During the past 3 decades, continuous passive motion (CPM) devices have become a generally accepted part of postsurgical treatment to promote healing and regeneration of joint cartilage. In 1970, Robert B. Salter, MD, PhD, a Toronto orthopedic surgeon, along with a succession of research fellows, first investigated the biological effects of CPM on healing and […] The post CPM’s Therapeutic Benefits appeared first on iHomeRehab.
During the past 3 decades, continuous passive motion (CPM) devices have become a generally accepted part of postsurgical treatment to promote healing and regeneration of joint cartilage. In 1970, Robert B. Salter, MD, PhD, a Toronto orthopedic surgeon, along with a succession of research fellows, first investigated the biological effects of CPM on healing and regeneration of articular tissues in rabbits.1 Later, Salter and his colleagues began applying this basic research to human patients. They found that nine selected patients “have been relatively free of pain, have maintained the increased motion gained at operation, and have accepted the application of CPM well.” As described by O’Driscoll and Giori, Salter’s basic premise is that “because immobilization is obviously unhealthy for joints, and if intermittent movement is healthier for both normal and injured joints, then perhaps continuous motion would be even better.” However, because patients could not be expected to move their injured joints continuously for hours at a time, the movement would, of necessity, be passive. “He also believed that CPM would have an added advantage, namely that if the movement was reasonably slow, it should be possible to apply it immediately after injury or operation without causing the patient undue pain.”2 In many respects, it appears that Salter’s views have been borne out. According to Hammesfahr and Serafino, CPM “is one of the primary methods for decreasing the deleterious effects of immobilization and can deliver orthopedic, neurological, and even circulatory benefits to the patient. Immobilization, in turn, can create deleterious sequelae of physiological and functional impairments.”3 Through the years, CPM devices have been created for most of the major joints of the upper and lower extremities, but they appear to be most frequently prescribed for postsurgical use in injuries of the knee or shoulder. CPM is generally provided through devices mechanically designed to bend and flex joints at a given rate for several hours. In interviews published in Orthopedic Technology Review,4 orthopedic surgeons and PTs described the benefits and drawbacks of CPM therapy. Contacted recently, along with several additional PTs, many expanded on their earlier comments, stressing their support for CPM in conjunction with traditional “hands-on” physical therapy. STIMULATING CARTILAGE CELL GROWTH Kevin Stone, MD, orthopedic surgeon, founder of The Stone Clinic in San Francisco, and founder and chairman of the Stone Foundation for Sports Medicine and Arthritis Research, specializes in sports injuries, particularly those of the knee and shoulder. An internationally recognized authority on cartilage growth, replacement, and repair, Stone says CPM is part of the prescribed protocols following articular cartilage paste-grafting surgery, a method of cartilage transplantation for arthritis sufferers. In this procedure, articular cartilage is regenerated inside the knee using a single outpatient arthroscopic procedure. Postoperatively, CPM is used for 4 weeks for 6 hours a day in order to help stimulate growth in the articular cartilage cells, Stone says. He and others recently published the 12-year data on 125 patients who had undergone the procedure.5 “We’ve been doing that since 1989 and have found that the patients who use CPM appear to get a better repaired surface than those who don’t,” he says. Stone also recommends CPM before and after an acute ACL reconstruction to help diminish swelling in patients’ knees. “We find it’s useful for getting the swelling down or to help the patient prepare for surgery after an acute injury,” he says. The clinic also uses CPM following fracture repairs around the knee and ankle in order to diminish scar tissue and promote better healing, and to improve range of motion in frozen shoulders or stiff knees and ankles. There are certain operations for which Stone does not recommend CPM. Among these are meniscal repair or meniscal transplantation, as well as post joint replacement. “We find that our patients regain their range of motion very quickly with or without CPM after any kind of joint replacement,” he says. KEEP IT MOVING Maureen Madden, PT, CSCF, formerly a physical therapist at The Stone Clinic, opened her own clinic, PT Pro, a year ago in Redmond, Wash. In an earlier interview, Madden called CPM a valuable but small part of postoperative therapy for a number of injuries and conditions. The major reason for employing it is to prevent adhesion formation of the soft tissues that can result in stiffness and loss of motion. “We want that shoulder or knee to keep lubricated and not to get locked down,” says Madden. “There’s such a positive benefit to movement for all kinds of reasons—for pain, swelling, and range of motion.” The length of the CPM process—often 6 hours or more—is important, she adds. Many patients object to the therapy, find it a “pain in the neck” to be strapped into a device for 6 hours, and have difficulty sleeping while using it, she says. (In this case, she, like other therapists, may break up the CPM process into 2- or 3-hour