Conference paper
Physical Therapy of Overuse Injuries in the Locomotor System
Sanda Dubravčić-Šimunjak
Miroslav Hašpl
Ivan Bojanić
Marko Pećina
Abstract
As a rule, the treatment of the overuse syndrome in the locomotorÕs system is non-surgical, and surgical treatment is needed on rare occasions. Non-surgical treatment should start as soon as possible. The first step is to halt or modify sports activities. The treatment includes administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, stretching exercises, and the strengthening of affected muscles. The programme should be adapted to the patient, taking into account the localization and the degree of the injury, as well as his/her sport or work-related activities. The RICE therapeutic programme is important in the treatment of overuse syndromes, especially within the first 72 hours from the occurrence of first symptoms, as it shortens the duration of convalescence for as much as 50%-70%. Beside stabilisation of the joint with optimal loading of antagonistic muscles, stretching exercises have the leading position in prevention and treatment of overuse injuries. During rehabilitation, it is necessary to change activity, its duration and intensity. When a person successfully resumes its sports activities with full load, the rehabilitation is considered completed. No surgical or non-surgical method can warrant a hundred percent recovery for any localization of overuse injury. Prevention, education, and close co-operation between the physician, athlete, and the coach is therefore crucial and is receiving increasing attention.
Keywords
izokinetic exercises; izometric exercises; izotonic exercises; physical therapy; strenghtening; stretching
Hrčak ID:
502
URI
Publication date:
24.1.2002.
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