Glute strains can occur suddenly or develop over time from repetitive actions such as running, jumping, or lifting weights. It is a common injury among athletes and people with physically demanding jobs. Glute strains typically don’t go away on their own and can cause pain, stiffness and limit mobility. If you are suffering from glute strain seeking treatment from a chiropractic doctor or physiotherapist can help you get relief from the pain and get back to your daily routine.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractors use spinal adjustment, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitative exercises to treat glute strains. The spinal adjustment technique helps to restore the normal movement of the spine, which can help reduce hamstring and hip tension. Soft tissue therapy like deep tissue massage can help reduce pain and inflammation in the injured muscles. Rehabilitative exercises help restore muscle balance, which is crucial for preventing recurrent injuries. Chiropractors also educate patients on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to prevent future injuries.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapists use modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and acupuncture, along with exercises and stretches to treat glute strains. Ultrasound helps to stimulate blood flow to the injured area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote faster healing. Electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and improve muscle function. Acupuncture can help reduce pain and improve energy flow in the affected area. Physiotherapists also provide education on injury prevention and post-injury care.
Exercise Prescription
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists prescribe exercises to help restore strength and flexibility in the glute muscles. They may prescribe a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises specific to the injury. Strengthening exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses help to improve muscle density and strength. Stretching exercises like quad, piriformis, and hamstring stretches help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Applying cold or heat therapy to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Cold therapy can help numb the pain and reduce swelling while heat therapy can help improve blood flow to the injured muscles and promote faster healing. Both modalities can be used interchangeably and as recommended by your chiropractor or physiotherapist.
Lifestyle Changes
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists can recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent glute strains in the future. These may include proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after physical activities, maintaining proper posture, and using proper lifting techniques. They may also recommend taking regular breaks from standing or sitting for extended periods and engaging in low-impact physical activities like swimming and cycling.
Seeking treatment from a chiropractic doctor or physiotherapist can be instrumental in helping you recover regardless of how long your glute strain takes to heal. Treatment may involve chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise prescription, cold and heat therapy, and lifestyle changes. Both chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments are safe, non-invasive, and drug-free ways to relieve pain and restore your quality of life. Speak to a chiropractic doctor or physiotherapist today to get help with your glute strain and resume a pain-free lifestyle.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment. Jonathan Tran is a physiotherapist in Kitchener.