increments.) Other patients really take to the CPM machines. “They feel like it’s a relief because they get in there and it helps with their pain,” Madden says. Using CPM following fracture repairs can promote better healing. Jeff Ehlenberger, MPT, a physical therapist working for the past 6 years in acute inpatient care at Simi Valley Hospital in Simi Valley, Calif, says that almost all the patients he sees for CPM have had either total knee replacement or unicompartmental knee replacement. He provides treatment immediately after surgery for 3 to 4 days, after which they go either to an acute rehab facility or home for further recovery. In the early treatment phase, “CPM is a vital piece of equipment not only for the patient but for the therapist too,” Ehlenberger says. In addition to articular cartilage healing, it helps in keeping the muscles of the knee lengthened, he says. There is a distinct advantage to CPM for the therapist who cannot spend 15 minutes of a half-hour therapy session doing manual range of motion exercises with the patient. “What I prefer most about CPM is that it gives my patients the ability to become part of the rehab process themselves,” Ehlenberger says. Most of his patients like having the controls, although the machines can be “big and bulky” and “a little painful” for some patients in the beginning. Some express distaste at having the machines, which may extend from heel to mid-buttocks, in their beds because the devices do take up quite a bit of space and sometimes make the patients feel confined, particularly if they use them for 6 hours at a time. Ehlenberger agrees with Madden that the best way to overcome the time constraint is to break up a CPT treatment into several sessions. When he does this, the therapist says, “compliance goes up big time.” Few patients are unwilling to use the machines, he adds. But whether they like them or not, says Madden, most patients recognize the ultimate benefits of CPM and realize they need tolerate it for only a limited period of time. REFERENCES Salter RB, Hamilton HW, Wedge JH, et al. Clinical application of basic research on continuous passive motion for disorders and injuries of synovial joints: a preliminary report of a feasibility study. J Orthop Res. 1984;1:325-42. O’Driscoll SW, Giori NJ. Continuous passive motion (CPM): theory and principles of clinical application. J Rehabil Res Dev.2000:37;179-188. Hammesfahr R, Serafino MT. CPM: The key to successful rehabilitation. Orthopedic Technology Review. 2002;3(2). Stroud R. Link no longer available. Orthopedic Technology Review.2003;5(4). Stone KR, Walgenbach AW, Freyer A, Turek TJ, Speer DP. Articular cartilage paste grafting to full-thickness articular cartilage knee joint lesions: a 2- to 12-year follow-up. Arthroscopy. 2006;22:291-99. http://www.rehabpub.com/2006/08/cpms-therapeutic-benefits/ The post CPM’s Therapeutic Benefits appeared first on iHomeRehab.
CPM is an abbreviation for continuous passive motion. A CPM device is a machine that is used to move a joint without the patient having to exert any effort. A CPM machine is most commonly used on the knee joint, although there are CPM machines made for other joints as well. The CPM has a […] The post CPM for Rehab After Surgery appeared first on iHomeRehab.
CPM is an abbreviation for continuous passive motion. A CPM device is a machine that is used to move a joint without the patient having to exert any effort. A CPM machine is most commonly used on the knee joint, although there are CPM machines made for other joints as well. The CPM has a motor that bends the joint back and forth to a set number of degrees. The amount of movement of the CPM can be adjusted. CPM machines are often applied after knee surgery, such as a knee replacement procedure. The effectiveness of CPM is debatable, as they have not been shown to offer superior results after standard surgical procedures. Is CPM Good or Bad? Recovering normal joint mobility after surgery can be a significant challenge. The stiffness of a joint can be a complication that limits outcomes and causes pain. After surgery for knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, and frozen shoulder surgery, a stiff joint can be a major complication. Therefore, some surgeons use a CPM to try to prevent scar tissue formation and improve the joint mobility. However, there are possible downsides to using a CPM, and therefore many surgeons opt for other methods to improve joint mobility. One of the downsides is that the machine is passive, and therefore the patient is not playing an active role in their recovery. One of the benefits of bending your own joint is not only is the patient making gains in terms of mobility, but they are also engaging muscles around the joint that require rehab. Should You Use It? In most situations, CPM is not part of the standard recovery from surgery. There are some circumstances where patients may be unable to participate in more active physical therapy, and in these situations, a CPM can be a helpful tool to use for post-surgical rehab. It should be clear that the average patient recovering from surgery such as ACL reconstruction or knee replacement does not do better if they use a CPM. However, there may be circumstances that make your situation different. If you are concerned that your joint mobility is not recovering as expected, ask your surgeon if a COM device may be helpful for your recovery. https://www.verywellhealth.com/cpm-continuous-passive-motion-2549555 The post CPM for Rehab After Surgery appeared first on iHomeRehab.
