The Injury Hub
Pulled Calf: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.
Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of pulled calf.
The Injury Hub: Pulled Calf
What is a pulled calf?
A Calf Muscle Injury is common in sports and is sometimes known as a ‘pulled calf’. The term ‘pulled calf’ comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually the calf muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn.
A tear in the calf muscle is referred to as a calf strain and may involve one or two of the muscles that make up the calf. Calf strains usually occur at the junction between the muscle and tendon and it is classified depending on its severity (Grade 1 – Grade 3).
How We Can Help.
Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.
Learn about common pulled calf injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.
Symptoms Of A Pulled Calf
Grade 1:
Signs of injury may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of cramp or tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. Mild discomfort and minimal disability.
Grade 2:
Immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two strain is usually sore to touch. Moderate discomfort with walking and limits activities such as running and jumping.
Grade 3:
This is a very serious injury as the muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle above a depression where the tear is. Minimal pain but an inability to walk will be present.
Treatment With Physiotherapy
The immediate treatment of a calf strain consists of the POLICE protocol – Protection, Optimal loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Once ready, gentle resistance exercises and stretching are important as they help to align the scar tissue which forms during the healing process. This will enhance the strength of the healing calf.
At first, gentle resistance is provided by our Chartered Physiotherapists, but as the muscle gets stronger resistance bands can provide more of a challenge. The sets and repetitions are gradually increased and Core strengthening will be introduced. Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will devise a rehabilitation plan specific to your needs.
Our Expertise
Our physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).
We have a team of Clinical leads who visits our physios and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.
Our patient’s health journeys
How Much Does It Cost?
Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.
What Are Your Clinic Hours?
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics
Where Is This Service Available?
This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.
Am I Covered By Health Insurance?
We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.
How Do I Contact You?
Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Call Us: 01 611 1740
Spectrum Physio
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