• How long does a muscle strain take to heal?

My son strained a muscle playing basketball with my friends. Should I take him to physical therapy, or can this strain heal on its own?

7 Answers

  • Physical Therapist
  • Boca Raton, FL

It all depends depends on the severity of the injury and how well you follow your treatment plan and where the site of the injury. If it's the back it could take between 8-10 weeks sometimes even longer depends on the age and type of strain. If the strain is severe it could take up to 3-6 months to heal. The lesser the strain the quicker it heals within a few weeks.

  • Physical Therapist
  • Springfield, IL

Mild strains heal in 1–2 weeks, moderate in 3–6 weeks, and severe may take months. Use R.I.C.E. initially. If pain or limited mobility persists, consult a physical therapist.

  • Physical Therapist
  • Fayetteville, NC

It depends! I would take him to a physical therapist

  • Physical Therapist
  • Clifton, NJ

I would wait about 1 week. If it doesn’t clear up, then at least get him evaluated to make sure there is nothing serious going on. What is actually bothering him though?

Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT Lic#40QA01212000

  • Physical Therapist
  • Greeneville, TN

A strain can heal on its own as long as there is no subsequent re-injury. But then the question is, what can he do? I would recommend a PT consultation.

  • Physical Therapist
  • Henrico, VA

Physical therapy is recommended.

  • Physical Therapist
  • Valley Stream, NY

It really depends on how bad the strain or sprain but resting with gentle stretching and using moist heat will help.

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