The Results — Significantly better knee function (Knee Society Score ‘excellent’) at all post-op investigation points with the ‘Physio with CPM’ group. — The ‘Physio with CPM’ group achieved significantly better outcomes in daily activities score (Oxford ‘satisfactory joint function’) at all post-op investigation points. — The mean KSS score for the ‘Physio with CPM’ […] The post CPM Recent Research Studies appeared first on iHomeRehab.
The Results — Significantly better knee function (Knee Society Score ‘excellent’) at all post-op investigation points with the ‘Physio with CPM’ group. — The ‘Physio with CPM’ group achieved significantly better outcomes in daily activities score (Oxford ‘satisfactory joint function’) at all post-op investigation points. — The mean KSS score for the ‘Physio with CPM’ group was better at 6 weeks than the mean score at 52 weeks for the ‘Physio Only’ group. — The scores at each measurement point with the ‘Physio with CPM’ group were considerably more consistent, with a significantly smaller range when compared to the ‘Physio Only’ group. — The lowest recorded Oxford Knee Score for the ‘Physio with CPM’ group at 52 weeks was higher than the average score for the ‘Physio Only’ group. Dr. Volker Sauer the clinical study Dr Volker Sauer produced the following study to compare regular post-op rehabilitation to physiotherapy with CPM. The study involved 76 patients, 37 of whom used CPM in their rehabilitation. Prior to operation there were no significant differences between both groups with regards to Knee Society Score (KSS) and Oxford Score as well as the range of motion in flexion. The evaluation points of the study were: prior to operation, 6, 12 and 52 weeks post operation. BREAKDOWN OF REHABILITATION — Physiotherapy (P.T.) only rehabilitation group — Usual standard treatment for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) — 3 weeks rehabilitation following quality standards of DRV, i.e. German Public Retirement Insurance — 8hrs per week physiotherapy, spread over 5 days (1.5 – 2hrs daily) — 4hrs additional physiotherapy over 3 weeks — 1.5hrs daily activity training over 3 weeks — No CPM usedPhysiotherapy (P.T.) plus C.P.M rehabilitation group — 8 hours per week physiotherapy, for the first 3 weeks,5 days per week (1.5 – 2hrs daily) — Daily use of CPM machine at home for 3 weeks,7 days per week, 2 hours per day — Measurement of patient compliance via CPM software https://kinetecuk.com/blog/latest-cpm-research The post CPM Recent Research Studies appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Cryotherapy is the delivery of therapeutic cold to help provide natural pain relief, , decrease swelling, and help your patients recover as quickly as possible. The classic application methods are cold packs filled with ice or gel to provide targeted cryotherapy to an injury and ice baths to treat larger areas of the body. However, […] The post What is Cryotherapy? appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Cryotherapy is the delivery of therapeutic cold to help provide natural pain relief, , decrease swelling, and help your patients recover as quickly as possible. The classic application methods are cold packs filled with ice or gel to provide targeted cryotherapy to an injury and ice baths to treat larger areas of the body. However, as a medical professional, you have the ability to provide more advanced—and more effective—forms of cryotherapy. Cryotherapy Technology Cryotherapy has come a long way since ice packs and ice baths were the only available methods. New systems use a combination of body-conforming wraps with control units to deliver therapeutic cold consistently and with targeted coverage. Cryotherapy wraps have integrated chambers that circulate cold water and pneumatic air in separate, dedicated loop systems. The cold water flows back through an ice reservoir in the control unit to maintain the desired temperature. At the same time, the pneumatic air provides a pumping effect that increases the flow of fluids. This action helps pump away excess edema to reduce swelling and increases blood flow to promote healing. Intermittent compression enhances the benefits of therapeutic cold by allowing it to penetrate deeper and last longer than other methods. The control unit allows you to create custom settings for each patient with a specific temperature, pressure level, and treatment time. There are also preset programs available so your patients can use the system on their own with the touch of a button. Cryotherapy Safety Using a cryotherapy system is safer than other methods because it allows you to have complete control. A soft fabric lining prevents the cold source from coming into direct contact with the skin, reducing the risk of cold burns. The temperature controls help prevent any issues associated with too much cooling. You can also control the treatment time so cold is not applied for too long. Unlike a whole-body chamber, a cryotherapy system provides localized therapy, so only the injured tissues are affected. Whole-body chambers also reduce the temperatures so much that they can be unsafe if the treatment is not provided with the proper care. Ice baths are also a classic method of delivering therapeutic cold after an injury or to help recover from a strenuous workout session. However, ice baths can be uncomfortable and messy, and certain injuries are harder to treat. Cryotherapy Benefits Athletes and patients of all types may benefit from cold therapy when recovering from surgery-or an injury. The many benefits of cryotherapy may include: Reduced need for pain medication Increased range of motion due to less swelling Shorter recovery times Better patient compliance with an easy, comfortable system Flexibility provided by portable treatment solution Circumferential wraps that conform to the body provide more coverage than an ice pack and without the risks associated with whole-body chambers and ice baths. Some cryotherapy systems, such as Game Ready, allow you to treat two patients at a time, maximizing your clinic space. The portable units are also easy to stow and take up much less space than a whole-body chamber or ice bath. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/what-is-cryotherapy The post What is Cryotherapy? appeared first on iHomeRehab.
