Is it a sprain or a strain? What’s the difference?!
I am confident that most of us have been told at one time or another that we have experienced a “sprain” or “strain”. However, what do these terms really mean?
Quite simply, a “sprain” refers to injury of a ligament (i.e. dense fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another bone) while “strain” refers to injury of a tendon (i.e. dense fibrous connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone). Medically, injury to a ligament (“sprain”) or a tendon (“strain”) is classified on a scale of 1 to 3. Grade 1 or “first degree” refers to minor injury of the ligament or tendon. Generally, there is little to no actual tissue compromise and, as a result, little bruising, bleeding or swelling but some pain. Grade 2 or “second degree” sprains or strains result in tearing of the ligament and/or tendon. As you can imagine, there is generally more pain and some moderate swelling and bruising. Finally, Grade 3 or a “third degree” injury refers to a complete tear of the ligament and/or tendon. This generally results in the most pain as well as significant swelling and bruising. Depending on the area affected, there may also be mechanical compromise of the joint or limb.
Your Chiropractor and Physiotherapist are trained to assess for the presence and degree of ligament and tendinous injury. They can also determine if the severity of your injury may warrant a referral to a medical specialist. If you think you have a “sprain” or “strain”, don’t hesitate to contact our office to book your next appointment and have one of our therapists assist you today!
Author: Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., D.C.