| What is muscle strain? | | | | Prescribe a rehabilitation and strengthening |
| Low back pain/ muscle strain or ruptures can | | | | programme. |
| occur in the back just like they can anywhere | | | | Grade 2 What does it feel like? |
| else in the body. A muscle strain (or tear) in the | | | | Probably cannot walk properly. |
| back is usually caused by a sudden movement or | | | | May get occasional sudden twinges of pain during |
| trying to lift something that is too heavy. The low | | | | activity. |
| back pain however is often a long time coming on | | | | May notice swelling. |
| as the muscles in the back gradually tighten up | | | | Pressing in causes pain. |
| due to bad posture and overuse. | | | | What can the athlete do? |
| These muscles go into spasm and do not get | | | | Rest. |
| enough blood through them resulting in weakness. | | | | See a sports injury professional for rehabilitation |
| So when someone complains of low back pain | | | | advice. |
| when they bend down to pick up a piece of | | | | What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do? |
| paper and tear a muscle in the back, it is not just | | | | Use sports massage techniques to speed up |
| the piece of paper that caused it but a gradual | | | | recovery (very important). |
| build up of tension over weeks and months. | | | | Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation. |
| If you have suffered a direct blow to a muscle, | | | | Prescribe a rehabilitation programme of mobility, |
| particularly one near a bone then you must treat | | | | stretching and strengthening exercises. |
| it as a contusion. | | | | Grade 3: What does it feel like? |
| How can sports massage techniques relieve back | | | | Unable to walk properly. |
| pain? | | | | In severe pain. |
| Symptoms include: | | | | Bad swelling appearing immediately. |
| A sudden sharp pain in the back. | | | | A static contraction will be painful and might |
| Possibly swelling or bruising over the area of the | | | | produce a bulge in the muscle. |
| rupture. | | | | Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve |
| Difficulty in moving - bending forwards, sideways | | | | weeks or more. |
| or straightening. | | | | What can the athlete do? |
| Muscle tears are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on | | | | Seek medical attention immediately. |
| how bad the tear is: | | | | R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.) |
| Grade 1 What does it feel like? | | | | Use crutches. |
| Tightness in the back. | | | | Follow a rehabilitation plan as directed by the |
| May be able to walk properly. | | | | sports therapist. |
| Probably won't have much swelling. | | | | What can a Sports Injury Therapist or Doctor |
| What can the athlete do? | | | | do? |
| See a sports injury professional or therapist who | | | | Use sports massage techniques to speed up |
| specializes in back problems. | | | | recovery (very important). |
| Use a heat retainer until you feel no pain. | | | | Apply joint manipulation techniques. |
| Ease down training for a week or two but no | | | | Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation. |
| need to stop unless there is getting pain. | | | | Prescribe a rehabilitation programme and monitor |
| What can a Sports Injury Specialist or Doctor do? | | | | it. |
| Use sports massage techniques to speed up | | | | A surgeon will operate if indicated. |
| recovery (very important). | | | | If you suspect a grade two or three injury it is |
| Use joint manipulation techniques. | | | | recommend you see a Sports Injury or back |
| Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation. | | | | Specialist immediately. |