How Soft Tissue Damage and Physical Therapy Helps Recover – Reading Eagle

Soft tissue damage is more common than people are aware of. In fact, anyone with undiagnosed body pain can suffer from soft tissue damage.

According to Delaware Integrative Healthcare, fractures and fractures can be very serious, so bone damage has received a lot of attention. However, soft tissue damage, if left untreated, can be a nuisance and endanger an individual’s athletic performance.

Verywell Health defines soft tissue damage as trauma to the muscles, skin, tendons, and ligaments of the body. Injuries can result from overuse or acute trauma, which is the external force exerted on the body.

Common examples of soft tissue injuries are lacerations, abrasions, contusions, sprains / strains, bursitis, and tendinitis.

Sprains are muscle and tendon injuries, and sprains are ligament injuries. Ligaments are elastic bands of tissue that connect and stabilize bones. Both sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries.

Bursitis and tendinitis are also common. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning between bones and muscles or tendons. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles and bones.

Many mild (grade 1) soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments can heal if the injured follow a protocol called RICE, an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. .. RICE is widely recommended for this type of injury.

However, more severe soft tissue damage can take a long time to heal. Some of these injuries can also lead to permanent changes in muscles, tendons and ligaments, causing certain parts of the body to stop functioning as before.

This is true for Grade 2 (moderate) or Grade 3 (severe) injuries. Further treatment may be needed and physiotherapy may be prescribed.

The Ace Institute of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine says that soft tissue damage accounts for most of the damage treated by outpatient physiotherapists. The therapist analyzes the types of injuries and pains and disabilities that are causing the development of rehabilitation programs.

Physical therapists often give a variety of treatments aimed at reducing swelling and inflammation. Manual therapy that helps restore normal movement is also part of the soft tissue treatment plan. Stretching and strengthening exercises can be incorporated to improve endurance and repair soft tissues.

The Algonquin Chiropractic Center advises that orthodontic therapy may be needed to correct certain imbalances. Physical therapists can also educate patients on how to strengthen their bodies to reduce the risk of future injuries.

Soft tissue damage is common and can usually be resolved by resting. In more severe cases, guided physiotherapy may be prescribed.