ADVICE

Ice Ultrasound Therapy Stretching and Strengthening Anti-Inflammatories

Interferential Soft Tissue Massage Manipulation

Ice

Ice is believed to diminish the inflammatory reaction to an injury, reduce swelling and muscle spasm and provide some pain-relief.

Ice packs are reported to reduce the temperature of underlying tissues by up to 7 degrees C. The pain relieving effects of ice result from a decreased nerve conduction velocity along pain fibres. Ice also reduces inflammation by reducing local blood flow.

Ice should be applied in acute phases of an injury 3-4 times per day for 10-15 minutes and as and when thereafter.

Ultrasound Therapy

Therapeutic ultrasound is a relatively low intensity technique that uses high frequency sound waves to stimulate tissue healing, reduce inflammation and offer pain relief. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed probe that is placed in direct contact with the patient's skin. Ultrasound gel is used on all surfaces of the head in order to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves.

The frequency typically used is 1-3 MHz. Waves at this frequency are absorbed by connective tissue: ligaments, tendons, fascia and scar tissue.

Therapeutic ultrasound is understood to have two potential effects: Thermal effects involve the heating of tissues and increasing flexibiltity of connective tissue. Mechanical effects involve the vibration of cells and altering the permeability of cell membranes allowing faster metabolism to take place.

Contraindications - local malignancy, acute local infection, metal implants and on the abdomen of pregnant women.

Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which muscle groups are lengthened in order to improve flexibilty and reduce muscle tone. The benefits also include reducing the risk of injury and preventing post exercise soreness. Rehabilitation of injured soft tissues can be achieved through strengthening exercises:

Low Back Pain Exercises Neck Pain Exercises Core Exercises	Hip Flexor Strain Exercises Upper Back Exercises