4 Technologies to Boost Recovery After Knee Surgery
Recovery after knee surgery has come a long way in past decades. In addition to new surgical techniques, new recovery technologies can help you to return to normal activity more comfortably and as quickly as possible. While it’s not possible to completely avoid all pain, discomfort, and inconvenience, new technologies have made knee surgery recovery […] The post 4 Technologies to Boost Recovery After Knee Surgery appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Recovery after knee surgery has come a long way in past decades. In addition to new surgical techniques, new recovery technologies can help you to return to normal activity more comfortably and as quickly as possible. While it’s not possible to completely avoid all pain, discomfort, and inconvenience, new technologies have made knee surgery recovery less of a hassle . If you are planning a knee surgery or are currently in the recovery process, consider these five technologies to help you heal more quickly: 1. Cryotherapy Systems Applying cold to help reduce pain and swelling is not a new concept—ice packs have been around for decades. However, combining therapeutic cold with active compression can provide even more benefits, such as: Pain relief with reduced or no medication Deeper-penetrating and longer-lasting cold Easy-to-use systems that keep you dry Prevention of excess swelling with active pumping Slower cellular metabolism for less tissue damage Increased circulation of blood and nutrients Cryotherapy systems are safe enough to use on your own, so you can rent one for home use while you recover. 2. Contrast Therapy Systems Rapidly alternating between therapeutic heat and cold can also aid the recovery process. Historically, this was done to support knee surgery recovery by submerging the leg in hot and cold baths. This is obviously not convenient for anybody, even when doing it in a clinical setting. It can also be uncomfortable because you get wet, and you have to move between two baths in order to get treatment. Contrast therapy devices eliminate the inconvenience and discomfort by delivering heat and cold through adjustable body-conforming wraps. Therapeutic heat is applied to help increase blood flow, stimulate healing, and reduce pain and stiffness. This is quickly alternated with therapeutic cold to provide the cryotherapy benefits described above and to help prevent any swelling that might be triggered by heat therapy. 3. Active Compression Systems Active compression systems are designed to improve blood flow and remove excess fluids from the affected area. As tissues heal during knee surgery recovery, they need oxygen and nutrients to repair themselves. Improving circulation helps promote healing by bringing freshly oxygenated blood to the area and removing cellular waste. Active compression mimics the body’s natural pumping action to promote circulation and help prevent excess swelling. 4. Bionic Knee Braces Doctors typically recommend the use of a brace to support the knee joint after surgery. Designed to reduce stress on the knee joint while increasing strength in the surrounding muscles, bionic knee braces work by storing and releasing energy as you bend and straighten your leg. Because they are adjustable, they can help you build strength over time. In the early days of recovery, you can get more movement assistance, and as you build strength, you can reduce the amount of support the brace provides http://blog.gameready.com/blog/5-technologies-to-boost-recovery-after-knee-surgery The post 4 Technologies to Boost Recovery After Knee Surgery appeared first on iHomeRehab.
How to Treat a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 Steps
A pulled back muscle is a very common injury. You can pull a back muscle by lifting a heavy item, throwing an object while twisting, or falling unexpectedly. Regardless of the cause, a pulled back muscle is painful, and you want to treat it as quickly as possible. A pulled muscle, in the back or […] The post How to Treat a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 Steps appeared first on iHomeRehab.
