The Dreaded Calf Strain

A calf strain is an injury to the muscles of the back of the leg. The calf consists of the two headed gastrocnemius and the always forgotten soleus muscle which sits deeper near the Achilles tendon. 

Calf strains are most commonly found in the medial head of the gastrocnemius. The Gastrocnemius is commonly injured in sports which require quick acceleration from a stationary position or from sudden deceleration forces. 

Calf strains can be frustrating injuries for the elite athlete or the weekend warrior. 

Physiotherapy plays a large part throughout the rehabilitation process, from isometric and isotonic exercises in the acute phase, to gradual weight bearing loading to improve muscle strength and length at the sub acute phase. Sports specific and explosive loads are an essential part of the final stages of recovery to mitigate any future injuries.