Topics
        •
          Sprains and strains – what are they?
        •
          Causes
        •
          Difference between sprains and strains
        •
          Common types
        •
          How and where they occur
        •
          Signs, symptoms, treatment
        •
          Ways to prevent
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       What are Sprains & Strains?
   •
     Sprains and strains are two types of MSDs, or 
     musculoskeletal disorders
   •
     MSD’s are injuries or disorders of the: 
   o
       muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and 
   o
       supporting structures of the upper and lower 
       limbs, neck and lower back that are caused,    
       precipitated, or exacerbated by sudden exertion 
       or prolonged exposure to physical factors  
       (e.g. force, repetition, vibration or awkward 
       posture)
                                            - CDC/NIOSH
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       Causes of Sprains & Strains?
    •
      They are caused by excessive 
      reaching, bending, lifting, 
      gripping, squatting, or twisting of 
      hands, shoulders or body
    •
      Caused by any work performed 
      with high force, with many 
      repetitions, or in an awkward 
      position
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       Causes of Sprains & Strains?
    •
      A sprain is a stretch or tear of a 
      ligament (band of fibrous 
      tissue that connects two or 
      more bones at a joint); 
      stretched too far from normal 
      position
    •
      One or more ligaments 
      may be injured at the same 
      time
    •
      Most common:                            
                 
           - sprained ankle
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          What’s the Difference?
   •
     A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (thick, 
     tough fibrous cord of tissue that connects a muscle   
     to a bone)
   •
     Can be as simple as overstretching a muscle or 
     tendon, or it can be a partial or 
     complete tear
   •
     Most common: strained back
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