A pulled back muscle is a very common injury. You can pull a back muscle by lifting a heavy item, throwing an object while twisting, or falling unexpectedly. Regardless of the cause, a pulled back muscle is painful, and you want to treat it as quickly as possible. A pulled muscle, in the back or anywhere else in the body, is the common term for a muscle strain. When a muscle is strained, the fibers actually tear; sometimes the tear is minor, sometimes it’s a larger, more serious strain. SYMPTOMS OF A PULLED BACK MUSCLE The spine is divided into three major sections: the neck, upper back and shoulders, and lower back. The symptoms are different for pulled muscles in each of these areas. For a pulled muscle in the neck, you might experience: Pain in the neck and upper back area Limited range of motion in the neck Stiffness in the neck In shoulder and upper back injuries caused by pulled muscles, the common symptoms may include: Pain in the area between the spine and shoulder blade Muscle spasms in the upper back Knots and tightness in the upper back and shoulders Pain when moving the shoulders In lower back strain injuries, many people experience symptoms such as: Aching and stiffness in lower back muscles Pain that worsens with movement Pain that radiates to the hips and legs Limited range of motion Muscle spasms in lower back area CAUSES OF STRAIN IN LOWER BACK MUSCLES As one of the most common injuries among adults, lower back strain can occur due to a broad range of causes, including: Sudden impact from a fall, collision, or athletic activity Repetitive motion that causes stress on the muscles and joints Lifting while twisting, or lifting an object that is too heavy Poor posture or incorrect form when performing activities Weak or imbalanced muscles in the back and abdominals Excess weight that causes stress in lower back muscles Lower back muscle strain is typically diagnosed by a medical professional after performing a physical examination and evaluating your history of injury. In cases of severe pain, other tests such as an x-ray or MRI might be performed to rule out other types of injuries. TREATMENT STEPS FOR A PULLED BACK MUSCLE The treatment protocol for a muscle strain is typically the same no matter where it is in the body. Always consult a physician after an injury, especially if you are concerned that it might be a severe one. If you have a pulled back muscle, the recommended treatment steps typically include: Apply cold. The faster you can apply cold to a pulled back muscle, the faster you may reduce pain, help control swelling, and start the healing process. Applying cold immediately after the injury occurs may help ensure that the recovery process is as quick as possible. Use compression. Applying compression bandages or using an active compression system may help reduce swelling and edema so the damaged tissues can repair themselves more quickly. Rest. Right after a muscle strain, it is important to rest for one day up to one week, depending on the extent of the injury. After the initial pain subsides, returning to limited activity is important in order to help keep muscles from weakening.. Stretch. As you return to activity, gentle stretching exercises may improve tissue healing by bringing more blood flow to the injured area. Pain Medication. If you feel that you need pain medication, consult with your physician to determine the type and dosage that is appropriate for your specific situation. Use medication sparingly because pain is actually an important indicator throughout the recovery process. Perform strength exercises. As the pain subsides, try adding strengthening exercises in addition to stretching. Allowing the muscles to weaken with too much rest may actually impede recovery. Get a massage. You can further increase blood flow to the injured tissues with light massage. Apply heat. After the first few days, alternating cold therapy with the application of heat can help reduce pain and increase circulation. For strains in lower back muscles, treatment might also include light, low-impact exercise to help maintain range of motion and build muscle strength. Walking, cycling, and swimming are some good options for staying active while recovering from lower back muscle strain. After recovering from a pulled back muscle, help prevent future injury by practicing good posture and properly warming up before activity. Game Ready provides both therapeutic cold and active compression to help reduce pain, control swelling, reduce edema, and pump freshly oxygenated blood to healing tissue. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/bid/357162/how-to-treat-a-pulled-back-muscle-in-8-steps The post How to Treat a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 Steps appeared first on iHomeRehab.
The American College of Sports Medicine estimates that approximately 9 million Americans suffer from sprained ankles each year. It’s one of the most common sports injuries, and it can happen to anybody who rolls or turns an ankle while doing something as simple as walking. In many cases, an ankle sprain does not require medical […] The post 5 Home Remedies for a Sprained Ankle appeared first on iHomeRehab.
The American College of Sports Medicine estimates that approximately 9 million Americans suffer from sprained ankles each year. It’s one of the most common sports injuries, and it can happen to anybody who rolls or turns an ankle while doing something as simple as walking. In many cases, an ankle sprain does not require medical intervention. However, a severe sprain or bone fracture should be treated by a physician. Common ankle sprain symptoms may include: Sudden pain after twisting or rolling the ankle Swelling Bruising Inability to walk with a normal gait Tenderness when touched Limited range of motion in the ankle joint In addition to these symptoms, an ankle fracture might also include: Pain and swelling that does not reduce after a day or two Inability to bear weight on the injured leg Numbness or weakness Reduced circulation If there is any doubt about whether your ankle is sprained or fractured, seek medical attention immediately. If you have a mild or moderate injury, consider these sprained ankle remedies: 1. RICE Every athlete and parent knows this age-old remedy for minor strains and sprains, and doctors recommend it because it works. Rest: Stay off the injury for a few days, and get ample rest. Ice: Apply cold to the ankle several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling. Compression: Apply a static or elastic compression bandage to limit swelling. Elevation: Reduce the flow of blood and other fluids by elevating the ankle above the heart. It might seem simple, but RICE therapy is truly effective. Start it as soon as possible after the ankle sprain occurs in order to control the body’s natural inflammatory response. 