Physiotherapy for Muscle and Soft-Tissue Injuries
Muscle and soft-tissue injuries can occur during sport, exercise, work or everyday activity. Some begin with a sudden pull or sharp pain, while others develop gradually through repeated activity.
Although many minor injuries improve with time, an assessment may be helpful when symptoms are severe, are not improving as expected or keep returning.
Do I need to rest?
The right approach depends on the injury. A short period of protection or reduced activity may be needed initially, but prolonged complete rest is not always helpful.
After assessing the injury, I can advise you about:
- Which activities you can continue
- Which activities should temporarily be reduced
- When to begin rehabilitation
- How to rebuild strength
- When it may be appropriate to return to work or sport
Your assessment
Your appointment will include a detailed history of how the injury occurred and what has happened since. The physical examination may include movement, strength, flexibility and functional tests relevant to your work or activity.
If the assessment suggests a more significant injury, fracture or another condition requiring investigation, I will explain this and advise you about seeking appropriate medical care.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Treatment may include:
- Early advice about protecting and loading the injury
- Exercises to restore movement
- Progressive strengthening
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate
- Sport- or work-specific rehabilitation
- A structured return-to-activity plan
Sports massage or soft-tissue techniques may sometimes help with short-term symptoms, but rehabilitation usually needs to address strength and the demands placed upon the injured area.
Reducing the risk of recurrence
A previous muscle injury can increase the likelihood of another episode. Rehabilitation should therefore continue beyond the point at which everyday pain settles.
Where appropriate, I will help you rebuild strength, speed, endurance and confidence before returning fully to your usual activity.