To treat an injury we use various hands-on techniques and exercises specifically designed to help repair soft tissue damage and reestablish correct movement patterns. Using knowledge of anatomy, neurology, biomechanics & exercise physiology the focus of treatment may not just be on the site of pain. Anywhere on the body where movement or lack of movement is identified as a cause of the pain will be treated. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment and everyone is treated as an individual.
After coming to us with an injury you will be checked to rule out any underlying medical conditions (red flags). Bone damage and dislocations, infections etc. would typically be referred to a doctor. If the diagnosis is a soft tissue injury we can offer treatment. Normally an injury will be classed as a traumatic or overuse injury.
A traumatic injury is a fall or blow that causes sudden damage to bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments or fascia such as fracture, cuts, bruising, sprain or strain. Immediate first aid would be the priority, then soft tissue injuries can be followed up with the POLICE regime (Protection, Optimum-Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and then manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation.
Overuse Injury
Overuse injuries are ones that occur over time and may not have an obvious aetiology or cause. Any pain or swelling you suddenly notice is a symptom of a problem that may have been ‘building-up’ for several hours, days, weeks, months or even years beforehand. The graph below represents the too much, too soon idea that is the cause of overuse injuries. Depending on individual circumstances, overuse problems may manifest themselves as tendinitis, bursitis, nerve entrapment, stress fractures etc. Its important to realise that these are symptoms, not the cause of an overuse injury.
The above activities are examples of when an injury may occur. The cross-over point from low to high risk is deliberately vague as it’s hard to predict if and when an injury occurs. Different types of soft tissue and different health & fitness levels will change the ‘breaking point’.
With time the musculoskeletal system is constantly regenerating itself, and when subjected to exercise it will become stronger. But if you do too much too soon you increase your chance of injury. The ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ principle applies when doing little or no exercise. Muscles will regenerate smaller & weaker (especially as you get older, unfortunately!). Your body will not waste energy by regenerating muscle you don’t use in the short term.
Sports Therapy will help by using therapy techniques and rehabilitation exercises to heal injuries. This will make you stronger and try to make sure they don’t happen again.
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