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Strains & Muscle Injuries
| Vero Beach, FL

Muscle strains can occur from yard work, sports, repetitive activities, lifting, or everyday overuse. Symptoms may include soreness, tightness, weakness, or limited movement.

At Freedom of Movement Chiropractic, Dr. Roxanne Shepherd evaluates how your muscles, joints, and surrounding structures are functioning to identify factors contributing to your discomfort. Based on your examination findings, care may include chiropractic adjustments, assisted stretching, therapeutic exercises, and other supportive therapies.

Our goal is to help restore comfortable movement, improve function, and support your recovery so you can return to the activities you enjoy.

Man sitting on a curb holding a painful knee

What Is a Muscle Strain?

A muscle strain, commonly called a pulled muscle, occurs when muscle fibers are overstretched or injured. Strains may result from sudden movement, overuse, repetitive activity, or improper lifting and commonly affect the back, neck, shoulders, hamstrings, and calves.

Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, muscle tightness or spasms, swelling, weakness, and limited movement.

At Freedom of Movement Chiropractic in Vero Beach, we evaluate the injured area along with surrounding joints and movement patterns. When appropriate, chiropractic care and supportive therapies may be used to reduce discomfort, restore mobility, improve function, and support recovery.

In Pain? Don’t Wait!

Getting treatment early can prevent long-term problems.

Common Causes of Muscle Strains

Muscle strains can occur suddenly or develop gradually from repetitive stress and everyday activities. Understanding contributing factors can help reduce the risk of injury and support proper recovery.

Common causes include:

  • Sudden or awkward movements
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Repetitive activities or overuse
  • Sports and recreational activities
  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting
  • Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

A chiropractic evaluation can help identify muscle, joint, and movement-related factors contributing to pain and determine an appropriate plan for care and recovery.

Illustration of a runner with the knee, hip and ankle joints highlighted

What to Expect at Your First Visit

  1. 1

    A conversation about what has been bothering you and for how long.

  2. 2

    A hands on exam to identify what is actually driving the pain or stiffness.

  3. 3

    A treatment plan explained in plain language, built around your body.

  4. 4

    Ongoing one on one care, adjusted as you progress.

Signs You May Have a Muscle Strain

Consider an evaluation if you experience persistent pain, swelling, muscle spasms, weakness, limited range of motion, or discomfort that interferes with sleep or daily activities.

Woman on a sofa holding her neck and lower back in pain

How Do You Know It’s a Strain?

A muscle strain may cause localized pain, tenderness, tightness, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, or reduced range of motion. Symptoms often begin after lifting, repetitive activity, exercise, or a sudden movement and may worsen when the affected muscle is stretched or used.

Because muscle pain can have several causes, a clinical evaluation can help determine the source of your symptoms and the severity of the injury.

Seek prompt medical attention for severe pain or swelling, significant weakness, numbness, visible deformity, or inability to use the affected area.

  • Spinal Adjustments
  • Diversified Chiropractic Techniques
  • Activator Technique
  • Flexion-Distraction Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

A muscle strain typically causes localized pain, tightness, and soreness that improves with rest and gentle movement. If you experience severe pain, numbness, sharp radiating pain, or symptoms that don't improve within a few days, it's best to get evaluated so we can rule out a more serious injury and create the right treatment plan for you.

Yes. Chiropractic care addresses more than just the muscle itself spinal adjustments, targeted stretching, and therapies like E-Stim and cupping help reduce inflammation, restore proper movement, and prevent the strain from becoming a recurring issue.

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the strain and how quickly treatment begins. Mild strains may improve within a week or two with proper care, while more significant injuries can take several weeks. We'll create a personalized recovery timeline during your evaluation.

No referral is needed. You can call us directly or book your injury evaluation online to get started right away.

Insurance and Coverage

Whether your muscle strain happened at work, during a workout, or just from everyday activity, Freedom Of Movement Chiropractic is approved to work with Workers' Compensation and Aetna. Coverage and eligibility for muscle strain treatment are verified on a case-by-case basis, so we recommend confirming your specific benefits with our office before your visit.

Many muscle strains and pulled muscles result from car accidents. If your injury is connected to an auto accident or another claim, we're glad to help. Florida requires Personal Injury Protection, known as PIP, on auto policies, and chiropractic care for muscle strains is commonly covered following an accident. Ask our office for details when you schedule your evaluation.

Real Patients. Real Results.

Google review
"I was hit at a red light and couldn't move my neck. They got me in the next day. Within 3 weeks I was back at work. I can't imagine going to four different doctors."
Jennifer M.Car Accident | Whiplash
Google review
"My back pain was getting worse even after seeing a chiropractor alone. When I added physical therapy here, everything changed. The team knew exactly how to work together."
David T.MVA | Lower Back Injury
Google review
"Everyone said I should get an attorney before starting treatment. They said I could start right away, and they connected me with a lawyer when I was ready. Best advice ever."
Sarah L.Auto Accident | Multi-Injury
Google review
"From the moment I walked in, they made me feel like I mattered. The doctors and therapists communicated constantly about my care plan. I healed faster than I ever expected."
Maria G.Slip & Fall | Neck & Back Pain

Conveniently Located in Vero Beach

Freedom Of Movement Chiropractic is located within Image Studios, alongside other health and grooming professionals, making it an easy stop for Vero Beach and Indian River County residents looking for consistent, personal chiropractic care.