Muscle Injuries

The Science Behind Muscle Injuries And Recovery

Muscular injuries are common problems that mostly affect those athletes and individuals who engage in activities that they perform for a living. In muscle injuries, muscle fibers are damaged due to excessive strain or overuse and sometimes direct trauma. Muscle injuries range from mild discomfort to an intense feeling of pain, influencing performance and movement completely. However,  first of all, it is important to learn about the main types of muscle injuries, as well as the healing process.

Muscle Injuries – Categories

There are three main categories of muscle injuries. One of these injuries is a muscle strain, which occurs when the muscle is overstretched or even torn due to excessive forces. They may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the amount of damage sustained. For example, Grade 1, the mildest form, results in minor damage to muscle fibers, whereas Grade 2 strains involve tears and result in more important loss of strength. Grade 3 muscle injuries have tears completely across the muscle, which causes significant pain and loss of function. The most common form of muscle injury is a muscle contusion, resulting from direct trauma or impact which leads to localized bleeding within the muscle, therefore forming a bruise. Lastly, muscle cramps commonly occur in the context of rehydration, fatigue, or electrolyte imbalance.

Recovery Process and Treatment

The recovery from a muscle injury is mainly determined by the severity and grade of injury. Resting muscle generally allows it to recover. In the initial recovery stage, general methods involving the R.I.C.E. approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) also reduce swelling as well as pain. Some strains can heal in as little time as days, but in more serious injuries, weeks or months can pass. Sometimes, depending on the case, people have to undergo physical therapy or surgery. Prescription drugs available over the counter, such as the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, can also help reduce the feeling of pain and swelling.

Muscle Injuries in Sports

Professional sportsmen are normally out of action for weeks following muscle injuries, as Manchester United’s midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, who suffered a muscle injury in a recent game at home to Aston Villa. Both he and teammate Harry Maguire, who was forced off with an injury, are likely to be out for a few more weeks. Thankfully, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo are other players who have returned to the books having been away due to ailments or injuries as every one of the players must undergo the right recovery protocols to avoid lasting damage.

The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye

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