Strains

Prevention and Treatment of Youth Sport Injuries
an Online Resource

• Burns
• Concussions
• Fractures
• Heat Illness
• Dehydration
• Lightning Strike/Cardiac Arrest
• Neurological
• Sprains
• Strains
• Wounds
• Overuse Injuries

Strains are injuries that occur to a muscle or tendon. Strains can appear as sprains if they occur close to a joint, but a strain is typically accompanied by sudden significant weakness. There may be instability, weakness, and bruising that occurs from this type of soft tissue injury. Type 1 strains (<25% damage) can resolve in 1-2 weeks. Type two strains (25%-50% damage) take 4-6 weeks. A type 3 strain (>50% may take weeks, months, and may not heal at all without surgical intervention. All strain injures should be stabilized and evaluated by an athletic trainer or physician so that appropriate bracing, rehabilitation, and return-to-play can be initiated.

This tool was constructed using the expertise of certified athletic trainers, an orthopedic surgeon, and a certified teacher/web site designer. These professionals were selected for their abilities to interpret medical information and to instruct diverse populations.