Musculoskeletal Disorder and Tissue Response to Injury
What is the difference between a strain and a sprain
Strain = muscle/tendon injury
Sprain = ligament injury
What does RICE stand for and why is it used in the acute stage?
Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate, reduces bleeding, swelling, and pain
What is the main therapeutic focus during the subacute stage?
Restore pain-free ROM and begin progressive loading
What is the primary goal of the chronic stage of rehabilitation?
Restore full strength, endurance, and functional performance; prevent re-injury
Displacement of a part, usually the bony partners in a joint
What is dislocation
Name the three phases of soft tissue healing in order
During the first 48-72 hours, what is the primary 2 treatment goals for a soft tissue injury?
Provide one example of an exercise type appropriate in subacute rehabilitation and its purpose
AAROM - develop control of the motion
Isometrics - begin gentle strengthening
Give one example of an advanced strengthening exercise that would only be suitable for the chronic stage and why it is important
Plyometrics or sport-specific resisted drills - appropriate because they build power and mimic activity demands
What is third degree injry
Name one modality commonly used to reduce pain and swelling in the acute stage and briefly state how it helps.
Cryotherapy (ice) reduces metabolic rate and local blood flow, decreasing swelling and pain
How does progressive loading during the subacute stage influence collagen deposition?
Stimulates fibroblasts to produce organized collagen and aligns fibers in response to mechanical stress
How does eccentric loading help tendon remodeling in chronic tendinopathy?
Promotes collagen synthesis and realignment, improves tendon tensile strength and reduces abnormal blood vessels to form and pain
What is overuse Syndromes
Describe how collagen orientation changes from the proliferative phase to remodeling
Why is immobilization sometimes recommended immediately after serious soft tissue injury, and what is a risk of prolonged immobilization?
Immobilization prevents further damage and allows initial healing; prolonged immobilization risks joint stiffness and a muscle atrophy
When introducing ROM exercises in subacute care, what sign indicates the activity may be too aggressive?
Increased or worsening pain, swelling, or decreased function after exercise indicates too aggressive progression.
Describe return-to-plan criteria an 11th grade athlete should meet before full participation after a soft tissue injury (4 criteria)
Criteria: full pain free ROM, 4/5 strength, successful completion of sport-specific functional tests, and no swelling or instability
Prolonged contraction of a muscle in response to a painful stimulus
What is reflex muscle guarding
Explain why excessive scar tissue formation can reduce the tensile strength and flexibility of a tendon
Describe how controlled compression assists the healing process in the acute stage at the tissue and cellular level
Compression reduces interstitial fluid accumulation and edema, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery and aiding removal of inflammatory mediators at the cellular level
Explain how proprioceptive training in the subacute stage contributes to long-term function and injury prevention.
Improves neuromuscular control, joint stability, and reduces re-injury risk be retraining reflexive responses
Discuss the role of functional testing and objective measures in deciding progression to full activity, including two specific tests
Functional Testing (single-leg hop, timed agility) and objective measures (strength, ROM) help quantify readiness and reduce subjective bias
What is myofascial compartment syndrome