2. Cold Compression Therapy If you want to take RICE to the next level, consider renting a cold therapy system for home use. Cold compression therapy uses the same concepts as RICE therapy but adds modern technology to the mix. Instead of holding an ice pack on your ankle, a cold therapy system uses a body-conforming wrap with integrated chambers that allow cold water and pressurized air to flow through the wrap. The water is constantly circulating, so it maintains a consistent temperature throughout the therapy. The pressurized air creates a pumping effect that mimics the muscles natural “squeeze and release” contractions, to help reduce swelling. The result is a longer-lasting, deeper-penetrating cold that helps damaged tissues heal faster. Cold therapy systems are also convenient to use because all you have to do is add ice and water to the system’s reservoir, apply the wrap, and rest with your leg elevated while the device does all the work. 3. OTC Pain Medication Although a sprained ankle is not typically a serious injury, it is still painful. If you find the discomfort too much to handle, consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication that may help reduce the pain and swelling. Check with your doctor if you’re on other medications, and always follow the dosage instructions to ensure proper use. 4. Epsom Salt After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm bath with Epsom salt. It’s important to apply cold during the first few days after an injury because the application of heat may actually contribute to additional inflammation during the initial phases of healing. Epsom salt can help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues. You can soak your ankle once or twice a day to help reduce discomfort. 5. Natural Poultices A variety of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients can be found in your pantry. If you want to try a traditional poultice to help reduce swelling, consider trying turmeric, garlic, onion, castor oil, or olive oil. Gently heat any of these ingredients and apply to a sprained ankle, and then wrap the ankle in a bandage for several hours. Common Questions About Sprained Ankles After an ankle sprain injury, many people ask the same types of questions, primarily about how long it takes to recover and how to speed up the process. Some of the most frequently asked questions include: How long should it take to heal from a sprained ankle? There is no single answer to this question because how long it should take to heal from a sprained ankle depends on a number of factors. The severity of the injury, how much rest you get after the injury, the treatment approaches you take, and your overall health can influence how fast the healing process goes. That said, some general guidelines on healing time are: Mild sprains: 1-2 weeks. Moderate sprains: 4-6 weeks. Severe sprains: 8-12 weeks. What helps a sprained ankle heal faster? All of the above-mentioned treatment options may support healing after an ankle sprain. In addition to these approaches, staying off the affected leg and wearing a supportive brace may help immobilize the ankle joint and allow the damaged tissues to heal. Because your body is doing a lot of work to repair itself, getting ample rest, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet may help ensure that your body has what it needs to heal. How long do you need to stay off a sprained ankle? The longer you can avoid putting pressure on the damaged ligaments in your ankle, the more opportunity they will have to heal. However, life goes on even when you’re injured, so if you must be mobile, try to stay off the leg completely (use crutches if you need to get around) for at least two or three days, and then use a rigid boot brace when walking around. Can I walk on a sprained ankle? Perhaps this question is better phrased as, “Should I walk on a sprained ankle?” The general rule is that if you feel pain in your ankle when you put weight on it, you shouldn’t be walking on it. Use crutches for the first several days after sustaining the injury, and then use an ankle brace or boot to provide support. Also, just because you can walk on a sprained ankle a week or so after the injury doesn’t mean you should be running or trying to do other athletic activity. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/5-home-remedies-for-a-sprained-ankle The post 5 Home Remedies for a Sprained Ankle appeared first on iHomeRehab.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Hip Surgery?
Although it is a major procedure, many people recover from hip surgery faster than you might expect. In many cases, you may return to normal activity in as few as three weeks, with 12 weeks generally being the longest expected recovery time. Being proactive during hip surgery recovery may help you recover faster […] The post How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Hip Surgery? appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Although it is a major procedure, many people recover from hip surgery faster than you might expect. In many cases, you may return to normal activity in as few as three weeks, with 12 weeks generally being the longest expected recovery time. Being proactive during hip surgery recovery may help you recover faster and get you back to your life as quickly as possible. Knowing what to expect after surgery can help you plan for your recovery and be prepared with techniques that support faster healing. Day of Surgery Depending on the type of surgery and your health, the procedure could take several hours and will likely require general anaesthesia. You should also expect to stay in the hospital for the first few days after surgery, so pack your bag accordingly. Surgery day can be a long one and might require some patience on your part, but it’s the first step to returning to your pre-injury activity level. Recovery tips: Ask your doctor to tell you the plan for the day so you know what to expect. Fill your prescriptions in advance. Pack a bag with enough items to support you for a few days. Possible exercises: Ankle pumps Ankle rotations Day After Surgery Surgery is traumatizing to the body, which is why you may experience some pain the following day. Your doctor will likely prescribe painkillers and any other medications necessary to help you recover. This might include antibiotics to prevent infection or blood thinners to prevent clots after surgery. A physical therapist might perform some passive motion exercises with you to start regaining mobility. Recovery tips: Take deep breaths to clear your lungs after anaesthesia. Communicate with your medical team about how you’re feeling. Be prepared with activities you can do in bed. Possible exercises: Ankle pumps Ankle rotations Bed-supported knee bends Abduction movements 1-2 Days After Surgery Physical therapy includes both passive motion exercises and starting to walk with an assistive device like a walker or crutches. Although you might be feeling some pain, it’s important to keep the muscles in your hip joint strong and flexible during hip surgery recovery. Recovery tips: Follow your physical therapist’s instructions for movement. Don’t overdo it. Learn what you need to know about recovery at home. Possible exercises: Bed-supported knee bends Abduction movements Quadriceps engagement Straight leg raises 1 Week After Surgery It’s important to keep your hip joint mobile as you continue to recover. Movement is critical for maintaining range of motion, so don’t stay in bed the entire time. Your physical therapist should have given you exercises