See a Physiotherapist Early!

Strains and sprains are commonplace at this time of year, with the cold having a particular impact. When injured it is crucial to seek the correct advice from the outset, which is where seeing a Physiotherapist comes in.

Without an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and advice for self management, a simple acute injury can be prolonged and can even become a recurrent or chronic overuse injury. A Physiotherapist can provide advice on activities that can be safely continued whilst injured, and also activities that should be avoided (i.e., those that may delay recovery by irritating the injured tissue).

Initial management of a muscle strain focuses on minimizing bleeding, swelling, and inflammation. Subsequent treatment involves the promotion of efficient scar formation (electrotherapeutic modalities, stretching, soft tissue massage), and then progressive muscle strengthening in order for the muscle to return to full functional strength, thereby avoiding further injury.

Finally most muscle strains are preventable, and the Physiotherapist will be able to work with you to determine factors that may have predisposed you to the injury in the first place (e.g., inadequate warmup, muscle imbalances, faulty technique/biomechanics).
So next time you sustain an injury or experience an ongoing niggle that just won’t settle, get in to see a Physiotherapist. We are here to help!

by Jeanette Wright, Physiotherapist at SportsMed (156 Bealey Avenue)