Get Back On the Footy Field After a torn Calf

By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist

Calf tears are a common injury among footballers, often resulting from the intense physical demands of the sport. This injury can sideline players for weeks or even months, affecting not only their physical performance but also their mental state and career prospects. Understanding the mechanism of calf tears and the role of myotherapy in recovery can help players return to the field swiftly and safely.

How does a calf tear happen?
The calf comprises two primary muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles work together to facilitate movements such as running, jumping, and sudden changes in direction—actions frequently performed in football. Calf tears usually occur due to overstretching or excessive loading of these muscles, leading to a partial or complete rupture of the muscle fibers.
Common scenarios leading to calf tears in football include:

1. Sudden Acceleration or Deceleration: Rapid movements place immense stress on the calf muscles. An explosive sprint or a quick stop can overstretch the muscles, causing tears.
2. Direct Impact: A direct blow to the calf, whether from a tackle or a collision with another player, can result in muscle damage.
3. Fatigue: Tired muscles are more susceptible to injury. Prolonged periods of play without adequate rest increase the risk of calf tears.
4. Inadequate Warm-Up: Not properly preparing the muscles before intense activity can lead to reduced flexibility and increased injury risk.

How does it feel if you've torn your calf?
Footballers and athletes experiencing a calf tear may notice:

• Sudden sharp pain in the calf
• Swelling and bruising
• Difficulty standing or walking
• A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury

While a Myotherapist can't provide a definitive diagnosis, your appointment with us will include physical examination, assessing pain, swelling, and muscle function. To officially diagnose a calf tear, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be required to determine the severity of the tear - this can be ordered by your GP, and you can bring any imaging reports to us to help you with your recovery.

Myotherapy can be instrumental in recovering from calf tears. Myotherapists employ various techniques to alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore function.

Assessment: The myotherapist will perform a thorough assessment to understand the extent of the injury, considering factors like the player's history, the mechanism of injury, and any pre-existing conditions.​
Pain Management: Initial treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation. This may involve techniques such as ice therapy, compression, and elevation. Myotherapists may also use modalities like ultrasound and electrotherapy to manage pain and stimulate healing.
​Soft Tissue Treatment: Targeted massage and manual therapy techniques help reduce muscle tension, improve blood flow, promote tissue healing, and can aid with scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed.
Exercises for Restoring Flexibility: Gentle stretching exercises increase the flexibility of the calf muscles, reducing the risk of re-injury. Myotherapists guide patients through a progressive stretching routine tailored to their recovery stage.
Exercises for Strengthening: Strengthening exercises are crucial for rebuilding muscle strength and endurance after an injury. Myotherapists design specific exercises to target the calf muscles and surrounding areas to ensure balanced muscle development and prevent future injuries.
Functional Training: As recovery progresses, functional training exercises that mimic the demands of football are introduced. These exercises focus on improving coordination, balance, and agility. As an Exercise Scientist, this is something I specialise in.
Sport-Specific Drills: Incorporating sport-specific drills prepares you for a return to play. This includes running, jumping, and directional changes to ensure the calf muscles can withstand the sport's physical demands.

Prevention and Long-Term Management
Preventing calf tears involves a combination of proper training, adequate rest, and injury management strategies. Footballers should:

• Maintain a consistent warm-up routine
• Include strength and flexibility exercises in their training
• Monitor fatigue levels and ensure adequate recovery time
• Seek regular treatment from myotherapists to address any muscle imbalances or tightness

In conclusion, calf tears can be a significant setback for footballers, but with the right approach to treatment and rehabilitation, a full recovery is achievable. Myotherapy plays a crucial role in managing pain, promoting healing, and ensuring players return to the field stronger and more resilient. Book with me on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday to get back on the field.
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Simple Wellness Myotherapy is located at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178. Additionally, you can contact us on (03) 8204 0970 to arrange an appointment today.