Physiotherapy Exercises for Muscle Injuries

Professional athletes are not the only ones who suffer muscle injuries. Everyone will experience some type of injury, either from accidents, overuse or wear and tear. A simple injury can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication and rest, however a more serious type will require a doctor’s evaluation and physiotherapy. Most physiotherapy interventions include exercises either to stretch, loosen or strengthen the muscle.

One type of injury that responds well to exercise is a hamstring strain. The hamstring muscles which help to extend the hip and bend the knee, are subject to injury during sprinting and jumping. In order for the muscle to heal properly, early mobilisation is necessary. Your physiotherapist will begin with stretching exercises once the pain is controlled, then move on to strengthening. The standing leg curl is done in the early stages. As you grow stronger, you may begin strengthening exercises with resistance. Leg curls with gym equipment or resistance band can be undertaken.

Lower back susceptible to muscle injuries

The lower back is another area of the body that is very susceptible to muscle injuries from poor body mechanics, sprained discs, nerve compression and many other causes. Physiotherapy exercises for low back pain will include stretching exercises and soft tissue mobilisation to promote flexibility and mobility. Early stretching may be as simple as lying on your back with your knees raised over a bolster; or lying on your back, both knees bent, then alternate sliding both legs down and back up. The next step is strengthening and conditioning exercises to help you return to normal activities.
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Pain and tightness when you try to lift your arm sideways could mean an injury in the rotator cuff – the stabilising muscles in the shoulder. Physiotherapy will focus initially on light exercises to stretch the muscle and restore range of motion. Shoulder blade positioning exercises also help in this regard.