Injuries happen to all of us eventually. When injury strikes two important questions need to be answered. Why did this part of my body breakdown? Why did it breakdown now? Seeking the advice of a medical professional e.g. Osteopath, Physiotherapist is vital to address these questions.
Knowing why a particular injury occurred is essential to formulating the correct rehabilitation programme. Take for example an Achilles tendon injury – is this due to tight calf muscles, incorrect foot function, biomechanical gait issues, a pelvic problem or some other reason? Identifying the cause leads to identifying the solution.
The goal of rehabilitation is a return to previous levels of activity. The additional goal of good rehabilitation is to prevent re-occurrence of the injury. An improvement in function is a realistic target if the correct root cause has been identified. An injury may highlight an area of weakness that, once addressed, results in improved performance.
Clearly rehabilitation programmes work best when tailored to the individual. The central principles are :-
1. Return to full range of movement – pain free.
2. Strengthen muscles statically.
3. Restore/improve proprioception.
4. Strengthen muscles dynamically.
5. Sports specific exercises.
6. Gradual return to full participation in chosen activity.
Steps 1 – 6 are not necessarily taken in order or even one at a time. Exercises for each stage may overlap and should have a progression that builds towards the goals identified.
So next time you suffer the frustration of an injury take time to identify the root cause and use your rehabilitation to improve yourself. The injury could turn out to be a blessing in disguise !
Terence Barnes Msc B.Ost
Community Osteopathic Clinic (01293 763075)
Shaw House, Pegler Way, Crawley