A strained or pulled muscle is an injury to the muscle or tendon. Commonly caused during exercise or sporting accidents, where the muscle or tendon (part of the muscle that attaches to the bone) over stretches and over contracts. The muscle will either be partially or totally torn and dependent on the severity there is likely to be swelling, bruising or discomfort.

Strains can go undiagnosed and are painful and debilitating and shouldn’t be underestimated!

Symptons:

  • Loss of strength in the muscle
  • Swelling / inflammation
  • Stiffness
  • Lameness
  • Off food
  • Yelping or crying in pain
  • Inability to walk

When a muscle has been strained, scar tissue will form and this can prevent the muscle moving to their full capacity and preventing natural movement.

Strain Grades:

  • Grade 1: Mild strain, damage to individual fibres (less than 5%)
  • Grade 2: Fibres are partially torn but still in tact
  • Grade 3: Complete rupture

Benefits of Massage include:

  • Breaking down of scar tissue
  • Assist to repair the damaged fibres and tendons
  • Improve stiffness and soreness
  • Improve movement/gait and posture
  • Improvement to comfort levels
Canine Massage