There is almost always a cause for a sprain or strain and not just bad luck. It's also not due to getting older!

 

Common examples include a stiff lower back leading to recurrent hamstring strains or inadequate rehab following an ankle sprain that leads to recurrent ankle sprains.

 

During your appointment you can expect the following:

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• History taking where you will be asked several questions related to your strain or sprain. The type of questions you can expect during this consultation include:

- History of the pain, including location, severity, referred pain, things that make the pain worse or better.

- Previous related injuries

- Occupational or Sporting activities

- Past medical history including any medications

- Previous treatments

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• A physical examination of your strained or sprained region as well as other areas of the body if indicated such as your neck and back.

• If needed to help reach a diagnosis, investigations may be required such as x-rays, MRIs or blood tests. 

• A diagnosis with explanation in laymans terms (non-medical language that is easy to understand) including potential causes

• A management plan will then be developed in conjunction with the patient. Management may consist of:

- education of the condition and why it occurred

- advice on what to do and what to avoid making the condition worse

- exercise programs

- injections

- return to sport or activity programs

- if required referral to another health professional (physio, exercise physiologist)