A sprain is an injury of a joint and a strain is an injury of a muscle. Both a sprain and a strain stem from a muscle or a tendon that is stretched too far and causes damage to the tissues. These can be accompanied by pain, swelling, and bruising. When we exercise and haven't exercised in a long while, we hurt. This is often referred to as "pulling a muscle". When, in fact, it is a strained muscle. When we hurt our ankle it isn't referred to as a "pulled tendon", which in fact would be correct but rather a "sprained ankle". However, these are the same kind of injury involving different parts of the musculoskeletal system.
The best first aid for these types of injuries is the R.I.C.E. technique: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This may help to ease the immediate pain and discomfort associated with strains and sprains. However, these injuries do require treatment for the underlying condition.
Unfortunately, recovery time can be time consuming. Our clinic focuses on many different treatments formulated to help the body heal itself faster and more efficiently. Most of us do not have the flexibility for such a time consuming issue, so come on in and allow our highly trained team get you back to your schedule.