Sprains & Strains Treatment

Sprains and strains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries. A sprain involves stretching or tearing of a ligament (which connects bones to bones), while a strain involves stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon (which connects muscles to bones). Both can range from mild to severe and can occur during sports, work, or everyday activities.

Common sprains and strains we treat include:

• Ankle sprains — the most common sprain, often from rolling or twisting the foot
• Knee ligament sprains (ACL, MCL) — from pivoting, cutting, or direct impact
• Hamstring strains — from sprinting, sudden acceleration, or overstretching
• Groin strains — from lateral movements, kicking, or quick direction changes
• Calf strains — from explosive push-off movements or sudden acceleration
• Wrist and hand sprains — from falls, catching, or impact injuries
• Low back muscle strains — from lifting, twisting, or sudden exertion

While mild injuries may heal with basic rest and activity modification, proper rehabilitation dramatically reduces recovery time and — critically — reduces the risk of re-injury. Research consistently shows that patients who complete a full rehabilitation program have significantly lower re-injury rates than those who return to activity based on pain resolution alone.

Our rehabilitation follows evidence-based principles that progress through clearly defined stages, ensuring each phase of healing is supported appropriately:

• Acute phase — Protected movement, pain management, and early range of motion exercises to promote tissue healing while preventing stiffness and muscle inhibition
• Strengthening phase — Progressive loading of the healing tissue to build strength and resilience, starting with controlled exercises and advancing as tissue tolerance improves
• Neuromuscular training — Balance, coordination, and proprioceptive exercises that restore the protective reflexes disrupted by injury — this phase is critical for preventing re-injury
• Functional progression — Sport-specific or activity-specific movements that prepare you for the demands of your real-world activities, whether that is returning to a soccer field or lifting at work
• Return-to-activity testing — Objective strength, balance, and functional criteria to confirm you are ready for unrestricted activity — not just pain-free, but fully prepared

Every session at The Back Clinic is one-on-one with your physical therapist — never handed off to aides or shared with other patients. This individualized approach ensures your rehabilitation progresses at the right pace and that your therapist can monitor healing, adjust treatment, and provide hands-on manual therapy as needed throughout your recovery.

Your first visit includes a thorough evaluation of the injured area — range of motion, strength, stability, and functional testing — along with a review of how the injury occurred and what activities you need to return to. This information guides a personalized treatment plan with clear milestones.

Recovery timelines depend on the type, location, and severity of the injury. Mild sprains and strains typically recover in two to four weeks. Moderate injuries may take four to eight weeks. Severe tears may require three to six months of structured rehabilitation.

Your therapist will establish clear progression criteria and functional milestones so you always know where you are in your recovery. We do not rush the process, and we do not hold you back unnecessarily — our goal is the fastest safe return to full activity with the lowest possible risk of re-injury.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover physical therapy for sprains and strains. You do not need a referral to start treatment in Delaware. Call (302) 529-1900 or schedule online to book your evaluation.