injury rehabilitation
minor soft tissue injuries
At eg health|therapy we are trained to assess and treat soft tissue injuries, which can be generally classified into four main categories: sprains, strains, cramps and overuse injuries.
Sprains occur when ligaments, usually in the ankle or knee, are stretched beyond their normal range of movement. This is caused by a sudden movement (or great force) that is too rapid for the proprioceptive system to control.
Strains are the most common type of sports injury as they involve muscles. A strain is often called a ‘pull’ and involves the tearing of muscle or tendon fibres, ranging from minor to complete ruptures.
Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions that suddenly occur and can be temporarily debilitating. They occur in a muscle and it is thought that dehydration, low potassium or low sodium levels, inadequate carbohydrate intake or an excessively tight muscle are the main causes.
Overuse injuries are common amongst athletes doing too much too soon or athletes stepping up their training. Common areas are shin splints (stress fractures, periostitis and compartment syndrome), tendonitis and IT band syndrome.
If we cannot help you or your treatment needs to be more specialised then we will refer you to a therapist with more expertise to help you with your injury.