Acute phase
It is important to try to settle the acute inflammation, bleeding and swelling as quickly as possible. The sooner this is achieved the less secondary damage in the way of muscle wasting and dysfunction, adhesions and scarring of muscles and ligaments there will be. At a cellular level it will help reduce cells being suffocated by the extra fluid present and therefore reduce the amount of secondary damage. This helps improve the recovery time of the injury. We do this with the help of ice, bandaging, taping, acupuncture, rest (if appropriate) or early movement (if appropriate), and advice on how to look after the injury in the early stages of recovery.
Chronic phase
We need to look at the local injury and any secondary problems that have occurred since the original incident. Often muscle imbalances have occurred during the time it has taken the tissue to heal. If muscle imbalances are not addressed then the injury will continue to be chronic. Poor movement patterns often occur with chronic injuries as the body tries to avoid any painful movements. If these patterns are not returned to normal, then the injury will continue and other symptoms will begin to appear as extra stress is placed on other tissues.
We have a comprehensive approach to these chronic injuries to help recovery and prevention of further problems.
