Muscle Strains/ Tears

What are Muscle Strains/Tears?

Muscle strains, also known as pulled muscles, occur when muscle fibres are stretched beyond their normal capacity or torn due to excessive force or sudden contraction. These injuries can range from minor overstretching of a few muscle fibres (Grade 1) to partial tears involving a significant portion of the muscle (Grade 2) or complete rupture of the muscle (Grade 3).

Muscle strains are among the most common sports injuries and can affect any muscle in the body, though they most frequently occur in the hamstrings, quadriceps, calf muscles, and groin. The severity determines recovery time and treatment approach.

What Causes Muscle Strains/Tears?

Muscle strains typically develop through specific mechanisms and contributing factors:

Acute injury mechanisms:

  • Sudden acceleration or sprinting from a stationary position

  • Rapid deceleration or stopping movements

  • Explosive jumping or kicking actions

  • Overstretching during lunging or reaching movements

  • Direct impact or contusion to the muscle

Muscle-specific mechanisms:

  • Hamstring strains during high-speed running or kicking

  • Quadriceps strains from sudden acceleration or jumping

  • Calf strains during push-off phases in running or jumping

  • Groin strains from rapid lateral movements or kicking

Contributing factors:

  • Inadequate warm-up before intense activity

  • Muscle fatigue reducing the muscle's ability to absorb energy

  • Previous muscle injuries creating scar tissue and weakness

  • Muscle imbalances between opposing muscle groups

  • Poor flexibility and reduced range of motion

  • Sudden increases in training intensity or volume

Risk factors:

  • Age-related changes in muscle elasticity and strength

  • Dehydration affecting muscle function

  • Cold weather conditions reducing muscle temperature

  • Poor biomechanics during movement

  • Returning to activity too quickly after injury

  • Inadequate rehabilitation from previous strains

What Are the Symptoms?

Muscle strain symptoms vary depending on the grade and location of injury:

Immediate symptoms:

  • Sudden, sharp pain at the moment of injury

  • Possible audible "pop" in severe tears (Grade 3)

  • Immediate difficulty continuing the activity

  • Localised pain that worsens with muscle contraction

  • Rapid onset of swelling and bruising

Grade-specific symptoms:

Grade 1 (Mild strain):

  • Mild pain and tenderness

  • Minimal loss of strength and range of motion

  • Able to continue activity with discomfort

  • Little to no swelling

Grade 2 (Moderate strain):

  • Moderate to severe pain

  • Noticeable loss of strength and function

  • Difficulty continuing activity

  • Visible swelling and bruising

  • Palpable defect in the muscle

Grade 3 (Severe tear):

  • Severe pain initially, followed by complete loss of function

  • Complete inability to contract the muscle

  • Significant swelling and bruising

  • Obvious deformity or gap in the muscle

  • May require surgical intervention

Ongoing symptoms:

  • Pain that worsens with stretching or contracting the muscle

  • Stiffness and reduced flexibility

  • Weakness in the affected muscle

  • Compensatory movement patterns

  • Muscle spasms and cramping

Functional limitations:

  • Reduced performance in sport or exercise

  • Difficulty with daily activities involving the affected muscle

  • Altered gait or movement patterns

  • Fear of re-injury affecting confidence

Dealing with a muscle strain or tear? Our specialist team has extensive experience treating muscle injuries across all levels of sport, from elite track and field athletes to professional rugby players and UFC fighters. We provide comprehensive assessment, targeted rehabilitation programmes, and guidance on safe return to activity to prevent re-injury and optimise recovery.