soft tissue injuries Flashcards
what does soft tissue refer to?
musculoskeletal tissue other than bone
soft tissue injuries include
muscle, blood vessels, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, skin, etc
tendons attach
muscle to bone
ligaments attach
bone to bone
another name for bruises
contusion
muscle injury caused by impact of blunt object of force
contusion
damage to contusions lie
closest to the bone
bleeding without breaking skin
contusion (bruise)
contusion symptoms
history of blunt trauma, weakness and/or pain to muscle group
tightness/swelling to muscle
inability to fully flex the joint (e.g. limited knee flexion for quadr injury)
palpable hematoma (solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissue) in muscle tissue
contusion muscle damage can be either
minor- involving only swelling on a cellular level
major- involving rupture of the capillaries and leading to heavy bleeding
Contusions: ROM of affected limb
mild - affected joint flexion ROM >90 degrees
moderate – 45-90 degrees
severe <45 degrees
Treatment of contusions
apply ice to the injured area immediately
after injury, and place the muscle on a light stretch (90˚) for 20 minutes
Repeat the “ice-on-stretch” 1–2 times every
2 hours for the first 48–72 hours
Compression wrap, rest extremity for 3 days
Begin muscle stretching 2-3 times per day, 3-7 days after injury, start light activity, increasing activity each day if no pain, ice area after activity
what are strains?
injury to muscle or tendon, or muscle- tendon unit
another name for strains
pulled muscle
strains are caused by
Caused by pulling or twisting injury, overuse/overstressed from heaving lifting or exertion, or by sudden stretch of a contracting muscle
strain symptoms
pain, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, stiffness, swelling & local tenderness
strain prevention
proper stretching, warm up (sports, physical work/activity), avoid over exertion
treatment of strain
RICE
Rest and protect the injured area. May also requiretemporary immobilization with splints, etc.
Ice injury for 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 8 times a day for first 3 days
Compression of injured area using elastic bandages
Elevate. Rest injured extremity above heart, to controlor reduce swelling
Preventing muscle strains
Strength Training
Weaker muscles more susceptible to muscle strain than stronger ones. Strength training may help make muscles more resistant to strains
Warm-Up
Warming up prior to a workout will prepare muscles for strenuous activity. Warming up may include a brisk walk, slow jogging, and/or light calisthenics
Stretch
Do slow, deliberate stretch for each muscle group to reduce muscle tension, improve range of motion, promote circulation, improve flexibility
sprains
joint ligament and capsule
sprains caused by
excessive move of the joint, resulting in torn or stretched ligaments
symtoms of sprains
pain, rapid swelling, tenderness,
discoloration, limited joint movement
Grade III sprains result in
joint instability
Treatment for sprains
Home treatment: RICE protocol
Medications Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; i.e. aspirin and ibuprofen)
Ambulatory aids for lower extremity (crutches)
Immobilization: brace support, cast boots, air braces, short cast, etc.
Surgical repair may be necessary
Physical therapy if prescribed, may include
early ROM, strengthening, balance training (for ankle injuries), agility exercises, etc.