Injury rehabilitation

Question 1

What is injury rehabilitation

Answer 1

Process undertaken to regain full function after injury in connective tissue

Question 2

What does injury rehabilitation involve

Answer 2

Restoring strength, flexibility, endurance and speed

Question 3

What are the 3 recognised stages of injury rehab

Answer 3

1. early
2. mid
3. late

Question 4

What does the early stage of injury rehab consist of

Answer 4

Gentle exercise, encourage damaged tissue to heal

Question 5

What does the mid stage of injury rehab consist of

Answer 5

Progressive overload, develop strength

Question 6

What does the late stage of injury rehab consist of

Answer 6

Functional exercises, prepare for return to training

Question 7

What is stretching as a method of rehab

Answer 7

Early/acute stage - no stretching, PRICE only (72 hours)
Mid phase - up to 2 weeks of heat therapy and gentle passive/static stretching 4x a day (3 days+)
Late phase - focus on improving ROM, stretch and co-ordination (2 weeks +)
Long term - improve ROM greater than before injury, develop strength at same time, active and dynamic stretching

Question 8

What is massage as a method of rehab

Answer 8

Deep muscle therapy which realigns connective tissue and flushes toxins from damaged area

Question 9

What is cold therapy as a method of rehab

Answer 9

Use of ice or cold water to reduce tissue temp, metabolic rate and speed of nerve impulses. Vasoconstriction of vessels reduces inflammation, swelling and pain

Question 10

What is cryokinetics

Answer 10

Ice application followed by rehab exercises

Question 11

What is heat therapy as a method of rehab

Answer 11

Use of heat to reduce tension, stiffness and pain. Vasodilation of vessels increases blood flow to promote healing. Use 48hrs+ after injury

Question 12

What is contrast therapy as a method of rehab

Answer 12

Use of cold and hot therapy 3-5 days after injury has occured. Vasoconstriction/dilation increases blood flow to injury

Question 13

What are the benefits of heat therapy

Answer 13

Vasodilation of blood vessels increases blood flow and reduces tension, as well as pain and soreness

Question 14

What are the risks of heat therapy

Answer 14

Increased swelling and pain after

Question 15

What are the uses of heat therapy

Answer 15

Chronic injuries - late stage acute injuries

Question 16

What are the benefits of cold therapy

Answer 16

Vasoconstriction of blood vessels reduces blood flow, pain and swelling

Question 17

What are the risks of cold therapy

Answer 17

Tissue and nerve damage, skin burns/abrasions

Question 18

What are the uses of cold therapy

Answer 18

Acute injuries of the early stage (first 72hrs), relieves exercise induced muscle damage, soft tissue injuries

Question 19

What are the benefits of contrast therapy

Answer 19

Large increases in blood flow and nutrient delivery to damaged area, reduces pain and swelling

Question 20

What are the risks of contrast therapy

Answer 20

Incorrect application can cause swelling (heat) or tissue damage

Question 21

What are the uses of contrast therapy

Answer 21

Acute injuries after bleeding and inflammation has stopped (mid stage), reduces symptoms of exercise induced damage

Question 22

What are anti - inflammatory drugs

Answer 22

Non steroid (NSAID’s) in the form of pills/medication such as Ibuprofen to reduce inflammatory response and temp. Inhibit chemical release that leads to inflammation and interferes with pain signals

Question 23

What are the risks of anti - inflammatory drugs

Answer 23

Overuse can lead to glycaemic index problems - bleeding, shock, stroke and heart attack
Can cause side effects such as nausea/heartburn or long term issues such as gastro - intestinal problems

Question 24

What is physiotherapy as a method of rehab

Answer 24

Treatment of injury or disease by qualified professional through:

Mobilisation and manipulation of joints/tissue

Electrotherapy to repair and stimulate tissue

Exercise therapy to stretching muscles

Massage to stretch and relax tissues, relieve pain and improve circulation

Sports specific rehab

Posture and alignment training - to release tension and reduce ROI

Question 25

What are the 3 phases of physio

Answer 25

1st phase - pain relief/reduce swelling
2nd phase - tailored exercises to maintain strength and movement
3rd phase - restore normal ROM, muscle length, connective tissue. Mobilise joint and strengthen injured area