{"id":5385,"date":"2021-08-03T11:15:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T11:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rehabmma.hzfgapxw-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=5385"},"modified":"2021-08-03T11:15:00","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T11:15:00","slug":"whats-the-difference-between-sprains-and-strains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/netpacestudios.com\/mma\/whats-the-difference-between-sprains-and-strains\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s the Difference Between Sprains and Strains?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

It is a common misconception that \u201csprains\u201d and \u201cstrains\u201d are interchangeable terms. In reality, there are some key differences between the two. In order to understand how they differ, it is important to first understand what ligaments and tendons are.
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Ligaments connect bones to bones within a joint, while tendons connect bones to muscles. When you experience a sprain<\/strong>, you are tearing or overstretching a ligament.<\/strong> Conversely, when you experience a strain<\/strong>, you are tearing or overstretching a tendon<\/strong>.
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If you have recently sustained a sprain or strain, or you believe you may have, don\u2019t hesitate to contact us to consult with a physical therapist. We\u2019ll determine the best course of treatment for your needs and get you started on the road to recovery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treating sprains and strains:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mild sprains and strains are often treated with the RICE technique: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. However, when the RICE technique doesn\u2019t work, or if pain is unbearable and\/or constant, it is in your best interest to visit a doctor. A doctor may take an X-ray to see if there are any breaks in the bone. If there are no breaks found, the diagnosis is usually a strain or sprain.
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Physical therapy is an effective method for treating sprains and strains. No matter how you incurred your injury, our dedicated physical therapists can play a major role in your comeback. One of our licensed physical therapists will use a mix of passive and active treatments to reduce pain, improve strength, and increase coordination. Passive treatments may include massage, ice and heat therapies, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound. Active treatments include targeted stretches and exercises.
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A very common type of ligament sprain is an ACL tear, which physical therapy has been proven successful in treating. It has also been proven successful in treating various other types of tears, such as those to the Achilles tendon or hamstring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common causes of sprains and strains:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of a sprain and strain are much alike, due to the fact that the injuries are very similar in nature. You may experience swelling, muscle spasm, difficulty with range of motion, limited flexibility, or pain around the affected joint. However, there is one main difference in symptoms: with a sprain, you will usually present bruising around the affected joint, whereas this is not always the case with a sprain. Some of the most common causes of sustaining a sprain or strain include:
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