Category Archives: injury recovery

Welcome New Physiotherapist Tara Campbell

injury prevention, injury recovery, injury treatement, News Articles, rehabilitation

Tara graduated from Queen Margaret University, Scotland with a Masters of Science, Honors in Physiotherapy. Prior to her physiotherapy studies, she gained her Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology degree from Western University in London Ontario. Tara enjoys keeping busy with many sports and hobbies, including field hockey, downhill skiing, yoga, cooking, hiking and ultimate frisbee. She played for the women’s varsity field hockey team during her undergraduate degree at Western, and continued to play while at school in Scotland. Tara has experience with soccer and football team therapy, volunteer experience at the Lithuanian Olympics and elderly rehabilitation programs. Through her education and personal experiences, Tara is dedicated to helping clients achieve their rehabilitation, fitness and wellness goals.  Tara is pursuing advanced concussion training with Complete Concussion Management, and will be working towards Medical Acupuncture Licensing. As an enthusiastic, engaging therapist, Tara loves that she is able to work with new and returning clients everyday. Further, Tara is committed to continuous learning, and is eager to advance her clinical education. 

The Secret to a Quicker Recovery

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There is a secret to healing faster and returning to sport quicker post injury, and it doesn’t involve controversial therapy or loads of money. It’s simple, effective and one of the main reasons professional athletes recover much more quickly than the Average Joe. Here’s the secret:

Get your injuries assessed and treated ASAP!

Research has shown that early intervention for an injury will help prevent it from getting worse, prevent muscle loss, weakening and compensation, as well as result in a quicker return to sport and activity.

Supporting Research:

  • Karlsson et al., (2007) showed that early functional treatment (during the first week) following an acute ankle sprain resulted in a significantly earlier return to sport, compared to a group of subjects given crutches and compression wrapping until pain subsided;
  • Studies have shown that following a concussion, athletes who were seen for an assessment by a therapist within the first week had a significantly quicker recovery and return to play, compared to athletes who delayed their initial post-injury evaluation (Bock et al., 2015);
  • Early intervention following lower back injuries has also been heavily researched and showed that treatment soon after injury helps prevent lower back pain from becoming a chronic issue, resulting in less time loss off work, and decreased medication use (Gatchel et al., 2003).

Whether you twisted your ankle or hit your head, being assessed and treated early on has been associated with a quicker recovery and return to sport. At Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, between our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, athletic therapists and sports medicine doctors, there is no reason for an injury to be left unattended.

Bock et al., (2015). Factors associated with delayed recovery in atheltes with concussion treated at a pediatric neurology concussion clinic. Childs Nervous System. 2111-2116.

Gatchel et al., (2003). Treatment and cost effectiveness of early intervention for acute low back pain patients: A one year propective study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. 1-9.

Karlsson et al., (2007). Early functional treatment for acute ligament injuries of the ankle joint. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. 341-345.

Ice my injury?? But baby it’s cold outside!!!!

injury recovery

 

Hot and Cold
I’m injured. Should I use hot or cold?

There are two basic types of injuries: acute and chronic. Acute pain occurs when an injury is recent and can be attributed to some activity, and swelling can usually appear. Chronic pain occurs when an injury develops slowly over a period of time. It is subtle in nature, and is often referred to as “overuse injury.”

Ice is the best form of treatment for acute injuries because it slows the inflammation response in the body and slows the pain response as well. It works by narrowing the blood vessels in the area and therefore limits bleeding in that region. Ten to 15 minutes of icing at a time is sufficient. Wrap the area in a towel for comfort. Allow the skin to return to normal temperature before repeating. Do this as often as you feel is warranted for up to three days.

Chronic injuries should be iced as well, but only when the icing follows an activity. This prevents re-irritation of the area. I don’t recommend icing a chronic injury before activity.

Heat is best with chronic injuries or injuries that have no inflammation or swelling. Sore, stiff, nagging muscles or joints are best treated with heat. Injuries of this nature are often heated prior to activity to increase flexibility and blood flow. Safely apply heat to an injury 15 to 20 minutes at a time and use enough layers between your skin and the heating source to prevent burns. Moist heat (i.e. wet towels) works best.

Because some injuries can be serious, you should see your physiotherapist or chiropractor if your injury does not improve (or gets worse) within 48 hours.

see our YouTube page for this and other helpful links https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9X-wC0kiGAE1jMtg6BAleA

We strive to help you continue and maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise and education.

The staff at Sheddon Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic will be there for you and get you back to activity faster than many other groups.

By Dana Clark