Sprains and strains: Management
Managing muscular sprains and strains
Fortunately, sprains and strains typically respond well to treatment.
Most injuries of this type will feel better after 2 weeks, although severe injuries may take several months to return to normal.1
Here we review the different approaches that could help your patient get back to enjoying their life.
Guideline recommendations for treating sprains and strains
Sprains and strains can be managed simply in the first 72 hours following the injury2
According to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, patients with sprains or strains should be advised to follow the PRICE and HARM protocols in the first few days after the injury.2
Read more about these approaches below.
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PRICE protocol for sprains and strains
PRICE stands for:2
- Protection
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
-
Protection
- Protect from further injury (e.g. by using joint supports)2
-
Rest
- Rest for the first 48–72 hours after injury2
-
Ice
- Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the day for the first 48–72 hours after injury2
-
Compression
- Compress with a snug (not tight) elastic or tubular bandage, whilst the patient is awake2
-
Elevation
- Keep the injured area raised and supported on a pillow until swelling is controlled2
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The PRICE protocol summarises how patients can take care of their sprain or strain in the first few days after the injury2.
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HARM protocol for sprains and strains
HARM describes some key factors to avoid in the first 72 hours after injury:2
- Heat
- Alcohol
- Running
- Massage
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Heat
- Avoid heat sources such as baths and heat packs2
-
Alcohol
- Avoid alcohol, which can increase bleeding and swelling and reduce healing2
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Running
- Avoid running or other forms of exercise that can cause further damage2
-
Massage
- Avoid massage, which can increase bleeding and swelling2
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The HARM protocol summarises what patients should avoid in the first 72 hours after injury if they have a sprain or strain.2
Utilising physical therapy to improve outcomes
Physiotherapeutic interventions can be beneficial for soft-tissue injuries
Treatment and rehabilitation plans must be individually tailored to maintain and improve range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve functional activities.
For example, massage therapy can reduce stiffness and muscle soreness – although this should not be used in the first few days after the injury.
Appropriate strengthening programmes using tailored exercises are often required in the longer term to maximise recovery, and training regimens may need to be adjusted.5
Using multimodal approaches to relieve pain from sprains and strains
A multimodal strategy is helpful
Pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions can be combined into a multimodal approach for managing sprains and strains. Guidelines recommend a range of intervention types.2
How can Ben and Nicholas be helped?
Ben
Ben balances the demands of his full-time job with taking care of two young children.
He enjoys going to the gym or exercising outdoors and loves nothing more than playing with his children.
The last thing he needs is pain from a sprain or strain affecting his life.
Voltaren Emulgel with No Mess Applicator helps restore movement by relieving pain and reducing inflammation,6-8 so Ben can get on with his life.
Nicholas
Nicholas has recently strained a muscle that he has injured several times before, and recovery is taking longer than it did in the past. This means he is having to stick to the sidelines, which is making him feel glum and frustrated.
Nicholas needs a solution that offers effective relief of pain and inflammation.
Voltaren Emulgel with No Mess Applicator helps restore movement by relieving pain and reducing inflammation6-8, so Nicholas can get on with his life.
Analgesics can be used to relieve pain from sprains and strains
Paracetamol or topical medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) gels can be used for sprains and strains.2–4
Oral NSAIDs can be considered 48 hours after the injury, if needed.2,4
Understanding sprains and strains
Signs and symptoms
Find out how to recognise sprains and strains and when to refer patients.
Overview of joint and osteoarthritic pain
Find out more about joint and osteoarthritic pain, and meet two patients with joint pain.
Learn more
Voltaren Emulgel with No Mess Applicator for strains and sprains9
Relieves muscle pain and reduces inflammation. 6–8
The No Mess Applicator enables targeted, effective pain relief straight from the tube to the point of pain, without messy fingers.
Voltaren Osteo Gel 12 Hourly with easy open cap
Up to 12 hours relief from mild osteoarthritis flare-up pain.10
