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.

Common locations include ankle sprains, knee ligament sprains (ACL, MCL), hamstring strains, groin strains, calf strains, and wrist sprains. 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 after sprains and strains 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 stages:

• Acute phase — Protected movement, pain management, and early range of motion to promote tissue healing
• Strengthening phase — Progressive loading of the healing tissue to build strength and resilience
• Neuromuscular training — Balance, coordination, and proprioceptive exercises to restore the protective reflexes that prevent re-injury
• Functional progression — Sport- or activity-specific movements that prepare you for full return
• Return-to-activity testing — Objective criteria to confirm you are ready for unrestricted activity

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 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.