Physiotherapy and Acute Injury - 'ICE' is that all there is to it!?
Rehabilitation in the Mid and Late Stages of Injury
Rehabilitation of Chronic or Re-current Injury


Physiotherapy and Acute Injury - 'ICE' is that all there is to it!?

Acute sports injury or trauma my cause swelling, torn muscles, ligaments or bony fracture.

Prompt and correct management of your injury will hasten your full recovery. Incorrect management may delay your recovery, worsen the injury or lead to development of a chronic problem. This page will outline how Joanna utilises her physiotherapy skills and knowledge to guide you throughout your rehabilitation.

DIAGNOSIS

Joanna's sports experience and specialised clinical skills enable her to diagnose what type of injury you have sustained and commence appropriate treatment. She will discuss your rehabilitation with you, clearly describing the format and expected time span of recovery.

Some acute injuries may require early intervention from an orthopaedic medical specialist. Joanna can advice you if this is required and, with your permission, liaise with your GP and appropriate NHS or private medical consultant. 

ICE

Everyone knows about the application of ice following injury and may know about 'PRICE'. This is an evidence based guideline that deals with management of acute soft tissue injury.

It stands for Protection/ Rest / Ice / Compression / Elevation.

Joanna can advise you how to follow this according to the type of injury you have sustained.

In addition Joanna may utilise electrotherapy or acupuncture to reduce pain and swelling at this stage.

PROTECT

Joanna will instruct you how to protect the area from further injury both at the initial stage of healing (i.e. 1 to 3 days.) and over subsequent weeks.

At the acute stage some injuries require splinting, taping/ strapping to prevent further injury. Joanna can apply and teach you how to do this. Good taping can enable you to become active more quickly, reduce discomfort and support the healing structure while allowing it to benefit from some movement. It can allow you to return to your daily activities more quickly. 

REST 

Specific types of gentle movement at the initial stages can aid healing, reduce swelling and pain. Too much movement can cause further damage. Joanna will teach you gentle exercises appropriate to your injury type and advise how and how long to rest the area. 

COMPRESSION

ELEVATION 

If appropriate Joanna will teach you how to apply compressive bandages safely.

(Please note, compression should not be applied with the limb in an elevated position.)
 

Rehabilitation in the Mid and Late Stages of Injury

While many injuries recover in a matter of 1 to 3 weeks some require a longer period of careful rehabilitation.

Over the initial weeks the healing tissue will respond to movement. The tissue will remodel itself to cope with the forces placed through it. If an athlete does too much too soon the weak healing tissue can tear and create pain, inflammation and scar tissue. Repeated minor trauma can lead to development of a chronic problem. This is to be avoided at all costs!

Joanna will teach and guide you on the right amount and type of exercise through each stage of your recovery. She will take into account your sporting aims and commitments and ensure elements of your programme are specific to your sport.

The aim is to minimise the chance of re occurrence and get you back out on the sporting field for good!


Rehabilitation of Chronic or Re-current Injury

Repeated or chronic injury is often the result of multiple contributory factors.

Successful recovery may require a complete overhaul of your strength, flexibility and training regimen. Alongside assessment of the problem area, Joanna will look at your musculoskeletal system as a whole. She will question you regarding the components of your training programme, equipment and technique. Treatment may involve techniques to break down scar tissue, electrotherapy or acupuncture for pain and healing alongside advice and a graduated exercise programme.

Please feel free to contact Joanna as to whether physiotherapy may benefit your injury.