Sprains & Strains: What They Are & How We Can Help

Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries, affecting people of all ages in Calgary. Whether you’ve twisted an ankle while playing sport, pulled a muscle during lifting or bending, or are dealing with lingering tightness and discomfort — proper care matters. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, we offer tailored muscle strain therapy and full physiotherapist-led programs, supported by skilled professionals and Calgary massage therapists, to restore movement and prevent future issues.

What are Sprains & Strains?

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament – the fibrous tissue connecting bones at a joint. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, the structure that connects muscle to bone. Both can cause pain, swelling, reduced function and may limit your ability to move normally. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain of an ankle, knee or wrist, or a strain in your back, neck or shoulder, early treatment is beneficial to optimise recovery and minimise complications.

Common Causes of Sprains & Strains

Sudden falls, awkward twists or blunt trauma to a joint or muscle
Overuse or repetitive motion such as bending, lifting, reaching or running
Muscle fatigue, weakness or imbalance that increases risk of injury

Poor posture or incorrect technique – especially in neck and upper body (which is why neck exercises for pain may be part of a comprehensive plan)

Lack of warm-up, inadequate conditioning or sudden increase in activity level

Symptoms of Sprains & Strains

Signs you might have a sprain or strain include:
  • Pain at the joint or in the muscle/tendon region, especially when you try to move or load it

  • Swelling, bruising or redness around the injury

  • Reduced range of motion - difficulty bending, stretching or using the joint/muscle as you normally would

  • Feeling of instability (in the case of a ligament sprain) or weakness/fatigue (in the case of a muscle strain)

  • Persistent soreness, stiffness or muscle tightness if left untreated

How Spectrum Physiotherapy Can Help with Muscle Strain Therapy & More

At Spectrum Physiotherapy in Calgary, our team delivers expert muscle strain therapy, works alongside experienced Calgary massage therapists, and builds customised recovery programs to help you regain mobility, reduce pain and return to your activities with confidence.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Our physiotherapists begin with a thorough assessment, which may include:
  • We begin with a detailed conversation about how the injury happened, your symptoms and your goals

  • A physical examination of the affected area includes assessing joint stability, muscle strength and flexibility

  • Movement and posture analysis: we look at how your body compensates and what may have caused the strain/sprain

  • Functional testing to determine how the injury is impacting your everyday movement

  • If necessary, referral for imaging or further investigation to rule out more serious damage

Effective Treatment Approaches

Our treatments for sprains and strains – whether acute or chronic – are tailored to your injury and recovery phase:

Manual Therapy & Soft-Tissue Mobilisation

Hands-on techniques to mobilize stiff joints, release tight muscles, and improve spinal alignment.

Therapeutic Exercise & Rehabilitation

Strengthening affected muscles, stabilising surrounding joints and gradually returning you to normal movement

Joint Mobilisation

Especially for sprains, where ligaments are affected, restoring safe joint moving is key

Modalities

Use of ice, heat, electrotherapy and other tools to manage pain and swelling

Movement & Posture Coaching

Since muscle and ligament injuries are often linked to poor movement patterns or misalignment, we teach safe techniques and include relevant neck exercises for pain when needed to support full-body recovery

Education & Prevention Strategies

We ensure you understand your injury, how to avoid re-injury and how best to pace your return to activity

Preventing Education & Prevention Strategies

Putting preventative measures in place can significantly reduce your risk of future injuries:
Get Expert Sprain & Strain Treatment in Calgary

Sprains and strains may start small but can become long-term obstacles without appropriate care. At Spectrum Physiotherapy, our team is ready to deliver comprehensive muscle strain therapy, guided by physiotherapists and enhanced with skilled massage therapy support.

If you’re experiencing joint instability, muscle tightness, pain during movement or repeated injuries—book your consultation with us today.

Take the first step toward recovery – contact Spectrum Physiotherapy in Calgary today!