What is a soft tissue injury?

Soft tissue injury

The most common cause of soft tissue injury is from sports and exercise activities. Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, fat, blood, nerves, and fibrous tissues. A chiropractor can provide the best treatment for these types of injuries and is often more knowledgeable than a traditional doctor where soft tissue problems are concerned.

Treating Soft Tissue Injury

Initial Treatment using the RICE protocol is very effective.

Rest- Take a break from the cause of injury. If the injury is to your leg, your doctor may also recommend that you use crutches to avoid bearing weight.

Ice- Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply it directly on the skin and not for long periods of time.

Compression-To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.

Elevation.- To reduce swelling, elevate the injury higher than your heart while resting.

Types of Soft Tissue Injuries

Acute Injury

Sprain- Sprains are a stretch or tear of a ligament. The ligament is a strong band of tissue that connects the end of one bone with another. Common sprains occur on the ankle, knees, and wrists.
Signs and Symptoms: Pain, swelling, inflammation, bruising loss of power or ability to bear weight.
Treatment: RICE protocol. Chiropractic treatment can be very beneficial for a sprained ankle.

Strain- Strains are caused by muscles over-stretching or contracting too quickly, resulting in a partial or complete tear of the muscle and/or tendon fibres.
Signs and Symptoms: Swelling, possible discolouration and bruising and/or pain on movement.
Treatment: RICE protocol. This should be followed by simple exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. If pain continues, consider a Chiro.

Bruise (contusion, cork)- Bruises occur when a direct blow or multiple blows strikes the body. Crushing underlying fibres and connective tissue without breaking the skin.

Signs and Symptoms: Discoloration or swelling.
Treatment: Bruising is a mild injury and responds well to the RICE protocol.

Overuse Injury
Overuse injuries occur as a result of repetitive friction, pulling, twisting, or compression that develops over time.
Signs and symptoms:  Will develop slowly, inflammation, pain.
Treatment: RICE method or Consider a Chiro

How Chiropractors Help with Soft Tissue Injuries

Chiropractors are highly recommended for soft tissue injuries. Not only can chiropractic treatment help to relieve pain, but they will establish a total body wellness plan to prevent injuries from reoccurring.

Depending on the injury this may require a cast or sling. Gentle movement or manipulation from a chiropractor can also assist in the healing process of the injury. Exercises may also be recommended to help gain balance, flexibility, strength, and a greater range of motion. With all Chiropractic treatment, Chiropractors will have a treatment plan catered to you.

Are you interested in booking an appointment at Back to Basics call 9588 7000 or book online here
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