Total Health Systems

Strain and Sprain Treatment in Macomb County

Strains and sprains are the most common soft-tissue injuries we see—whether it's a rolled ankle from a step off the curb, a pulled back muscle from lifting, or a tweaked shoulder from yard work or sports. A strain affects a muscle or tendon; a sprain affects a ligament. Both cause swelling, stiffness, and pain that can linger for weeks if not treated properly. At Total Health Systems, our physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists coordinate care to reduce swelling fast, restore range of motion, and rebuild the strength around the injury so it heals fully—and doesn't keep coming back. For stubborn or chronic soft-tissue injuries, we also offer Shockwave Therapy to accelerate healing of tendons and ligaments that haven't responded to rest alone.

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Causes & Symptoms

Common Causes

  • Sports injuries and athletic overexertion
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Improper lifting or sudden movements
  • Repetitive motion at work or in hobbies
  • Poor warm-up before exercise
  • Weak supporting muscles or prior injuries
  • Auto accidents and whiplash-type injuries

Signs & Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness at the injury site
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • A 'pop' or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Difficulty bearing weight or using the joint
  • Instability in the joint (common with sprains)

Treatment Options for Strains and sprains

Our multi-disciplinary approach addresses strains and sprains from multiple angles for lasting relief.

Physical Therapy

One-on-one care from licensed physical therapists and assistants using hands-on manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening to reduce pain and restore function.

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When to Seek Professional Care

If any of these describe what you're experiencing, an evaluation now usually means a shorter recovery later.

  • Significant swelling or bruising within hours of the injury
  • Inability to bear weight on the injured area
  • Pain that doesn't improve after 48–72 hours of rest
  • A visible deformity or instability in the joint
  • Numbness or tingling near the injury
  • Recurring strains or sprains in the same area

Frequently Asked Questions About Strains and sprains

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon—the tissue that connects muscle to bone. A sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tissue that connects bone to bone.

Symptoms overlap (pain, swelling, stiffness), but treatment differs slightly. We'll evaluate which you have and build the right plan.
At Total Health Systems you don't have to choose—they're under one roof and they coordinate. A chiropractor can correct any compensating misalignments caused by the injury, while your physical therapist rebuilds strength and mobility.

Most patients benefit from both.
Mild strains and sprains often heal in 1–3 weeks with proper care. Moderate injuries can take 4–6 weeks, and severe ones may take longer.

Skipping rehab is the most common reason these injuries linger or come back—which is why our PT-led plans focus on full recovery, not just pain relief.
Total rest isn't always the answer—guided, low-impact movement actually speeds recovery for most sprains. But the wrong movement at the wrong time can re-injure you.

Our team will tell you exactly what's safe and progress you back to full activity at the right pace.
Shockwave Therapy uses targeted acoustic pulses to break down scar tissue and trigger your body's natural healing response. It's especially useful for chronic tendon and ligament injuries that haven't responded to rest, like stubborn ankle sprains, tennis elbow, or plantar fasciitis.

Intro sessions are $60.

Related Conditions We Treat

Whiplash and auto accident recovery

Even a low-speed car accident can leave you with whiplash, neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, or symptoms that don't show up until days later.

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Shoulder pain

Shoulder pain limits everything—reaching overhead, sleeping on your side, even putting on a jacket.

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Sports injuries

Whether you are a weekend warrior or competitive athlete, sports injuries can sideline you from activities you love.

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Ready to Start Your Strains and sprains Treatment?

Don't let pain hold you back. Our expert strains and sprains team is ready to help you feel better today.

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