Every time I saw her I had new things to report that I had managed to do as my range of movement gradually increased and the pain and stiffness lessened.
The calf muscle is often torn as a result of a sudden burst of activity, a sudden sprint or dash often without warming up first. Patients treated at the Physio Centre have torn their calf muscles playing tennis or badminton or even one lady when dashing across the lawn to get the washing in during a sudden down pour. The condition is known as tennis leg. See Muscles for information about how muscles work. After a calf injury the power in the calf muscle is greatly reduced and the patient will often limp when walking and loose the spring in their step. At first the patient needs to take small steps and not put any strain on the torn muscle fibres. Only when a return to full muscle strength has been achieved, under medical supervision, is it sensible for the patient to indulge in any form of sport, training or additional exercise by way of keep fit classes, working out in a gym, aerobics etc.
TREATMENT
Rest and the use of techniques to improve the circulation, reduce swelling and the forming of adhesions between the muscle fibres are very important. Treatment with Connective Tissue Manipulation and gentle exercises, once the limb is comfortable, speeds up the repair process and helps the patient to return to normal activities as soon as possible.