How to Manage & Rehabilitate Acute Injuries
Our steps to managing acute injuries
The following recommendations apply to injuries in areas such as the hamstring or groin. Please check with your physiotherapist for a specific treatment plan.
Immediately after the injury takes place
Prevent further injury by limiting over-stretching or bearing weight
Reduce inflammation and swelling through
RICE – Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate
After 24 hours
Take anti-inflammatory medications after the first 24 hours.
Why? Inflammation is an important part of the healing process as it triggers the body’s cellular healing response. However, prolonged inflammation and swelling for more than 24 hour’s delays healing.
Week 1 Post Injury
Manual therapy will involve soft tissue efflourage
After 1-2 Weeks
Manual therapy using deeper muscular release techniques to assist in stimulating tissue healing through:
Increased circulation to the site of injury
Desensitisation of nerve endings to reduce pain
Stretching of scar tissue as a result of healing
At Week 2-4
Begin a strengthening program to address intrinsic muscle weakness and prevent any further loss of muscle function. The program will be progressed dependent on your specific activity requirements.
This is a high-level approach and may not suit all injuries. We recommend working with a physiotherapist for an approach that is tailored to you and your injury,