Submitted by Dr. Cory Hewko

Injuries are a part of life and happen to all of us at one point or another. What happens to our muscles and joints after we get injured is not well understood by the general public. A muscle strain occurs when a muscle has been made to stretch farther than it is capable. This causes tears in the muscle fibre that can accumulate and cause pain, especially when moving the affected limb. In addition to injuring the muscle, the joint also gets strained and becomes very inflamed, red and swollen.

The first line of treatment for a muscular strain in the acute stage (first 2-3 days) includes four steps commonly known as RICE:

REST: Stop all unnecessary activities, especially those that cause pain, to prevent the strain from progressing

ICE: Apply ice to reduce swelling. Never ice for more than 10–15 minutes at a time. Place a layer of fabric or paper between the ice and injury to avoid freezing the skin.

COMPRESS: Wrap the strained area to reduce swelling.

ELEVATE: Keep the strained area as close to the level of the heart as possible to keep blood from pooling in the injured area.

The ice and compression will stop the pain and swelling while the injury starts to heal itself. Controlling the inflammation is critical to the healing process, and the icing further restricts fluid leaking into the injured area, which helps to control the pain. Scar tissue begins to form as well.

The sub-acute stage follows with new growth of connective tissue and capillaries to help repair damaged structures. Scar tissue continues to grow during this time. This is a great time to start using Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) as it promotes rebuilding of injured tissue by having a positive effect on the fibroblasts (connective tissue cells necessary for the repair of injury). Furthermore, it increases growth of cells and stimulates the DNA and protein synthesis that is necessary during tissue repair and regeneration. Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) also expands capillaries, which stimulates increased blood flow, regeneration, circulation and oxygenation.

The chronic stage follows, in which scar tissue is remodelled by the stresses placed on it. During this stage the deep heat of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) helps blood vessels dilate, bringing relief and healing to muscle and soft tissue injuries. Increased blood circulation carries off metabolic waste products and delivers oxygen rich blood to oxygen depleted muscles, so they recover faster. Far Infrared Sauna Therapy (F.I.R.S.T.) is an excellent addition to any muscle and joint rehabilitation program.