Nose Creek Physical Therapy Information on Soft Tissue Injury

Soft tissue injuries may be due to an impact, strain of a muscle, sprain of a joint or cumulative overstress.

Most soft tissue injuries do not fall into the life-threatening category. However there is still the need to apply the correct first aid to minimize the extent of the injury and affect a quick and complete recovery. Physical Therapists recommend the application of ice as an important first aid procedure. Cold is used in acute soft tissue injuries because it decreases the swelling and bleeding. It limits the extent of the injury and controls the size of the hematoma. The intensity of the pain and muscle spasm will also be reduced with the use of ice.

The majority of the healing does not take place until the soft tissue has completed the swelling phase.

Therefore if we can control and reduce the swelling at the start, we will enter into the healing phase sooner and recover faster. Physiotherapists suggest placing the ice in a plastic bag or a wet towel and wrapped around the injured area with a tensor to compress the swelling. The ice may be left on the injured area for up to 20 minutes, every hour for the next 48 hours. After removing the ice pack, apply an elastic wrap for compression and continue to elevate the body part. Use compression at all times, except when sleeping. Elevation should continue as often as is practical during the first week of your recovery. When wrapping the ice pack on firmly, physiotherapists caution to check that the circulation has not been impaired, e.g. ankle sprain check to see that the toes are not turning blue.

If you have sustained a lower extremity injury, it would be advisable to be non-weight bearing on crutches for a period of time. There are two important points when fitting crutches to your body size. First, in a straight standing position place the crutch tips about six inches from the sides of the feet and slightly in front of the toes. Now adjust the length of the crutches so that two or three fingers can fit between the top of the crutch and the armpit. Second, relax your arms on top of the crutches so that your wrist creases are in line with the hand grips. Thus when you grip the handles you elbows should be bent 25 to 30 degrees. The length of the non-weight bearing period will depend on the degree or severity of the injury. Your Physical Therapist can assess and advise you on the specific care of your injury and assist in getting your function back ASAP.

Clinically Nose Creek Physical Therapists find that patients with a second degree (ligament stretched) ankle sprain recover fastest when they follow the six/six/six/ regime. Non-Weight bearing for at least six days or until the swelling has resolved. The application of the PRICE regime and the use of the Cryocuff ice compression boot. Ultrasound to facilitate ligament healing and wearing a Swedo or ASO ankle brace for six weeks on a daily basis along with adhering to prescribed rehabilitation strengthening and balancing exercises. The brace should be worn when participating in any sport or vigorous activity on unstable terrain up to six months after the sprain to prevent another sprain. Do not hesitate to call Nose Creek Physical Therapy to help you recover from your injury.