RECOVERING FROM A FOREARM MUSCLE STRAIN: HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP
An injury to the forearm muscles can occur in a fraction of a second, but can cause problems for weeks or months. The muscles that move the wrist and fingers and those that turn the hand face-up or face-down are actually located in the forearm. In a relatively small body area where many complex structures are packed together, even an injury that seems innocuous at first can be painful and disruptive. In other words, a relatively minor forearm muscle strain can cause difficulty with activities such as using a computer keyboard, cooking and eating, or lifting even light weights. Certain athletes, such as those who play racquet sports, are particularly at risk for this kind of injury. Fortunately, physical therapy offers many safe and evidence-based techniques that can help reduce discomfort and restore arm strength and function in both the short and the long term after a strain.
At JAG Physical Therapy, one of the top PT names across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, our skilled and empathetic therapists have a great deal of experience in treating forearm strains. We’re passionate about helping people recover so they can get back to their daily routine and even return to playing sports over time. We work closely with all of our patients to develop a custom PT care plan based on their individual needs, combining modalities into a guided rehabilitation regimen for the best results. Book your appointment now to get started or read more below on what physical therapy methods can help heal a strained forearm.
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What Is a Forearm Muscle Strain and How Does It Happen?
Any tear or overuse injury of the forearm muscles or tendons is considered a forearm strain. Since there are dozens of different muscles in the forearm region, strains can occur from any number of different causes. The most common, however, are repetitive motions – swinging a tennis racket, throwing a baseball, or even typing for a prolonged period with poor ergonomics. Sudden impacts such as falls, vehicle accidents, or collisions on the playing field can also lead to a forearm strain, especially if the arm is used to brace for the force. In other words, this kind of injury could potentially happen to anyone – but with the right rehabilitation techniques, most people can come back from a forearm strain.
How Can a Forearm Muscle Strain Affect Daily Life and Activity?
As noted, the forearm is the location of muscles that control the wrist and hand. Therefore, a forearm muscle strain can negatively affect the ability to do more than just simple arm movements. Gripping and picking up objects, typing or selecting on electronic devices, and even using kitchen or table utensils can become much harder depending on the kind of arm strain you are dealing with. Furthermore, untreated strains can have long-term consequences, including decreased strength and range of motion and even giving rise to other wrist, elbow, or shoulder injuries due to awkward movements from compensation. For all of these reasons, getting physical therapy care early is key if you want to recover properly.
Physical therapy provides a proven, non-invasive approach to recovering from a forearm muscle strain by reducing pain, restoring strength, and improving mobility for daily activities.
What Is Forearm Muscle Strain Physical Therapy?
Because of the sensitivity and importance of the muscles of the forearm, physical therapy for a strain in this area must be highly structured. However, therapists can utilize a wide range of rehabilitation techniques for each individual patient, depending upon the nature of their injury, their overall physical condition, and their lifestyle and goals. Most patients will be advised on an exercise routine that includes stretching and flexibility for the hands and wrists and gradual strengthening that focuses on reinforcing damaged areas.
The hands-on techniques of manual therapy are also often used for forearm muscle strains, such as soft tissue mobilization to help deal with feelings of tightness and limited range of arm motion. Depending on the level and location of pain and dysfunction, special modalities such as TENS might be recommended. Finally, functional retraining is typically appropriate, given the large number of different tasks the arms and hands are used for each day.
What Types of Exercises and Techniques Are Commonly Used in Therapy?
The many muscles of the forearm must be treated with a wide variety of exercises in a typical forearm strain physical therapy plan in order to restore the most function possible. Grip and finger strengthening can help the hand properly close and make manipulating objects easier, as well as improving endurance in fine motor tasks. Wrist flexion and extension is helpful for range of motion and general pain, while forearm pronation and supination – rotating the arm on its long axis – aids in performing wider, sweeping movements. Stretching and mobility drills may also be used for overall tension relief. Keep in mind this is just a typical list that will not apply exactly to everyone. Your physical therapist will recommend a certain sequence of exercises based on the extent of your injury, your physical condition, and what you want to accomplish.
3 Grip Strength Exercises for Stronger Lifts
If you have been experiencing forearm muscle strains, these 3 exercises will help alleviate pain and increase your grip strength. These grip strength exercises can be quickly done throughout your day and can help improve your forearm muscles.
Who Can Benefit From Forearm Muscle Strain Physical Therapy?
Since forearm strains can happen to anyone, physical therapy for this type of injury is used by people of all backgrounds and walks of life. Common segments of the population who may need PT for a forearm strain include athletes (specifically those who play tennis, badminton, or track and field throwing events and weightlifters, among others) and people with repetitive strain injuries from hours of typing per day, especially office workers and students. The best treatment for many other overuse or minor traumatic injuries of the forearm is physical therapy as well – individuals who want a non-surgical conservative treatment typically choose PT. Finally, older adults who are concerned about maintaining hand strength and function for their daily routine can benefit from many of the same modalities as patients with forearm injuries.
What Can Patients Expect During a Forearm Physical Therapy Evaluation?
In your first appointment for a forearm injury at JAG PT, your therapist will note your symptoms and level of pain from the strain. Using various methods, they will then assess your arm and hand strength and any limitations to your range of motion or everyday function. Based on this information and the physical state of the muscle and soft tissue in your injured arm, your therapist will determine your personalized treatment plan, including your individual home exercise plan. The JAG PT team has helped countless patients recover from forearm injuries by recognizing that everyone needs to be fully involved in their own physical therapy care and takes a unique rehabilitation path.
Why Choose JAG Physical Therapy for Forearm Muscle Strain Rehabilitation?
At our more than 160 locations, NJ, NY, and PA residents turn to JAG Physical Therapy for effective and empathetic treatment. Our patients benefit from high-quality, evidence-informed care that takes an integrated approach. Moreover, many of our therapists are trained in specialized modalities as well as sports medicine and geriatric or pediatric PT. At each of our local PT clinics, we strive to help people recover from musculoskeletal injuries and other health conditions in the most convenient way that is helpful in both the short and long term. Schedule an appointment today to begin restoring function and reducing pain from a forearm injury.
Visit JAG Physical Therapy for more details or simply contact us. You can book an appointment for an evaluation here.
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