Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, affects many people, whether after sustained physical effort, repetitive movements, or an injury such as a strain or muscle tear. It can present as sharp pain, stiffness, or a loss of strength or mobility. Depending on the cause, several healthcare professionals can help relieve your symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Types of muscle pain
Muscle strain, tear, or pull?
A muscle pull is a partial or complete tear of a muscle; the term “muscle tear” refers to the same injury. When muscle fibers do not reach the breaking point, it is called a muscle strain (elongation). The main symptom is a sharp pain in the affected muscle, which may be accompanied by a loss of strength and range of motion that prevents continuing the activity. Swelling, warmth, or bruising may appear afterward.
Other types of pain
- A cramp is a sudden muscle contraction that usually does not last long. It generally eases when the affected muscle is stretched.
- A muscle contracture is a muscle cramp that does not subside and can last a long time, causing significant pain.
- Muscle soreness refers to residual pain in a muscle following sustained or unusual effort.
- Inflammation in a muscle often occurs when the muscle cools down, for example in the evening or at night while at rest. Inflammation then settles in the muscle and can cause pain and a feeling of tightness.
- Muscle pain after sports, also known as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), results from micro-tears that occur in the muscles during more intense or new exercise. Soreness gradually decreases as the muscle adapts to the activity and experiences fewer micro-traumas.
- Muscle pain without exertion may be caused by a cramp or delayed inflammation following an effort made in the previous hours.
Generalized muscle pain requires a medical evaluation to determine whether a more systemic condition could explain the symptoms. Certain conditions such as fibromyalgia can cause widespread pain and require management with medication for pain control.
What can cause muscle pain?
Several causes can explain muscle pain:
- sudden injury (strain/elongation or pull/tear)
- repetitive movements
- muscle soreness after exertion
- muscle tension often secondary to poor posture or prolonged postures
These injuries often occur when a large force is generated suddenly or repeatedly. The risk of injury increases when this force is applied while the muscle is in a stretched position. Sports movements involving rapid changes of direction are particularly high risk (e.g., soccer).
Muscles at higher risk (biarticular muscles): gastrocnemius (calf), hamstrings (back of the thigh), rectus femoris (quadriceps at the front of the thigh).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it normal to have muscle soreness?
Yes. It is caused by micro-tears that the body repairs, allowing muscles to grow stronger. Symptoms include diffuse pain, heaviness, stiffness, and tenderness to the touch lasting 24 to 48 hours.
How can you tell if you have tendinitis?
Pain localized at the end of the muscle (near the joint), sometimes accompanied by mild swelling and redness. Tendinitis usually follows a shock or an unusual contraction and differs from tendinosis, which is a chronic irritation related to repetitive movements.
When should you worry about muscle pain?
If you notice discoloration, a hard lump in the muscle, or no reduction in symptoms after a week of rest and ice, it is important to have the condition assessed.
Should you apply heat or cold for muscle pain?
Muscle pain that occurs after exertion, an awkward movement, or a fall requires ice during the first few days. However, if your pain seems to come from muscle tension due to prolonged or poor posture, heat can help relax the muscle and improve comfort.
How to treat muscle pain?
Expert tip: how to treat a muscle tear
- Take a short rest period: stop for a few days the activities that increase pain, but avoid complete rest and continue activities that do not worsen your symptoms.
- Apply compression: wrap an elastic bandage around the painful area to limit swelling, support the muscle, and make movement easier. Avoid wrapping too tightly (loss of sensation, discoloration, numbness = bandage too tight).
- Elevate the affected limb: above the heart, as often as possible, to limit swelling.
- Using ice is a helpful tool to reduce pain and inflammation in the first few days.
Which professional should you consult?
Different professionals often work together to maximize results. If you’re unsure, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist first so they can assess your needs and the most appropriate treatments for your muscle pain. If necessary, they will recommend the appropriate professional(s) to help optimize your rehabilitation.
Muscle injuries require rehabilitation through exercise, so it will be important to ensure you have a proper home exercise program to help optimize your recovery.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
After a thorough assessment, a physiotherapist will explain the origin of your muscle pain and offer you a treatment plan based on your goals. Different options can be considered such as exercises specific to your condition, joint mobilizations and muscle relaxation techniques. Your physiotherapist will also give you advice on how to relieve pain and get back to your activities.
Why consult an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist will assess the impact of your muscle pain on your usual abilities such as working, doing household chores and hobbies. Their treatments, which can take the form of strengthening exercises or simulating work tasks, for example, will help you maximize your autonomy at each stage of your recovery.
Why consult an osteopath?
Using a variety of manual techniques, an osteopath will treat the mobility restrictions that can affect all the structures of your body (bones, muscles, ligaments, viscera, etc.) in connection with your muscle pain. Improved mobility enables the body to recover better and decreases pain.
Why consult a massage therapist?
A massage therapist will work primarily to release tension in the superficial and deep tissues related to your muscle pain to help you reduce pain and move more freely. Their treatments will also help increase blood circulation to promote better recovery.
Why consult an acupuncturist?
Through various techniques and using therapeutic tools such as needles and suction cups, an acupuncturist will work to reduce pain, stress, muscle tension and inflammation that may be related to your muscle pain.
Why consult a kinesiologist?
A kinesiologist will teach you how to do suitable exercises, after assessing your movement ability and your physical condition in relation to your muscle pain, so that you can resume your activities.
Have questions? Call us at 1 855 743-9872 or write to us at informationsweb@physioextra.ca.
