ABSTRACT

Skeletal muscle injuries are among the most common forms of trauma that occur during competitive and recreational sports, comprising 10%–55% of all injuries. This chapter provides evidence-based information on emerging therapeutic modalities available for muscle injury and the specific effects of them on muscle recovery and regeneration. The authors apply the scientific evidence to individual patients in order to optimize outcomes. Muscle injury classifications and grading systems have undergone a continuous advancement and change towards more objective evidence-based approaches. Extrinsic risk factors vary for upper and lower extremity muscular injuries and the specific type of exercise/sport involved. Intrinsic factors include older age, sex, muscle imbalances or functional deficits in the kinetic chain, low back pathology and previous muscle injury. Thyroid hormone (TH) plays a critical role in regulating the function of satellite cells, the bona fide skeletal muscle stem cells.