How Chiropractic Care Helps with Sprains and Strains
- Jan 2, 2025
- 5 min read
Sprains and strains are two of the most common injuries people experience. They can happen during sports, exercise, work, household activities, or something as simple as stepping the wrong way or lifting an object.
Although the words sprain and strain are often used interchangeably, they describe injuries to different tissues. Understanding the difference can help you recognize an injury, take appropriate steps to protect it, and know when professional care may be helpful.
Sprain vs. Strain: What's the Difference?
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
A sprain affects a ligament. A strain affects a muscle or tendon.
What Is a Sprain?
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn.
Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect one bone to another and help stabilize your joints.
Example: You step off a curb, your ankle rolls inward, and the ligaments around your ankle are overstretched. This can result in an ankle sprain.
Common symptoms of a sprain include:
Pain around the joint
Swelling
Bruising
Stiffness
Tenderness
Difficulty putting weight on or moving the joint
Ankle, knee, wrist, and thumb sprains are common.
What Is a Strain?
A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn.
Tendons are strong tissues that connect muscles to bones.
Example: You lift a heavy box without using proper technique and suddenly feel pain in your lower back. You may have strained a muscle or tendon.
Strains can also develop gradually from repetitive activity, poor movement patterns, inadequate conditioning, or overuse.
Common symptoms include:
Muscle pain
Swelling
Stiffness
Bruising
Muscle weakness
Spasms or cramping
Difficulty moving the affected area
Back muscles and hamstrings are among the areas commonly affected by strains.
What Causes Sprains and Strains?
Sprains and strains can happen suddenly or develop over time.
Some common causes include:
Falling or tripping
Twisting a joint
Sports injuries
Lifting something improperly
Sudden movements
Repetitive activities
Poor flexibility
Muscle weakness
Inadequate warm-up
Poor movement mechanics
Increasing activity too quickly
You don't have to be an athlete to experience a sprain or strain. Everyday activities such as gardening, lifting groceries, doing household chores, or working at a computer can contribute to muscle and joint problems.
How Can You Help Prevent Sprains and Strains?
While injuries cannot always be prevented, keeping your body strong, flexible, and mobile can help reduce your risk.
1. Warm Up Before Exercise
Give your body time to prepare before strenuous activity. Start with gentle movement and gradually increase the intensity.
2. Keep Your Muscles Strong and Flexible
Strong muscles help support your joints, while flexibility allows your body to move through a greater range of motion.
A balanced exercise program that includes strength, mobility, and flexibility can help prepare your body for everyday activities and exercise.
3. Increase Activity Gradually
Doing too much too quickly can place unnecessary stress on muscles, tendons, and joints. Whether you are starting an exercise program or returning after time away, increase your activity gradually.
4. Pay Attention to Your Movement
Poor movement habits can place additional stress on certain areas of the body. Learning how to lift, bend, reach, exercise, and perform repetitive activities correctly may help reduce unnecessary strain.
5. Wear Appropriate Footwear
Properly fitting shoes can provide support during activities that place stress on your feet and ankles. Protective equipment may also be appropriate for certain sports and activities.
6. Don't Ignore Pain or Limited Movement
Pain, stiffness, or reduced range of motion can change the way you move. Compensating for one painful area may place additional stress on another part of your body.
Addressing movement problems early may help you stay active and reduce the chance of repeatedly aggravating the same area.
What Should You Do After a Sprain or Strain?
If an injury happens, don't try to simply "push through" significant pain. Protect the injured area and give it time to settle down. For a minor injury, early care may include rest from activities that increase pain, ice, compression, and elevation. As symptoms improve, gradual movement and rehabilitation may help restore strength and mobility.
However, not every injury should be treated as a simple sprain or strain. If you have severe pain, significant swelling, an obvious deformity, inability to use the injured area, or you suspect a broken bone, seek appropriate medical evaluation.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Prevent Sprains and Strains?
Chiropractic care isn't just about treating pain after an injury. It can also be part of a broader approach to maintaining healthy movement.
During an examination, a chiropractor can evaluate areas such as:
Joint mobility
Movement patterns
Areas of musculoskeletal stress
If restrictions or movement problems are identified, your chiropractor may recommend a combination of chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, stretching, strengthening exercises, mobility exercises, and other appropriate therapies.
The goal is to help your body move more efficiently and maintain the mobility and strength needed for everyday activities.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help After a Sprain or Strain?
After an injury, the body may become stiff and movement may become uncomfortable. You may also begin compensating by moving differently to avoid pain.
Depending on the type and severity of the injury, chiropractic care may be used as part of a conservative treatment plan to help:
Reduce Pain and Discomfort
Chiropractic treatment may include manual therapy, joint mobilization or manipulation when appropriate, soft-tissue techniques, and other therapies designed to address musculoskeletal pain.
Improve Joint Mobility
After an injury, swelling, guarding, and stiffness can reduce normal joint movement. Appropriate manual therapy and gentle mobility exercises may help restore movement as you recover.
As pain and stiffness decrease, stretching and mobility exercises can help restore normal movement. Your chiropractor can recommend exercises appropriate for your condition and stage of recovery.
Restore Strength and Function
Recovery isn't just about getting out of pain. The goal is to help you return to normal activities safely. A customized exercise program may include strengthening, balance, flexibility, and coordination exercises. These can be particularly important after injuries such as ankle sprains, where rehabilitation can help restore function and reduce the risk of future problems. Evidence-based ankle-sprain guidelines support rehabilitation and appropriate manual therapy as components of recovery.
Don't Let an Injury Keep You From Moving
A sprain or strain may seem like a minor injury, but returning to normal activities too quickly can aggravate the problem. On the other hand, avoiding movement for too long can contribute to stiffness, weakness, and loss of mobility.
The right approach depends on the type and severity of your injury.
At Spinal Solutions Chiropractic, we can evaluate your musculoskeletal condition and help determine an appropriate approach to care. Your treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, mobility work, stretching, strengthening, and other therapies when appropriate.
If you are dealing with pain, stiffness, or reduced movement after a sprain or strain, don't ignore it. Schedule an evaluation with Spinal Solutions Chiropractic in Lakeland, Florida, and let us help you get back to moving comfortably.
Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency or medical care when a serious injury, fracture, dislocation, or other condition is suspected. Your treatment plan should be based on an individual examination and the nature of your injury.
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