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Brian Porter MHFST Sports Therapist
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Treatment The following is offered as a guide only. It is essential that any injury receives a full and detailed medical diagnosis within 24 hours of its occurrence. Contrast Bathing. This is the use of heat and ice together, and is carried out from day three after the injury has occurred. For the first two days, no heat should be applied, only ice. The injured part is subjected to alternate periods of hot and cold immersion. The thermal effect produces alternate opening and closing of blood vessels to aid reabsorption of the swelling. This in turn promotes healing. TEMPERATURES: Hot 36 degrees C. Cold 13 degrees C It is important that during the immersion in warm water, active range of movement exercises are done to improve the mobility of the injured part. These exercises should be non-weight bearing. This contrast bathing routine should be carried out at least 3 times a day for 25 – 30 minute periods, for 6 days. SUGGESTED CONTRAST BATHING ROUTINE
The times of the cold immersion can be reduced if you cannot stand 4 minutes but do keep the part in cold as long as you can stand it to gain the maximum benefit. If you reduce the time in cold water, reduce the time in hot by the same time. Ankles can be immersed in a bucket, as can wrists Knees and shoulders are best treated with packs Elbows can be treated using packs or buckets. The sooner an injury is moved, the quicker the healing process. The movement of the joints stimulates blood flow and synovial fluid secretion. Synovial fluid protects and nourishes the joint. For areas that cannot be submerged, we can use alternate methods of heat and cold, e.g. packs, infra red lamps. The Recovery Process
It must be noted that the above is a guide only. Exact timings in each phase cannot be given. The exact nature, severity and individual healing ability will affect the length of time needed to recover from an injury. The immediate phase following injury is to prevent the situation becoming any worse. Thereafter in the acute phase my aim is to reduce swelling and pain before progressing to the sub acute phase when mobility exercises are introduced. At this stage I may also use massage techniques to prevent the build up of scar tissue and improve mobility. It is vital that any rehabilitation plan and associated exercises are fully discussed and agreed with the client to restore the injured area to full strength and function and prevent the injury occurring again
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