Sprains & Strains: Assessment and Recovery

Sprains and strains affect different tissues

A sprain involves a ligament, the tissue connecting bones at a joint. A strain involves a muscle or tendon. Either can range from a mild stretch to a more significant tear. Pain, swelling, bruising or difficulty moving may occur, but symptoms alone cannot reliably determine the severity.

Muscle guarding after an injury does not prove that tissue will heal in a permanently shortened position. There is no basis for telling every patient that missing an adjustment will leave them permanently in spasm. The useful questions are what was injured, what function is limited and how recovery is progressing.

Protect the injury, then rebuild activity appropriately

Early care may involve protecting the injured area and temporarily modifying painful activities. Avoid forceful stretching or deep pressure over a fresh injury. As the injury allows, a clinician may recommend a gradual return to movement, strength and normal tasks. The timing and amount depend on the location and severity of the injury.

More pain or pressure during treatment is not proof that it is working. Tell the clinician if an exercise or hands-on technique increases symptoms, and ask how it should be adjusted.

Know when an examination is important

Get urgent medical assessment for a visibly deformed limb, a cold or discolored injured area, loss of sensation, or inability to bear weight after a significant injury. A fracture, dislocation or substantial tear may need care outside a chiropractic or massage visit. Worsening pain, swelling or difficulty using the area also warrants assessment.

Many mild injuries improve with time and appropriate self-care. More severe injuries can take longer and may require rehabilitation or specialist treatment. A fixed number of visits cannot guarantee healing.

What to discuss with our team

Bring a description of the injury, your usual activities and any earlier evaluation. Ask whether care in this clinic is appropriate, what alternatives exist and which changes should prompt reassessment.

If the injury happened at work, see our work injury page. If it followed a collision, see car accident care. These situations can have different documentation and coverage questions.

Meet the teams at our Vancouver and Gresham clinics or learn what to expect at a visit.