A strain is a tear to the muscle or muscle tendon fibres, often called a ‘pulled’ muscle. A strain occurs when the fibres cannot cope with the demands placed upon them and this overloading leads to tearing of the fibres. This can be the result of a quick twist, pull or sudden movement of the body.

After the initial injury your dog will experience bruising, inflammation, pain and weakness as the muscle begins to lay down scar tissue. Scar tissue is a very tough, inflexible, fibrous material which results in a bulky mass surrounding the injury site. However, the scar tissue that forms is never as strong as the tissue it replaces and tends to contract and deform the surrounding tissues. This reduces strength and flexibility of the muscle and can then be a ‘weak spot’ making it more susceptible to further damage or re-injury.

There are three classifications of a muscle strain:

Grade 1: This is a mild strain that only affects a limited number of muscle fibres. There is no decrease in strength or range of motion and pain and tenderness is usually delayed to the following day.

Grade 2: This a moderate strain where nearly half the muscle fibres are torn. Acute and significant pain is coupled with swelling and a small decrease in muscular strength.

Grade 3: This is classed as a severe strain where there is a complete rupture of the muscle. Severe swelling, pain and a complete loss of function is the result of this type of strain

Symptoms:

• Yelping/crying in pain

• Hobbling/limping

• Off food

• Worse after rest

• Suddenly unable to walk

• Not usual self on walks

• Intermittent or occasional lameness

• Not weight bearing normally on all four legs

• Not walking normally/ abnormal gait

• Stiffness

• Unable to jump

• Unable to go/up down the stairs

How massage can help:

• Break down and remodel scar tissue

• Improve the flow of nutrients to muscles and joints, accelerating recovery from fatigue and injury

• Improve the flow of toxins and waste away from muscles

• Promote the body’s natural healing process

• Enhance recovery time from injury

• Help manage areas of overcompensation

• Relieve pain, tension, and stiffness

• Improve muscle tone and prevent muscular atrophy

• Improve muscle flexibility and range of motion

• Elicit the parasympathetic nervous system to promote healing and recovery