GRADING FOR MUSCLE STRAIN

STRAIN

Injury to the muscle or tendon. Pain with moving or stretching the affected muscle or muscle spasms. Acute strains are caused by over stress or direct injury. Chronic strains are caused by overuse.

• Mild strain (Grade I):
• Slightly pulled muscle with no tearing of muscle or tendon. No loss of strength
• Ability to produce strong yet painful muscle contractions
• Requires self care through rehabilitation after doctor's diagnosis
• Average healing time: 2 to 10 days

• Moderate strain (Grade II):
• Tearing of muscle, tendon or at the bone attachment
• Weak and painful attempts at muscular contraction
• Requires physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
• Average healing time: 10 days to 6 weeks

• Severe strain (Grade III):
• Rupture of muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation
• Extremely weak yet painless attempts at muscular contraction
• Requires surgical repair and physical therapy after doctor's diagnosis
• Average healing time: 16 to 10 weeks