A sprain is damage to a ligament, while strain is damage to a tendon. Sprains and strains are categorized in three ways: grade 1 minimal tear, grade 2 partial tear and grade 3 full tear. Common strains include hamstring, gastrocneimus and back.
Sprains are common in the knee, wrist and ankle. Physiotherapy management will consist of physical modalities to reduce pain and accelerate tissue healing, soft tissue/joint mobilization (manual therapy), active stretching, strengthening exercises to the affected muscle groups, muscular control/stability programs and preventative education.