Treatment Rationale Sports Medicine I Treatment Rationale Ice

Treatment Rationale Sports Medicine I

Treatment Rationale: Ice vs Heat Selection of ice or heat application is critical n Ice should be used for first 48 -72 hrs n If pain and swelling are still present, continue to us ice n

Application of ICE n Physiological Changes – Reduced swelling and inflammation – Reduced blood flow to the injury site – Reduced pain at the injury site

Cryotherapy (cold therapy) n Cold Packs – 10 -15 min – Keeping ice on too long can cause burning of the skin

Cryotherapy n Ice Massage – Rubbing ice over injured area – 5 -10 min – Avoid bony areas – Move ice in a continuous circular motion

Cryotherapy n Cold Whirlpool/Immersion – – – 50 -65 degrees 5 -15 minutes Thermal barriers can be used – Disadvantage: injured part is in a non-elevated position – Offers a massaging effect

Cryotherapy n n Cold Spray (ethyl chloride) Apply no longer than 10 seconds Not as effective as cold treatments Only cools skin surface

Application of Heat n Physiological Effects – Increased blood flow to the injured site – Reduced muscle stiffness – Muscular relaxation

Hot Packs Apply moist heat n Towels protect from burning n Heat penetration is limited n

Hot Whirlpool Temp 95 -104 n Massaging effects n Later stages of healing n

Contrast Bath Combines hot and cold n Increased amount of swelling responds to the alternation n Provides pumping action to remove swelling n

Exercise n n Overlooked as treatment Increases circulation at deeper level Increases strength Regain ROM

Additional Modalities n Ultrasound n Electrical Stimulating Currents n Shortwave n Diathermy n Ultraviolet Therapy n Laser n Massage n Joint Mobilizations

Acute vs Chronic Acute n Quick, onset, short duration n Basic initial treatment is PRICES n – – – Protection Rest Ice Compression Elevation Support n Chronic – Recurring injuries that respond little to treatment – Characterized by continuous use of PRICES – Injuries can be challenging – Mix of exercise, heat, and contrast bath – Return to play w/o chronic pain and disability is important