to do at home. hey might also do occasional home visits to check your progress. Recovery tips: Ask friends and family to help with driving and other daily tasks. Apply cold therapy to help reduce hip pain and swelling. Keep your incision clean and dry. Possible exercises: Straight leg raises Standing knee raises Standing hip abduction Standing hip extensions 2 Weeks After Surgery Your incision should be healed by now and your doctor should be able to take your stitches out. You might still have to be careful to not get it wet for a few days, but when it is fully healed you can resume showering as normal. Recovery tips: Try to taper off pain medication as soon as possible. Use cold therapy to dull the sensation of pain without side effects. Continue your physical therapy with stair climbing and more advanced exercises. Possible exercises: Walking Ascending and descending stairs Continued standing exercises 3-6 Weeks After Surgery Many people are substantially recovered after six weeks. Until then, you can expect to feel tired and experience some soreness at the end of the day. Don’t expect to be doing intense athletics at this point, but you can probably do light activities as you ramp back up to your previous activity level. Recovery tips: Take breaks throughout the day. Continue using cold therapy as needed to help reduce pain. Do resistance exercises and light cardio such as walking or stationary cycling. Possible exercises: Resistive hip flexion Resistive hip abduction Resistive hip extensions 10-12 Weeks After Surgery By this time, you should be almost fully recovered and able to do most of the activities you could do before the surgery. If you had a hip replacement, you may even be able to do more because you won’t have the pain that you had before the procedure. Recovery tips: Integrate activity into your lifestyle to maintain strength and range of motion. Learn proper techniques to avoid future sports injuries. Go to the follow-up doctor visits to make sure your recovery is on track. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-recover-after-a-hip-surgery The post How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Hip Surgery? appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Signs & Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury
Like many types of injury, a rotator cuff injury should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If you’ve experienced this injury before, you probably know what to look for; but if you haven’t, we’ll help you recognize the symptoms so you can seek treatment and get on the path to recovery. Symptoms of […] The post Signs & Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Like many types of injury, a rotator cuff injury should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. If you’ve experienced this injury before, you probably know what to look for; but if you haven’t, we’ll help you recognize the symptoms so you can seek treatment and get on the path to recovery. Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury Acute rotator cuff injuries can be identified by sudden severe pain in the shoulder joint, often associated with a tearing sensation, and difficulty moving the arm. While acute injuries do happen, especially with athletes, chronic rotator cuff injuries are more typical. Some of the most common symptoms of a chronic rotator cuff injury include: Difficulty moving the shoulder through its full range of motion A deep, dull ache in the shoulder joint Difficulty sleeping or finding a comfortable position while lying down Weakness in the affected arm The primary risk factor for chronic rotator cuff injuries is repeated motion in the shoulder joint, especially with the arms raised overhead—for example, repeatedly swinging a tennis racquet to serve the ball, or keeping the arm elevated while hammering nails. The risk of injury also increases with age. When to Go to the Doctor If you have suffered an acute shoulder injury, see your doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. If you think you have a chronic rotator cuff injury, see your doctor whenever pain persists for more than a few days or worsens. If you are unable to do activities you normally do, seek medical attention so you can start treatment and recovery. Be aware that some shoulder pain can be related to heart problems. If you have pain that is not associated with difficulty moving the shoulder joint, call your doctor immediately. Treatment Options for a Rotator Cuff Injury In very few cases, a rotator cuff injury can heal on its own with rest, cold therapy, compression, and physical therapy to bring you back to full range of motion. If persistent pain is an issue, you can take over-the-counter medications to help alleviate it. Some doctors also recommend steroid injections into the shoulder to reduce inflammation. A full tear in the rotator cuff tissues might require surgery. Rest If your injury is caused by repetitive motions, temporarily stop doing the activities that cause the pain and contribute to the injury. Allow your body to rest so it can apply more energy to the healing process. You might want to use a sling to help prevent the shoulder from moving, but be careful not to use a sling for too long because it can ultimately lead to stiffness and muscle atrophy. Cold Therapy Apply ice packs or use a cold therapy system to deliver therapeutic cold to the tissues inside the shoulder joint. This may help reduce inflammation (even if you don’t see swelling) and dull the pain you are feeling. Therapeutic cold also aids the healing process by slowing down cellular metabolism so damaged tissues have a better opportunity to repair themselves. Compression Compression helps reduce and prevent swelling. Active compression does this even better by helping to increase the flow of fluids and pumping excess fluid away from the shoulder joint. Active compression also promotes healing by increasing blood flow to damaged tissues. Physical Therapy Maintaining range of motion, increasing strength in the supporting muscles, and improving flexibility may all contribute to a faster injury recovery. A physical therapist can also teach you exercises that may help with future rotator cuff injuries. How to Prevent a Rotator Cuff Injury Preventing an injury in the first place is always the best approach. While you can’t always avoid an unexpected fall or accident,, you can take several steps to help avoid a chronic rotator cuff injury: Use proper form during athletics and daily activities Warm up and stretch before athletic activities Avoid repetitive motions when possible and take breaks as needed Perform daily strengthening and stretching exercises A rotator cuff injury can be very disruptive to your daily lifestyle. Preventing this type of injury is always ideal, but when it does happen, be prepared with a home treatment plan that includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Get started with a physical therapist as soon as you can to make your recovery time as short as possible. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/signs-symptoms-of-a-rotator-cuff-injury The post Signs & Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury appeared first on iHomeRehab.
