 What is a Thoracic Strain / Sprain?
A Sprain refers to damage or tearing of ligaments or a joint capsule. Strain refers to damage or tearing of a muscle. When excessive force is applied to a joint, the ligaments that hold the bones together may be torn or damaged. This results in a sprain, and its seriousness depends on how badly the ligaments are torn.
Symptoms of Thoracic Strain / Sprain
The symptoms of thoracic strain/sprain may develop gradually, or appear abruptly in the mid back. Symptoms may manifest as muscle spasms, pain that radiates to different zones of the body, stiffness, headaches, digestive issues, rib pain and limited range of motion and function due to rigidity of the muscles in the affected area. Jobs or activities that involve repetitive stress also can contribute to thoracic strain and sprain.
Cause of Thoracic Strain / Sprain
Sprains are frequently the result of ligaments that have become torn or stretched beyond their normal range. Problems with the thoracic spine also can involve the joints or muscles located in the middle section of the back. Often Thoracic Strain / Sprain occur during an auto accident but also by overexertion during daily activities or playing sports.
Treatment for Thoracic Strain / Sprain
The following guidelines are for information purposes only. Seeking
professional advice before beginning rehabilitation is recommended.
Typically, conservative treatment of thoracic strain/sprain is effective.
Massage Treatment
Massage therapy is frequently prescribed as part of a medical treatment plan. Massage can address the stress that goes with a traumatic event like a car accident, and it can help address many of the sprains, strains, and other injuries common in a motor vehicle accident.
The most common injuries due to auto accidents are:
-
whiplash
- low-back pain
- myofascial pain
- headaches
- shoulder sprain/strain
- cervical sprain/strain
- thoracic sprain/strain
- lumbar sprain/strain
Medical Massage Therapy is one of the most overlooked treatments that quite possibly provide the most benefit after an auto injury. The therapists at Advanced Alternatives Massage Therapy immediately utilize Medical Specific Massage techniques after an injury to help restore muscles and joints to full function.
Injured muscles heal with scar tissue in a way that leaves them weaker, less elastic, and prone to re-injury and pain.
Medical Massage Therapy helps to restore muscular strength, flexibility, and normal function by correcting or "aligning" the scar tissue that is caused by auto accidents.
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