Injuries and the Healing Process

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Chapter 3

• Injuries and the Healing Process

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The Inflammation Process

• After strains, sprains, contusions, or open
  wounds, the body immediately begins a process
  that eventually results in healing.

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What damage is done?

• Tissue is torn.
• Capillaries are damaged.
• Cells die because of the interference in the
  blood and oxygen supply.

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The body reacts

• The body sends specialized cells into the injury
  area in an attempt to limit damage and to begin
  healing.
• These cells initiate blood clotting.
• Body contracts muscles in the injured area.
  (limits damaged area)

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Cont

• Resulting in
• Pain, swelling, redness, heat and loss of
  function.

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• Pain increased pressure on nerve endings from
  internal hemorrhaging.
• Swelling accumulation of fluids in the damaged
  area. (blood, lymph fluid and synovial fluid.)
• Redness and Heat due to increased blood supply
  as the body attempts to provide the site w/
  nutrients for repair.

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Ice versus Heat
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ICE

• -In most situations, ice should be used in first
  48 hours.
• Application of Ice what does ice do?
• Reduces swelling and inflammation.
• Reduces blood flow to injured site.
• Reduces pain at injured site.

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Cold Packs

• Used for initial first aid, or follow up.
• Apply for 10 15 minutes.
• Should not be applied directly to skin.
• Instant cold packs are questionable.

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Ice Massage

• Rubbing ice over an injured area.
• Paper cup usually used.
• Treatment should last 5 10 minutes.

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Ice Water Immersion

• Immersing injured extremity in cool water.
• Temp 45 55 degrees.
• Treatment, 5 10 minutes.

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Application of Heat

• Increased blood flow to injured site.
• Reduced muscle stiffness.
• Muscular relaxation.

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Hot Packs

• Towels used to insulate and protect skin.
• Towels soaked in very hot water (same effect).

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Hot Whirlpool

• Massaging effect.

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Other Therapeutic Techniques

• Exercise (strength, range of motion).
• Massage (increases surface temp., circulation,
  etc.).

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Other Therapeutic Techniquescont.

• Counterirritants (analgesic balms).
• Electrical Modalities (Electrical stimulation,
  Ultrasound, etc.)

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Acute vs. Chronic Management

• Acute Sudden onset injury. Handled by
  P.R.I.C.E.S.
• Ex. Sprained ankle, broken bone.

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• Chronic Nagging injury. Long term
  pain/swelling/irritation. Continued use of cold,
  coupled with exercise, modality use, and a
  variety of heat/cold treatments.
• Ex. Tendonitis, bursitis.

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There are 7 components an athletic trainer is
concerned with in planning a physical
rehabilitation program

• Joint motion.
• Muscular strength.
• Muscular power.
• Muscular endurance.
• Muscular flexibility.
• Proprioception.
• Cardiovascular performance.