4 Things NOT to Do When You Have a Sprained Wrist
Whether you get a sprained wrist from playing volleyball or slipping on the ice, the recovery process is the same. While your body is mending, there are things you can do to help speed up the healing process, and there are also activities you should try to avoid. This list of four things to avoid […] The post 4 Things NOT to Do When You Have a Sprained Wrist appeared first on iHomeRehab.
Whether you get a sprained wrist from playing volleyball or slipping on the ice, the recovery process is the same. While your body is mending, there are things you can do to help speed up the healing process, and there are also activities you should try to avoid. This list of four things to avoid doing when you have a sprained wrist is a good starting point, but as with any other type of injury, follow your doctor’s recommendations. 1. Don’t “shake it off.” Athletes, busy parents, and active people of all types are often tempted to “shake it off” or “tough it out,” but this is not a good idea if you want your wrist to heal as quickly as possible. Continuing to use your wrist after it is sprained may prolong your injury and lead to more pain and discomfort. It may be difficult, but the best thing to do is rest and give your body the chance to heal on its own. What you should do instead: Rest your body, especially your wrist, and stop any activity that causes pain. Consider immobilizing your wrist with a brace or splint to prevent movement in the joint. 2. Don’t overmedicate. Many people choose to take over-the-counter medications to help relieve the pain and swelling caused by a sprained wrist. This may generally be a good idea; however, taking too much medication may cause unwanted side effects and potentially be unsafe. Taking too much medication may also dull the pain to the point that your symptoms are masked. This is risky because it allows you to use your wrist when you should be resting it, potentially making the injury worse. As always, discuss your options with your healthcare professional. What you should do instead: Apply ice and elevate your wrist above the level of your heart. Take only the recommended amount of medication. If the pain persists for more than a few days or if your medication isn’t helping, talk to your doctor to ensure you have been properly diagnosed. 3. Don’t underestimate your injury. In most cases, a sprained wrist will heal on its own and you can treat it at home. However, if you choose not to seek a diagnosis from a doctor, it’s important not to underestimate the seriousness of your injury. What feels like a sprained wrist could actually be a bone fracture or a torn ligament, both of which should be treated by a medical professional. Even if it is just a sprain, it’s important to allow it to properly heal before resuming normal activity. If you don’t, you may prolong the discomfort and possibly worsen the injury. What you should do instead: Seek medical advice if your injury hasn’t started healing after a couple of days. 4. Don’t stop worrying about it after it heals. In many cases a sprained wrist is a one-time event, but after you have sustained this type of injury you are at a higher risk for reinjury if you don’t take preventive action, potentially leading to chronic wrist sprains. This is especially true for athletes who do repetitive motions or other activities that strain the wrists. What you should do instead: Perform stretches and strengthening exercises to help prevent future wrist sprains. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the wrist joint may help maintain alignment, and stretching may help prevent overstretching in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. For most people, a sprained wrist is both inconvenient and uncomfortable. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, after sustaining this type of injury may help you heal faster and help prevent future injuries. If you have sprained your wrist, consider renting a cold therapy system for home use. A cold therapy system is more effective than ice packs and more convenient because the system does everything for you by providing consistent therapeutic cold and active compression at the same time. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/4-things-not-to-do-when-you-have-a-sprained-wrist The post 4 Things NOT to Do When You Have a Sprained Wrist appeared first on iHomeRehab.