These injuries are commonly sustained during sports or sudden movements.

Muscle tears and ligaments sprains are generally graded from 1 through to 3.

Grade 1 being a partial tear of the fibres of the muscle or ligament. If rested and rehabilitated over a 2–4 week period the fibres can heal and the patient can be back to normal function.

Grade 2 is a substantial tear of the fibres of a muscle or ligament. A ligament sprain of this magnitude may need bracing for 4–6 weeks to allow it to heal adequately and a muscle tear will need strengthening for the same time period to ensure normal function is restored.

Grade 3 is a complete tear of the fibres of a muscle or ligament. A ligament tear of this magnitude may require reconstructive surgery and your Movehappy Healthcare practitioner can help liaise with your GP and a specialist if required for an appointment and any appropriate imaging.

A grade 3 muscle strain may not require surgery but a period of rehabilitation over 6–12 weeks.