The Injury Hub

Muscle Tear, Strains & Pulls: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of muscle injuries.

The Injury Hub: Muscle Tears Strains & Pulls

About muscle tears, strains & pulls.

Soft tissue injuries are injuries related to the soft tissues of the body (muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve). A muscle tear, strain or pull refers to damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. This can be caused by sudden pressure or tension being put on a muscle group causing it to overstretch or tear.

Person with condition holding a painful muscle strain in the leg

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common muscle injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Muscle strains are graded depending on their severity:

Grade 1 strain – the signs may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of muscle cramp/tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted.

Grade 2 strain – immediate pain which is more severe than that of grade 1. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle and is usually sore to touch.

Grade 3 strain – a very serious injury. There is an immediate burning/ stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain. The muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle tissue above a depression where the tear is. Bruising will appear below the injury site.

The immediate treatment of a muscle injury consists of the POLICE protocol – protect, optimal loading, ice, compression and elevation. It is important that this is done correctly and your Physiotherapist can advise you on this. This is aimed at reducing the bleeding and damage within the muscle tissue.

After the early stages have been spent resting, more active rehabilitation can be started. Realistically, for best results this should be started as early as 48 hrs post injury.

Gentle resistance exercises and stretching are important as they help to align the scar tis-sue that forms during healing. Our skilled Physiotherapists will devise a sports specific rehabili-tation programme tailored to your needs. We can guide you through the process of returning to play successfully and reduce the risk of occurrence.

A specific diagnosis can be made by our Physiotherapists to determine what structure is involved and how advanced or severe the strain, pull or tear is. This is an area of expertise for physiotherapists and encompasses the whole body.

Once a diagnosis is made, specific treatment advice can be given. When it comes to treating muscle strains, pulls and tears, our team of Physiotherapists are highly experienced, so you can be assured you are receiving a first class service.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

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Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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