Massage Therapy & Bodywork	Aromatherapy & Essential Oils	A-Z of Sports Injuries	Massage Article Archive

Strain

Muscle injuries are among the most common conditions in sports medicine and account for up to a third of all sporting injuries. A strain occurs when a muscle is abmormally stretched. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of full power. Strains in the hamstring muscles are common in sports involving rapid flexion of the knee such as running, jumping, football and racket sports. Strains in the quadriceps muscles are frequent in sports such as sprinting and jumping and are usually sustained at the 'take off'. The gastrocnemius muscles are frequent in sports involving running on hard surfaces such as squash, badminton and tennis. Abdominal muscle strains are sustained in sports such as gymnastics, weightlifting, skating and pole vaulting where extension of the back and hip is required.

Muscle Strain Treatment

Muscle strains must be rested. Massage movements must not be applied until the acute stage has passed. Apply cold therapy in the initial stages followed by hot therapy. You may also apply aromatherapy compresses.

When the acute stage has passed after two to three days then perform gentle effleurage. The aim is to improve circulation, remove scar tissue and strengthen the muscle. As the muscle stain heals, kneading and friction are effective treatments.