At Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, we often get asked, “What’s the difference between sprains and strains?” This question is especially common during spring and summer when kids are getting back into sports and people in the Charlotte region are outdoors gardening, exercising, and exploring.

While sprains and strains are similar, it’s important to understand the key differences between the two in order to receive the right treatment. To provide some insight, Dr. Jones has the following explanation:

Sprains Are Ligament Injuries

Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to joints. When a ligament becomes stretched or torn, this is referred to as a sprain.

Common Causes of Sprains

• Sudden twisting
• Hard impacts
• Slips and falls

Symptoms of a Sprain

A sprained ligament often causes pain and may be accompanied by swelling and a limited range of motion. Bruising around the site of the injury is also common, and you may even hear a “pop” when the injury occurs, depending on the severity.

Strains Are Muscle or Tendon Injuries

When we talk about strains, we’re referring to muscle or tendon injuries. Your tendons are made up of tissue that connects muscle to bone. When a muscle or tendon gets stretched or torn, whether due to overuse, lifting a heavy object, impact, or other causes, it strains the tissue.

Symptoms of a Strain

• Muscle pain and tenderness
• Stiffness
• Weakness in the affected muscle or spasms

How Your Chiropractor Can Treat Sprains and Strains

As chiropractors serving Waxhaw, Pineville, and the Greater Charlotte community, Carolinas Chiropractic provides a range of personalized treatment options to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sprains and strains. Our team also promotes greater mobility and faster natural healing using advanced technology.

Below are some of the ways we help our patients get back in action:

Class IV Laser Therapy

When it comes to treating sprains and strains in places like your back, elbow, knee, wrist, or ankle, class IV laser therapy can work wonders. This advanced technology uses a specialized laser that penetrates the skin to speed up healing using your body’s natural processes. Class IV laser therapy is painless and uses targeted light to stimulate cellular repair and increase blood flow, reducing pain and promoting faster healing.

VitaBed Light Therapy

VitaBed light therapy uses near-infrared light to promote muscle healing by enhancing blood flow and reducing pain. Studied by NASA for tissue repair, it’s effective for strains and other injuries, while also improving mood and energy. As an added bonus, VitaBed light therapy, available at both our Waxhaw and Pineville locations, may also improve mood, give you an energy boost, and improve your sleep quality.

Preventing Sprains and Strains

While treatments are available for sprains and strains, our team believes that prevention is the best medicine. Whether you’re hiking Crowder’s Mountain or playing soccer at your favorite Mecklenburg-area field, below are some simple tips to help you avoid sprains and strains while enjoying spring and summer activities in the Charlotte area:

Warm Up Properly

Before hiking, gardening, or playing sports, spend 5-10 minutes on dynamic stretches to prepare your muscles and joints.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep muscles and joints flexible, especially during our hot Carolina summers.

Wear Supportive Footwear

Choose shoes with good arch support and traction, especially for uneven trails or while engaged in outdoor sports.

Build Strength and Flexibility

Incorporate exercises like squats and lunges into your routine to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability. Your chiropractor can provide guidance to help you do this safely.

Use Proper Technique

Whether lifting heavy planters or swinging a golf club, maintain good posture and avoid overextending your joints.

Listen to Your Body

Rest if you feel fatigued, as tired muscles are more prone to injury. If something hurts, take a break, and if the pain goes on for longer than a day or two or affects mobility, get in touch with our office for relief.

Schedule Your Appointment With Carolinas Chiropractic for Sprains and Strains

If you’re concerned about sore muscles, aching joints, chronic back pain, or other ailments commonly associated with spring and summer activities, schedule your appointment with Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab. Our chiropractic physicians in Waxhaw and Pineville can offer relief using advanced therapies and personalized treatments.

Don’t let a sprain or strain slow you down this spring! Call (704) 243-1010 or book online to start your recovery today!