Muscle Strain (Fibrillar Tear)

A muscle strain occurs when a group of muscle fibers suffers a partial tear due to tension or a load that exceeds the tissue's capacity to withstand it.

Muscles are designed to adapt to various physical demands, but when the workload is too high, or when there is fatigue, insufficient recovery, or a sudden increase in intensity, some fibers can become damaged.

This can happen in situations such as:

• Rapid changes of direction

• Accelerations or explosive movements

• High-intensity training

• Cumulative overload

• Exertion for which the muscle is not prepared

The Importance of Muscle Loading

The issue is not solely about "applying force," but rather the relationship between the load placed on the muscle and its capacity to respond at that given moment.

When tissue experiences more tension than it can tolerate, it loses its ability to adapt, which can result in an injury.

For this reason, factors such as fatigue, poor training progression, lack of rest, or biomechanical alterations can increase the risk.

What Happens within the Tissue?

Following a muscle tear, the body initiates a healing process where the inflamed tissue begins to reorganize and recover its function.

Recovery must be progressive, because a muscle does not only need the lesion to close; it also needs to regain: • Strength

• Elasticity

• Coordination

• Capacity to bear load again

Physiotherapy Treatment

Treatment will depend on the grade of the injury and the stage of recovery.

It may include:

• Radiofrequency / Diathermy

As a therapeutic adjunct, it can help improve local circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote tissue healing.

• Manual Therapy and Myofascial Release

To improve tissue mobility and reduce tension in the areas surrounding the affected zone. Therapeutic Exercise

This is one of the most critical components, as progressive loading allows the muscle to readapt and recover its full function.

• Deep Dry Needling

This can be utilized when there are associated muscle zones experiencing overload or tension, always assessing each case individually.

• Percutaneous Electrolysis / Invasive Techniques

This technique aims to generate a controlled response in the injured tissue, facilitating the biological processes involved in tissue repair and remodeling.

It can help stimulate cellular activity, promote the reorganization of collagen fibers, and improve tissue quality during the recovery process.

Its goal is not to "heal" the injury instantly, but to support the recovery process so the tissue can progressively restore its structure and functional capacity.

Muscle tear

What is it?

A muscle tear (or muscle strain) occurs when a group of muscle fibers undergoes a partial rupture due to tension or load that exceeds the tissue's capacity to withstand it.

Although often associated with a sudden movement, the injury is typically the result of a combination of factors such as fatigue, lack of recovery, inadequate training progression, or accumulated overload.

Most common symptoms

Acute pain during physical activity.
A sharp, stabbing, or tearing sensation.
Difficulty continuing the movement.
Localized swelling.
Loss of strength.
Muscle stiffness.
Discomfort when contracting or stretching the muscle.

Why does it occur?

A muscle tear can be related to various factors:

Rapid changes of direction.
Accelerations or explosive movements.
High-intensity training.
Accumulated muscle overload.
Lack of recovery.
Muscle fatigue.
Biomechanical alterations.
Exertion for which the muscle was not prepared.

The importance of progressive loading

Following an injury, the muscle begins a natural healing process. However, recovery is not merely about tissue scarring; it is about restoring strength, elasticity, coordination, and load-bearing capacity.

For this reason, therapeutic exercise plays a fundamental role, as it stimulates progressive muscle adaptation and reduces the risk of re-injury.

Therapeutic approach

Treatment is tailored to the phase of recovery and may combine:

Manual therapy.
Myofascial release.
Radiofrequency therapy, when indicated.
Deep dry needling.
Percutaneous Therapeutic Electrolysis (EPTE), when clinically indicated.
Progressive therapeutic exercise.
Movement re-education.

Treatment goals

Reduce pain.
Promote tissue repair.
Restore mobility.
Improve muscle strength and elasticity.
Restore load-bearing capacity.
Facilitate a safe return to physical activity.
Reduce the risk of re-injury.

Muscle tear

What is it?

A muscle tear (or muscle strain) occurs when a group of muscle fibers undergoes a partial rupture due to tension or load that exceeds the tissue's capacity to withstand it.