Sprain vs Strain: What’s the difference?

The signs of most sprains or strains are very similar: pain and inflammation, and sometimes bruising, at the injured area. The pain level varies depending on how bad the sprain or strain is.  The worse the sprain or strain, the harder it is to use the affected area.

The difference is what was stretched or torn to cause the pain.

A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to bones at joints.

A strain is also a stretch or tear, but it happens in a muscle or a tendon. Tendons link muscles to the bones.

Daily exercise and stretching can prevent sprains and strains.  After you get a sprain or strain, it is important to care for the injury by doing proper exercises and stretching as suggested by your health care professional.  Please make an appointment with the RMT to discuss what works best for you, your body type, and/or injury.

John Li, RMT