Muscle and ligament injuries are among the most common conditions we treat at Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide. Whether it’s from a sports injury, a lifting mishap, or a slip and fall, sprains and strains can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life.
Our experienced physiotherapists provide safe, drug-free, and evidence-based treatment to help you heal and return to your daily activities with confidence. If you’re struggling with pain or stiffness, let us help you recover and prevent re-injury.
What’s the Difference Between a Strain and a Sprain?
Understanding the nature of your injury is essential to successful treatment:
- A muscle strain involves tearing or overstretching of muscle or tendon tissue.
- A ligament sprain refers to damage or tearing of the ligaments that support and stabilise joints.
Both conditions often occur due to sudden force (e.g., during sport or accidents) or repetitive overuse that overwhelms the soft tissues over time.
Common Areas Affected by Sprains and Strains
At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy, we commonly treat sprains and strains in these areas:
- Rotator cuff (shoulder)
- Biceps and quadriceps tendons
- Patellar and Achilles tendons
- Hamstring and calf muscles
- Knee and ankle ligaments
These injuries are especially common in athletes, tradespeople, and office workers alike — and they all benefit from a structured physiotherapy program.
What Causes Muscle or Ligament Injuries?
Several risk factors can increase your chances of a soft tissue injury, including:
- Inadequate warm-ups before activity
- Muscle imbalances or weakness
- Poor posture or body mechanics
- Overtraining or fatigue
- Environmental hazards (e.g., slippery surfaces, improper footwear)
Physiotherapy doesn’t just address the symptoms — we identify the underlying causes and help you build resilience to prevent further injury.
Symptoms of Muscle Sprains and Strains
Typical signs you may have a sprain or strain include:
- Aching or dull pain in the affected area
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Muscle stiffness or tightness
- Decreased range of motion or strength
- Sudden onset of symptoms (in acute cases)
Without timely intervention, a simple injury can evolve into a chronic issue. Don’t ignore the warning signs — the earlier you begin treatment, the better your outcomes.
How Physiotherapy Can Help You Recover
In mild cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be helpful initially. However, most strains and sprains benefit from structured physiotherapy to ensure full recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
At Perfect Motion Physiotherapy, your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy to restore movement and reduce pain
- Targeted exercises for strength, flexibility, and tissue healing
- Modalities such as ultrasound or electrotherapy for inflammation control
- Functional mobility retraining and injury prevention techniques
- Sport- or work-specific rehabilitation where required
We’ll guide you through each phase of your recovery, from acute pain relief to full return to activity.
Start Your Recovery Today
If you’re experiencing pain from a recent or recurring sprain or strain, the team at Perfect Motion Physiotherapy in Adelaide is here to help.
Request an appointment today and let us create a recovery plan tailored to your goals. Get back to living pain-free — stronger, safer, and more confident than before.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
