Description
Muscle strains frequently occur in the hip area when a muscle is suddenly stretched or forced to contract quickly. The injury can tear muscle fibers, resulting in a strain. A fall or direct blow to the muscle (called a contusion) and overuse can also result in a strain. Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hip straings include:
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Pain and/or tenderness over the injured muscle is the most common symptom of a strain,
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Using the muscle aggravates the pain,
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Swelling may be present, depending on the severity of the strain,
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Loss of strength in the muscle.
What to expect from therapy
Treatment and rehabilitation for muscle strains are designed to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and restore strength — in that order. Manual therapy (hands on) techniques employed by a physical therapist can often provide relief of symptoms and promote realignment of tissues. Complete restoration of function will also include a comprehensive exercise program emphasizing flexibility, strength, and balance.