This pain exceeds levels of normal fatigue and can be burning, sharp, aching, and throbbing.  

If you feel like you are dealing with any episodes of “bad pain”, or want to learn more about harnessing “good pain”, call Momentum today to find out how we can help!

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

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.

Ankle Sprains & Strains

What Can I Do To Heal My Sprained Ankle?

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the ankle together get stretched or torn when the ankle is forcefully twisted inwards or outwards.  Ankle sprains will present with pain, difficulty (or an inability) to weight bear, varying degrees of ankle swelling and bruising, and ankle stiffness.  Some ankle sprains require an x-ray to determine if the ankle sprain is also accompanied by a fracture. 

Rehab from an ankle sprain varies depending on the location of the sprain and the severity of the sprain.  Minor ankle sprains will typically recover in 2-4 weeks, while more severe sprains may require 8+ weeks.  Treatment should include a detailed history, a comprehensive ankle exam, and a treatment plan.  Early rehabilitation will focus on controlling ankle swelling and gradually increasing ankle range of motion.  As the ankle heals, treatment will focus on improving ankle strength and balance. 

If you are dealing with an ankle sprain or any ankle pain, call Momentum today to find out how we can help you get a foot up on your ankle pain. 

Stephen Uhrbach is the clinic owner and lead 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.