Muscle Strains and Tears

Muscle strains are a common injury and range from mild and self-resolving to full muscle ruptures. Though full ruptures require surgical intervention, the road to recovery for the broad spectrum of muscle strains which includes injuries like whiplash, can be long and challenging with persistent pain and limitation in function. Part of the treatment protocol for muscle strains is to continue movement and loading the muscle as research shows that immobilization leads to significant delays in recovery.  

As tears heal, a scar is formed in the muscle in a comparable way that happens when a cut in the skin heals. Scar tissue contracts over time and though it is a normal and necessary part of the healing process, it will lead to compromised blood flow and can inhibit full resolution of injury. Laser therapy stimulates blood flow and the formation of tiny, new blood vessels: this softens scar tissue, brings nutrients into the area, removes wastes, and boosts the healing capacity of the muscle.