Chronic Injury Support

This weeks question

I have a chronic injury, should I rest and brace it?

My answer The best time to deal with an injury is as soon as it happens, but, for minor to moderate injuries, many people choose a more "wait and see" approach. Usually this is not an issue, and our bodies will tell us when they require attention. The approaches in the early - mid phase  of injuries are generally the same as each other, but very dependent on the injury. 

However, when we let an injury go months to years without addressing it, the approach generally changes. At this point, any structural damage that was present from the injury is likely healed, or at least stabilized and any acute swelling that was there has likely gone away or turned to chronic inflammation. Neither of these problems are generally helped with complete rest or immobilization once they become chronic. 

At that point, gentle, pain free or "minimal pain" motions are the goal, eventually working to expand the tolerance to include larger and more functional movements. There are cases where outside interventions like immobilization or injections can be helpful, but those are generally the exceptions not the rule.

Have questions? Email us at info@perfecttenpt.com