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.

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.