Greater Manchester

Merseyside

Sport Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy for Calf Strains

What is a Calf Strain?  

An excessive stretch or tearing of muscle and related tissues within one of two “calf” muscles ‘Gastrocnemius and Soleus’.  The “Medial Head of Gastrocnemius” is by far the most commonly injured.

What Causes a Calf Strain?

Calf strains are often acute in nature and caused by sudden actions such as accelerating from a stationary position, lunging forward when playing tennis or sudden over-stretching such as missing your step on a kerb.  Calf tightness, muscle imbalances and poor foot posture may predispose an individual to calf strains.

What are the symptoms of a Calf Strain?

You may feel as though you have been hit in the calf, with acute pain felt anywhere along the length of the calf muscle.  There will be pain when standing on your tip-toes and when your foot is pulled upward.  In severe strains the limb may become swollen and bruising may develop within 24-48 hours.

What will treatment consist of for a Calf Strain?

Massage – Encompassing a variety of techniques with sufficient pressure through the superficial tissue to reach the deep lying structures. It is used to increase blood flow, decrease swelling, reduce muscle spasm and promote normal tissue repair.

Deep friction – An aggressive massage technique applied across the tissue as deeply as possible to break down scar tissue, restore normal movement and prepare the structure for mobilisation or manipulation. This technique is initially painful but then causes a numbing effect.

Mobilisation – A manual technique where the joint and soft tissues are gently moved by the therapist to restore normal range, lubricate tissues and relieve pain.

Ultrasonic Therapy – Transmits sound waves through the tissues stimulating the body’s chemical reactions and therefore healing process, just as shaking a test tube in the laboratory speeds up a chemical reaction. It reduces tissue spasm, accelerates healing and results in pain relief.

Interferential Therapy – Introduces a small electrical current into the tissues and can be used at varying frequencies for differing treatment effects. E.g. pain relief, muscle or nerve stimulation, promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What other treatments could be used for a Calf Strain?

Acupuncture – An oriental technique of introducing needles into the skin to increase or decrease energy flow to promote pain relief and healing.

Taping/Strapping – May be used if thought necessary to restrict abnormal movement and prevent further damage.

What can you do to help your Calf Strain?

Active Rest – Keep active but avoid aggravate activities particularly weight bearing activities such as running.

Apply an ice pack – For a maximum of 20 minutes. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp cloth works well because it moulds to the shape of the tissues. Ensure that you do not apply ice directly to the skin as this can cause an ice burn.

Exercise programme – This is the most important part of the rehabilitation. Your therapist will instruct you as to which exercises to begin with, when to add the others, as well as how to progress the exercises.

Medication – Ask your GP or Pharmacist for advice on the best medication for your condition.

Podiatry – An analysis of the foot mechanics and structure during walking or running and correction as appropriate.

What if physical therapy does not help or resolve a Calf Strain?

It is very rare that treatment does not resolve this condition. In these cases we will refer you on for further investigation.

If you think you may have this condition we would love the opportunity to show you our expertise in the treatment and management of this condition so Please click here for details of how to contact us to book an appointment

If you are unsure whether you have this condition or you would just like to speak to somebody then please get in touch here or call 0161 745 7551 or 0151 515 2323.