The majority of Physiotherapy work deals with injuries to soft tissues. Soft tissue injury is injury to any of the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissue injuries often stem from overuse and repetitive stress injuries, which can lead to tendonitis, bursitis and other types of inflammation.
Soft tissue physiotherapy aims at assisting with the healing process by reducing the amount of pain, associated swelling and bruising, and restoration of restriction or impairment of function.
Physiotherapists will conduct an evaluation which would involve getting your medical history, prior level of activity, mechanism of injury and your goals for post recovery. The physical examination will include an assessment of range-of-motion, depending on the nature of the injury, strength and biomechanics.
Soft tissue injury is painful and requires physiotherapy intervention. It is important to rest the part and give it time to heal. Athletes are often reluctant to do this and continue to train despite pain and injury. This is unwise, as the injury can be exacerbated and take a longer time to heal these tissues to optimal function.
Treatment For Soft Tissue Injuries:
The purpose of physiotherapy is to assist nature to quickly reduce the inflammation, hasten the healing process and avoid complications such as joint stiffness, muscle tightness and weakness which may predispose you to re-injury.
Therapy will focus on pain management with the use of:
- Ice
- Heat
- Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Manual Therapy
- TENS
- Electrical Stimulation
- Magnetic Field Therapy
The strained area may be taped or wrapped to reduce swelling and prevent bleeding in the tissues.
When symptoms decrease, stretching and strengthening exercises may begin. We will guide you in performing these safely and may also give you a home exercise program so you can continue stretching after your treatment is over.
It is important to pay attention to your body signals. Ceasing activity when you feel pain or overexertion is a wise decision as this may be a sign that something is wrong.
If you would like further information about soft tissue injuries, or if you would like to book an appointment with one of our staff – just give us a call on (03) 9873 3333 or email us.
