INJURIES
CAUSES OF INJURIES
Injuries are one of the most common problems treated with physiotherapy or sports therapy here at Dynamic Movement Physiotherapy, Hereford. They can manifest in various parts of the body, with soft tissues being a common site.
Soft tissues refer to non-bony structures such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, joint cartilage, the joint capsule, nerves and intervertebral discs.
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There are many different causes of injuries. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
They are often caused by either:
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Acute injuries - Sudden, forceful or abnormal movements or external impact forces.
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Chronic injuries - Gradual and prolonged causing injuries over time,
An acute injury occurs suddenly after a specific activity. These injuries can often occur due to an unavoidable incident such as being hit from an external force causing a ligament sprain, or a sudden, awkward and/or forceful movement that overstrains an area causing a tear.
A lot of the time acute injuries occur because of a predisposing underlying cause. This may be an incorrect movement patterns (compensatory movement) that are often caused by muscle imbalances. Or they may be more likely after an inefficient warm up, over stretching (especially a tight muscle), fatigue, weakness, degenerative changes (reducing the joint strength and stability) and many others.​
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Treatment of an acute injury with physiotherapy is vital as soon as possible to encourage full recovery and prevent further injuries.
ACUTE INJURIES
Chronic injuries develop over a period of time. They are often persistent and long-lasting, e.g. overuse/repetitive injuries.
Chronic injuries may occur due to postural dysfunctions, muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns (compensatory movements), repetitive movements, or inadequate rehabilitation after a previous injury resulting in weakness/instability, e.g. athletes who regularly golf or play tennis can develop elbow pain.​​
CHRONIC INJURIES
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The image below describes in more detail the symptoms for Acute and Chronic injuries. The image is from an article by an Orthopedic surgeon Dr Chyn Hong, Gleneagles Hospital
Pain caused by overuse injuries (repetitive strain injuries) are a frequent occurrence in both sports and daily routines. They are a type of chronic injury).and can develop over a prolonged period of time.
They are often the result of a repetitive movement which can then create an excessive or abnormal load, leading to pain and inflammatory reactions .
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Carrying out functional tasks such as typing, painting or participating in certain sports such as cycling or tennis can cause overuse injuries.
OVERUSE INJURIES
RECURRENT INJURIES
A lot of the time when someone injures themselves, depending on the severity of the injury, the body often heals the damaged area and returns it to normal.
However, sometimes the injuries become long standing (chronic). There has often been changes in the muscle balance and reduced proprioception around the area leading to weakness and increased instability. This can prolong the injury time and if not treated appropriately causes recurrent injuries.
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Ankle ligament sprains are an example of an injury that can often become recurrent if not rehabilitated correctly. A lot of the time people go to their GP and are told to rest the ankle. This is suitable advice for the initial stages, however, once the initial acute stage has settled, it is very important to work on the balance and proprioception. If not, the ankle may be less stable and is more likely to roll over again, especially on uneven ground. ​
Overuse injuries are more likely to occur if there are predisposing problems.
Abnormal postures and/or muscle imbalances including weakness and/or muscle tightness can increase the risk of developing an overuse injury.
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CUMULATIVE INJURY CYCLE
Recurrent injuries can develop from the 'Cumulative Injury Cycle' as discussed below,
Tissue Trauma
Muscle Imbalances
Altered Neuromuscular
Control
Inflammation​
Muscle Spasms
Adhesions
Inadequately treated injuries can lead onto recurrent injuries through the cumulative injury cycle.
The cycle consists of six stages, each of which contributes to the development of further injuries. It is important to treat injuries appropriately to prevent this cycle from occurring.
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Tissue trauma - the initial damage caused by the injury
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Inflammation - after an injury the repair process begins. However, if this is blocked or interrupted, inflammation can occur which can produce pain.
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After the inflammation dies down the muscles can tighten up as they spasm, causing constant activation and shortening of the muscle. This can cause cramping, pain and fatigue.
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If the muscle is in a constant shortened state adhesions can develop. These can interfere with normal movement, causing abnormal movement patterns and neuromuscular control is altered
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As your body repeats abnormal movements even more adaptations can develop. The body tries to compensate to be able to move regardless of limitations and may end up using muscles, joints, or suboptimal body positions that deviate from their intended functions.
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​The altered neuromuscular control can result in muscle imbalances and these can then trigger more damage so that the cycle repeats over again. ​
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THE STANDARDARD APPROACH TO REATMENT OF INJURIES WITH PHYSIOTHERAPY IN HEREFORD
​​Injuries are an inevitable part of our physical journeys, often halting our momentum and challenging us to find the strength to heal. Here in Hereford, the art of physiotherapy shines as a beacon of hope, guiding patients through their recovery and empowering them to unlock their body's full potential.
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​When faced with an injury, the path to recovery can seem daunting. From muscle strains to ligament tears, each injury presents a unique set of challenges. This is where physiotherapy comes in, offering a holistic approach to healing that focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing future injuries.
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At Dynamic Movement Physiotherapy in Hereford I am an experts in treating injuries; I am a dedicated partner in your journey towards wellness. Through personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, we can work to help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility. Whether you're an athlete striving to return to the field or an individual seeking relief from chronic pain, physiotherapy offers a roadmap to recovery that is as effective as it is empowering.​​
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​Beyond the hands-on treatments and therapeutic exercises at Dynamic Movement Physiotherapy here is a strong emphasis on patient education. Understanding your injury, its root causes, and how to prevent recurrence is key to long-term healing and wellness. Physiotherapists take the time to explain your condition in simple terms, empowering you to become an active participant in your recovery journey.
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Knowledge is power, and by equipping patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. This collaborative approach not only accelerates the healing process but also cultivates a lasting commitment to self-care and injury prevention.
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​As you embark on your journey towards recovery, remember that physiotherapy is not just about treating injuries; it's about unlocking your body's potential and embracing a future filled with vitality and strength. In Hereford, physiotherapists stand ready to guide you every step of the way, offering a standard of care that is as compassionate as it is effective.
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If you find yourself grappling with an injury or seeking to enhance your physical well-being, look no further than Dynmic Movement physiotherapy in Hereford. Let the healing begin, and together, we'll pave the way to a healthier, happier you.
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Let us embark on this transformative journey towards wellness together, one step at a time. Your body's potential awaits – are you ready to unlock it?
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Remember, injuries may challenge us, but with the right support and expertise, the road to recovery becomes a pathway to newfound strength and resilience. In Hereford, physiotherapy isn't just a service; it's a beacon of hope guiding you towards a brighter, healthier future.
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If you have suffered from an injury book now to begin your recovery process her at Hereford - Current Prices
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