Rehabilitation of injury

Question 1

What are the 3 stages of rehabilitation?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

What are the common sporting injuries?

Answer 2

1. Simple fracture
2. Stress fracture
3. Dislocation
4. Sprain
5. Torn cartilage
6. Exercise-induced muscle damage

Question 3

How are simple fractures treated?

Answer 3

1. Medical attention ASAP
2. PRICE
3. Immobilisation (plaster cast, sling, crutches)
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
5. Sever fractures may require surgery to realign bones
6. Physiotherapy may be needed.

Question 4

How are stress fractures treated?

Answer 4

1. Medical attention required for diagnosis and advice
2. PRICE
3. Immobilisation may be needed
4. Rest for 2 weeks, avoid activity for 8 weeks
5. Gentle return to exercise
6. Strengthening exercises for surrounding connective tissue.

Question 5

How are dislocations treated?

Answer 5

1. Medical attention ASAP
2. PRICE
3. Immobilisation, no attempt to reposition bones unless a medical professional
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
5. Severe dislocations may require surgery to realign bones and pin them into their original position
6. Physiotherapy will strengthen surrounding connective tissue and improve mobility.

Question 6

How are sprains treated?

Answer 6

1. Medical attention may be required in severe cases
2. PRICE
3. Immobilisation or support using strapping, a brace, crutches
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
5. Exercise to strengthen surrounding connective tissue and improve mobility and balance
6. Heat therapy and contrast therapy can be used for pain relief.

Question 7

How is torn cartilage treated?

Answer 7

1. Medical attention
2. PRICE
3. Immobilisation for support using strapping, a brace
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
5. Arthroscopy surgery can be used to reshape and resurface torn cartilage
6. Physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding connective tissue and restore range of motion

Question 8

How is exercise-induced muscle damage treated?

Answer 8

1. In most cases, medical attention is NOT required and symptoms should be improved in 5 days
2. Cold therapy such as ice pack, ice baths and post exercise
3. Massage and stretching techniques
4. Anti-inflammatory and pain medication
5. Heat therapy and contrast therapy can be used for pain relief.
6. Medical attention may be needed if heavy swelling or dark urine