Pulls, Strains, Sprains

Q:  Explain the difference between a pull, a strain, and a sprain?

A:  Pulls, strains and sprains are associated with trauma to tissue.  Below are the definitions of strains and sprains:

•          Strain - A stretch, tear or rip in the muscle or adjacent tissue such as the tendon. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.

•          Sprain - A stretch, tear, or rip in the stabilizing connective tissue.  The connective tissue that is most often sprained is the ligament.  Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together.

People associate a pull with muscle trauma.  Therefore, a pulled muscle is the same as a strained muscle.