The most common cause of soft tissue injury is from sports and exercise activities. Soft tissue includes muscles, tendons, ligaments, fat, blood, nerves, and fibrous tissues. A chiropractor can provide the best treatment for these types of injuries and is often more knowledgeable than a traditional doctor where soft tissue problems are concerned.
Treating Soft Tissue Injury
Initial Treatment using the RICE protocol is very effective.
Rest- Take a break from the cause of injury. If the injury is to your leg, your doctor may also recommend that you use crutches to avoid bearing weight.
Ice- Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply it directly on the skin and not for long periods of time.
Compression-To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
Elevation.- To reduce swelling, elevate the injury higher than your heart while resting.
Types of Soft Tissue Injuries
Acute Injury
Sprain- Sprains are a stretch or tear of a ligament. The ligament is a strong band of tissue that connects the end of one bone with another. Common sprains occur on the ankle, knees, and wrists.
Signs and Symptoms: Pain, swelling, inflammation, bruising loss of power or ability to bear weight.
Treatment: RICE protocol. Chiropractic treatment can be very beneficial for a sprained ankle.
Strain- Strains are caused by muscles over-stretching or contracting too quickly, resulting in a partial or complete tear of the muscle and/or tendon fibres.
Signs and Symptoms: Swelling, possible discolouration and bruising and/or pain on movement.
Treatment: RICE protocol. This should be followed by simple exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. If pain continues, consider a Chiro.
Bruise (contusion, cork)- Bruises occur when a direct blow or multiple blows strikes the body. Crushing underlying fibres and connective tissue without breaking the skin.
Signs and Symptoms: Discoloration or swelling.
Treatment: Bruising is a mild injury and responds well to the RICE protocol.
Overuse Injury
Overuse injuries occur as a result of repetitive friction, pulling, twisting, or compression that develops over time.
Signs and symptoms: Will develop slowly, inflammation, pain.
Treatment: RICE method or Consider a Chiro
How Chiropractors Help with Soft Tissue Injuries
Chiropractors are highly recommended for soft tissue injuries. Not only can chiropractic treatment help to relieve pain, but they will establish a total body wellness plan to prevent injuries from reoccurring.
Depending on the injury this may require a cast or sling. Gentle movement or manipulation from a chiropractor can also assist in the healing process of the injury. Exercises may also be recommended to help gain balance, flexibility, strength, and a greater range of motion. With all Chiropractic treatment, Chiropractors will have a treatment plan catered to you.
Are you interested in booking an appointment at Back to Basics call 9588 7000 or book online here
We have 2 branches Kogarah & Parramatta.
