Muscle strain is damage to a muscle or its connective tissues, also known as tendons, resulting in pain and stiffness in the affected muscle, and it differs from a muscle sprain in that a sprain occurs from injury to a muscle or tendon, whereas a strain damages the tendons.





Damage can occur to the muscle in various ways from a tear in all or part of the muscle to a pulled or overstretched muscle. A muscle strain can also affect any muscle in the body, including the neck, shoulder, lower back, hamstring, which can make it difficult to utilize the muscle fully.





Massage Treatment for Muscle Strains is a popular treatment for muscle and tendon pain that has been scientifically proven effective when administered by a trained and certified massage professional, especially when used in combination with certain lifestyle changes.





Common Symptoms





The symptoms of muscle strain range from mild, in which only a few fibers are slightly overstretched or torn to moderate, in which slightly more fibers are overstretched or torn to severe, in which a large number of fibers are completely severed. These symptoms are typically presented by:





Acute pain

Sore muscle, especially after performing an action that requires the muscle to be fully extended or that causes the muscle to contract

Muscle Swelling

A crimped feeling in the muscle

Muscle spasms

Muscle stiffness

Joint pain

Decreased mobility

Bruising or redness in the area





In some cases, the strain can also cause a lack of muscle strength, or you may notice that you have lost muscle strength altogether.





Common Causes





Muscle strain typically occurs when your muscle is stretched beyond its limits, or it becomes torn, which can be caused by various circumstances, including using the muscle improperly or overworking the muscle, such as consistently performing the same action or actions with the muscle day after day.





Any action that causes your muscle to become extremely contracted, such as grasping an object too tightly with your hand, also puts a strain on the muscle, as it tightens the muscle, which causes it to become shortened and constricted, making it more susceptible to tearing when attempting to expand it fully.

Engaging in certain sports activities, especially those that require heavy lifting, contact sports, such as football, or those that require quick random movements, such as tennis, also increase your risk of developing a strained muscle because it forces the muscle to become too stretched, too quickly, which can cause rips in the muscle or tendons.

Failing to properly warm the muscles prior to certain activities can also lead to muscle strain because if the muscles are too tight and inflexible when performing the activity, it can result in overstretched muscles, which can cause tearing.





A muscle strain can also be caused by poor coordination and stance, especially when lifting heavy objects because it causes the spine to become misaligned, which places stress on the muscles and connective tissues.





Holding your back in abnormal positions for long periods, such as hunched over a desk or computer, also puts stress on the tendons and muscles, which can cause a strain.





A fall can also injure the muscle, as can any quick jerking or moving actions, such as whiplash because it forces the muscles to become too stretched or stretched too quickly, which can damage the muscles and connective tissues.





Sometimes, carrying extra weight can also cause muscle strain, as it puts added stress on the muscles and tendons, which makes them more prone to wear and tear, and thus injury.





How Massage Therapy Treats Muscle Strains





Regular stretching and stimulating the muscles and their connective tissues, such as via the techniques performed during Massage Therapy for Muscle Strains, helps keep them strong, healthy, and free of injury, especially when used before vigorous activity, such as sports or some occupations.





Massage can also be used to help eliminate any symptoms of muscle strain that you may currently have by gently kneading and stroking the muscles and tendons, which helps keep them heated and relaxed, thus helping to alleviate any aches, pain, and stiffness. It can also help stimulate stress-reducing chemicals in the brain that help improve your mood for overall well being.





Massage Therapy for Muscle Strains also helps reduce swelling and inflammation in the body by releasing tight knots and kinks in the muscles that can harbor toxic fluid buildup, which can further increase pain by irritating the affected muscles even more.





When used after certain activities, such as sports training, massage has also been shown to help prevent the onset of lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which is often responsible for post-workout soreness.





It also helps increase blood and lymph flow, as well as oxygen, to the area, which helps keep the muscles nourished for a speedier recovery so that you can get back to your daily activities or training.





Sometimes, more severe muscle sprains may require surgery to repair, in which case, massage can also be used post-surgery to help alleviate pain. It can also be used to help remove tough scar tissue, which can lead to the stiffness that can prevent you from fully using the muscle. Because it also increases circulation to the affected area, which helps keep the muscles healthy, doctors also often recommend massage after surgery to promote faster healing.