Muscle Strain

What Is a Muscle Strain?

A muscle strain is an injury that happens when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far or torn. Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that attach muscles to bones. Muscle strains often happen during sports, heavy lifting or sudden movements.

There are two main types of muscle strains:

• Acute strains: These happen suddenly, like during a fall or while lifting something heavy.
• Chronic strains: These develop over time from repeated movements, especially when the same muscles are used without enough rest.
  
  

Muscle strains can range from mild (a small tear) to severe (a full tear or rupture).

Symptoms of a Muscle Strain

Symptoms:

The signs of a strained muscle often depend on how serious the damage is. You might notice:

• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Swelling or bruising
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Weakness in the affected area
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the muscle
  
  

In serious cases, you might even hear a “pop” when the injury happens.

Causes:

Muscle strains can be caused by:

• Lifting something the wrong way
• Overworking a muscle without rest
• Poor posture
• Failing to warm up before exercise
• Sudden falls or twisting injuries
• Playing sports or doing physical activity without proper technique
  
  

Some common areas where muscle injuries occur include the back, neck, shoulders, hamstrings and calves.

How Is a Muscle Strain Diagnosed?

Your health care provider will:

• Ask about how the injury happened
• Examine the injured area
• Check your range of motion and strength
• In some cases, order imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI to rule out other injuries (like bone fractures or ligament sprains)

Most mild to moderate muscle strains get better with simple care at home. Doctors often recommend the R.I.C.E. method:

• Rest – Avoid using the injured muscle.
• Ice – Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Compression – Use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling.
• Elevation – Raise the injured area above your heart if possible.
  
  

Other Treatments May Include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscle
• Massage therapy to ease tension and improve blood flow
• Supportive devices like braces or slings
  
  

Severe muscle tears may require surgical repair, though this is rare.

You can’t always avoid injuries, but there are ways to reduce your risk of muscle strain:

• Warm up before exercising
• Stretch regularly to keep muscles flexible
• Use proper technique when lifting or playing sports
• Avoid overuse – give your muscles time to rest and recover
• Stay hydrated and eat foods that support muscle health
  
  

Wearing the right shoes and staying in good physical shape also helps protect your muscles.

If you think you have a muscle strain that isn’t healing or is causing severe pain, contact your health care provider. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start recovering.

With proper care and rest, most muscle strains heal completely and you’ll be back to your usual activities in no time.

At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9am-9pm, Mon-Sun.

Sports Medicine – For an appointment with a Sports Medicine specialist, call the Sports Medicine Hotline at 757-534-6767 7am-10pm, Mon-Sun.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368