Muscular strains are a common injury that can occur in any muscle in the body. They are caused by stretching or tearing of muscle fibres and are graded based on the severity of the injury, with grade 1 being the mildest and grade 3 being the most severe.

• Grade 1 muscular strains involve mild stretching of the muscle fibres and usually result in minimal swelling and pain.

Treatment for grade 1 strains typically involves rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) to reduce inflammation and pain. Osteopathic treatment can also be helpful in reducing pain and promoting healing. Sports massage can be used to help reduce muscle tension and improve circulation around the injured area. Dry needling can also be used to help release tension in the muscles around the injury site. Recovery time for grade 1 strains is usually around 1-2 weeks.

• Grade 2 muscular strains involve partial tearing of the muscle fibres and usually result in moderate swelling and pain.

Treatment for grade 2 strains may include RICE as well as immobilization of the affected muscle with a brace or cast. Osteopathic treatment can also be used to help promote healing and reduce pain. Shockwave therapy can be used to help stimulate blood flow to the injured area and rehab exercises can also be used to help improve range of motion and strength in the affected muscle. Recovery time for grade 2 strains is usually around 2-4 weeks.

• Grade 3 muscular strains involve a complete tear of the muscle fibres and can result in severe swelling and pain.

Treatment for grade 3 strains may include surgery to repair the torn muscle as well as immobilization of the affected muscle with a cast or brace. Osteopathic treatment, shockwave therapy and rehab exercises can also be used to reduce pain, promote regeneration, stimulate blood supply and improve range of motion and strength of the affected muscle. Recovery time for grade 3 strains can vary but is typically around 4-6 weeks.

Although muscular strains can be a painful and debilitating injury, there are a range of treatment options available to help enhance healing processes and reduce pain and dysfunction. Osteopathic treatment, sports massage, shockwave therapy, dry needling and rehab exercises can all be helpful in treating muscular strains of varying severity. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury, but with the right treatment and rehabilitation, it is possible to make a full recovery and return to normal activities.