Which term refers to a stretching or tearing of the muscles?

The term "strain" specifically refers to an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching or tearing. Strains commonly occur when muscles are subjected to excessive force or when they are stretched beyond their normal limits during physical activity. This injury can result in pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility, making it important to properly diagnose and treat such injuries to ensure appropriate recovery.

In contrast, bursitis refers to the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between tissues in joints. Contusion describes a bruise resulting from a direct impact injuring blood vessels, while a spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle that can cause pain but does not involve a stretching or tearing injury as a strain does. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately identifying and addressing various muscular injuries in fitness and recreational activities.