Muscle injuries: biology and treatment

Am J Sports Med. 2005 May;33(5):745-64. doi: 10.1177/0363546505274714.

Abstract

Muscle injuries are one of the most common traumas occurring in sports. Despite their clinical importance, few clinical studies exist on the treatment of these traumas. Thus, the current treatment principles of muscle injuries have either been derived from experimental studies or been tested only empirically. Although nonoperative treatment results in good functional outcomes in the majority of athletes with muscle injuries, the consequences of failed treatment can be very dramatic, possibly postponing an athlete's return to sports for weeks or even months. Moreover, the recognition of some basic principles of skeletal muscle regeneration and healing processes can considerably help in both avoiding the imminent dangers and accelerating the return to competition. Accordingly, in this review, the authors have summarized the prevailing understanding on the biology of muscle regeneration. Furthermore, they have reviewed the existing data on the different treatment modalities (such as medication, therapeutic ultrasound, physical therapy) thought to influence the healing of injured skeletal muscle. In the end, they extend these findings to clinical practice in an attempt to propose an evidence-based approach for the diagnosis and optimal treatment of skeletal muscle injuries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Injuries / complications
  • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Athletic Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Cicatrix / physiopathology
  • Connective Tissue / physiopathology
  • Cryotherapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Immobilization / methods
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / classification
  • Muscular Diseases / complications
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Muscular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Muscular Diseases / therapy*
  • Myositis Ossificans / diagnosis
  • Myositis Ossificans / etiology
  • Myositis Ossificans / therapy
  • Necrosis
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Rupture / physiopathology
  • Wound Healing / physiology