rehabilitation of injury

• rehabilitation

  the process of restoring full physical function after an injury has occurred
• stages of rehabilitation

  
  

  1. early stage: gentle exercise encouraging damaged tissue to heal
  2. mid-stage: progressive loading of connective tissues and bones to develop strength
  3. late stage: functional exercises and drills to ensure the body is ready to return to training
• Stretching

  first 3 days = no stretching -> subsidised stretching can occur later after inflammation and bleeding have stopped

  static stretching -> PNF stretching 2-3 weeks after
• Massage therapy 


  a physical therapy used for injury prevention and soft tissue injury treatment
• massage therapy effects

  • move nutrients to injured site
  • accelerate removal of waste products from injured area
  • stretch tissues and release tension / pressure
  • break down scar tissue
  • reduce pain
  • improve circulation and elasticity
• Cold therapy / cryotherapy 


  applying ice or cold to an injury or after exercise for a therapeutic effect
• heat therapy 


  applying heat to an area before training for a therapeutic effect
• Contrast therapy

  the alternate use of heat and cold for a therapeutic effect

  -> 3 - 5 days after the injury occurs

  -> used after swelling or inflammation has reduced
• Cold / hot effect on body

  
  

  • vasoconstricts blood vessels when cold
  • vasodilates blood vessels when hot
  • causing pumping action
  • increasing blood flow and oxygen to damaged tissue
• contrast therapy benefits

  + reduces pain

  + speeds up recovery

  + reduces swelling and inflammation
• contrast therapy risks

  _ ice burns / tissue damage / nerve damage (cold)

  _ application at the incorrect time / increased swelling (hot)

  _ limited changes in tissue temperature

  _ limited effect on changes in blood flow

  _ not suitable for hard tissue injuries
• Heat therapy benefits

  + vasodilation of blood vessels

  + increased blood flow

  + decreased muscle tension, stiffness and pain
• heat therapy risks

  _ increased swelling and pain after acute injury
• cold therapy benefits

  + vasoconstriction of blood vessels

  + decreasing blood flow

  + decreased swelling and pain
• cold therapy risks

  _ tissue damage

  _ nerve damage

  _ skin abrasions -> if direct contact to injury
• NSAIDs 


  = non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs

  medication taken to reduce inflammation, temperature and pain following injury
• NSAIDs benefits

  + prescription isn't required; easily accessible

  + cheap

  + can be used for acute and chronic injuries

  + reduced swelling and temperature

  + speed up recovery and healing process
• NSAIDs risks

  _ can cause side-effects

  _ may result in further damage

  _ potential pain masking

  _ can have limited effectiveness

  _ long-term use should be avoided
• Physiotherapy

  physical treatment of injuries and disease using methods such as: mobilisation, massage, exercise therapy and postural training
• Joint / Tissue manipulation (physiotherapy)


  the mobilisation of soft tissues; movement of joints or tissues to reduce pain and improve range of movement

  e.g. used for strains, swimmers shoulder
• Electrotherapy (physiotherapy)


  use of electrical energy e.g. ultrasound, tens machine

  e.g. used for muscle injuries on lower back, cartilage injuries
• Exercise therapy (physiotherapy)


  strengthening exercises and stretching

  e.g. used for ligament sprains
• Massage (physiotherapy)


  stretching of tight tissues and breaking adhesions / scar tissues which can improve circulation and assist removal of waste products

  e.g. used for strains and sprains
• Posture and alignment training (physiotherapy)


  improvement in core stability through stretching and Pilates

  e.g. used for lower back injuries
• Arthroscopy 


  a minimally invasive surgical procedure to examine and repair damage within a joint
• use of surgery in acute, hard tissue injuries EQ MS 


  open surgery - an incision is made to open a joint, accessing the injury

  realign bones - realignment of fractured or dislocated bones

  stabilise - use of plates, pins or rods to stabilise fractures & dislocations

  arthroscopy - to access injury and be less invasive