Principles of Rehabilitation 1
Elevation, compression, cryotherapy (cold therapy), and manual lymphatic drainage
Minimize swelling
Progressive resistance training, using body weight, resistance bands, or weights
Restoring or Increasing Muscular Strength and Endurance
Setting specific goals related to sport-specific skills, strength, agility, and endurance helps guide the rehabilitation process to ensure that the athlete can resume competitive participation effectively and safely.
Return to Sport
used to alleviate muscle stiffness and joint pain as well as promote relaxation
Hydrocollator Packs
involves rubbing ice over the skin in a circular motion
Ice Massage
used to apply a stretching force to the spine or specific joints
Traction
Ice or heat therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), manual therapy techniques, and pharmacological interventions (under medical supervision)
Controlling Pain
Single-leg stance, balance boards, and proprioceptive training to improve stability and coordination
Regaining Balance and Postural Control
By setting performance-oriented goals, such as increasing speed, power, or technical proficiency, athletes can use the rehabilitation period as an opportunity to enhance their skills and capabilities.
Optimizing Performance
used for hydrotherapy, providing a combination of massage, buoyancy, and temperature control
Whirlpool Baths
commonly used for acute injuries or for recovery after intense exercise to reduce swelling, inflammation, and muscle soreness
Cold- or Ice-Water Immersion
involves applying rhythmic pressure to a specific area of the body, typically through pneumatic compression devices
Intermittent Compression
Restoring proper muscle activation patterns, proprioception (awareness of body position), and coordination through targeted exercises and neuromuscular re-education
Reestablishing Neuromuscular Control
Walking, cycling, or swimming
Maintaining Cardiorespiratory Endurance
Setting goals related to correcting biomechanical imbalances, improving stability, and enhancing overall physical conditioning can help reduce the likelihood of re-injury and promote long-term athletic health.
Preventing Recurrence
used primarily for hand therapy to relieve pain and stiffness
Paraffin Baths
can be applied to various body parts for acute injuries or after surgery to reduce pain and swelling
Ice Packs (Bags)
involves the manipulation of soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, through various techniques like kneading, stroking, and tapping
Massage
Planks, bridges, and pelvic tilts
Establishing or Enhancing Core Stability
Functional movements that mimic activities of daily living or sport-specific tasks
Incorporating Functional Progressions
Setting realistic and achievable goals throughout the rehabilitation process can provide athletes with a sense of purpose, progress, and control, which can positively impact their psychological well-being and aid in coping with the injury.
Maintaining Psychological Well-being
used for hand therapy to increase range of motion, decrease pain, and improve circulation
Fluidotherapy
provide a quick cooling sensation by evaporating rapidly on the skin's surface
Vapocoolant Sprays
a specialized massage technique that involves applying deep pressure across the grain of injured tissues, such as tendons or ligaments
Deep Transverse Friction Massage
Stretching exercises, joint mobilizations, and manual therapy
Regaining or Improving Range of Motion
By incorporating goal setting into the rehabilitation plan, healthcare providers can enhance athlete compliance and adherence to treatment protocols, as athletes are more likely to engage fully in their recovery when they have clear objectives to work towards.
Enhancing Compliance and Adherence
combines cold therapy with active movement and is used in rehabilitation to facilitate early movement and exercise while controlling inflammation and pain, commonly after orthopedic surgeries or acute injuries
Cryokinetics
involves applying pressure to specific points on the body known as acupoints
Acupressure Massage
By collaboratively establishing goals that align with the athlete's aspirations and the expectations of their support team, everyone involved in the rehabilitation process can work together towards a common objective, ensuring a coordinated and holistic approach to recovery.
Facilitating Communication