Ice
The most basic of all of the physical therapeutic modalities. It is often the first thing we are advised to do. If we sustain a joint or soft tissue injury we are told to apply ice, or some form of cold therapy.
Recent studies have shown that the excessive use of cold therapy, particularly in the early stages of injury management, needs to be done properly. Excessive and aggressive reduction of inflammation, the body’s natural reaction to injury, may delay healing. It is now recognised that an appropriate amount of inflammation is necessary to efficiently promote healing.
A new strategy for acute injury management goes by a more modern acronym “PEACE and LOVE”. This new acronym outlines appropriate initial First Aid, and also promotes important recovery procedures to guide the you toward a successful rehabilitation.
(P) PROTECT
Unload and rest the area for 1 to 3 days. This may require the use of crutches for a leg injury, or a sling for the arm. This will minimise further damage or aggravation to the injury.
(E) ELEVATE
Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart to control swelling.
(A)AVOID EXCESSIVE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY USE
Excessive use of anti-inflammatory medication can delay tissue repair. Consult the advice of your family doctor for the proper use of anti-inflammatory medication.
(C) COMPRESS
Gentle compression with a brace or tensor bandage can control local swelling and prevent further bleeding within the injured tissues.
(E) EDUCATION
Speak with a physiotherapist about your injury and get a personalized guideline for recovery and a Plan of Care. Set goals about recovery times and expectations.
(L) LOAD
An active approach, with movement and exercise, benefits most injuries. Proper loading or of the joint or muscle (exercise) actually promotes healing and stimulates tissue repair.
(O) OPTIMISM
Depression and fear about an injury and recovery can actually result in poorer outcomes and a worse prognosis. Staying positive and realistic is important. Your attitude plays a key part in your recovery.
(V) VASCULARISATION
That’s a fancy word for improved blood supply to the injured area. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients which is essential for best healing. Proper movement and work for the injured area will increase blood flow and assist with healing.
(E) EXERCISE
Proper exercise is key, especially from the beginning of your recovery. The profession of Physiotherapy is committed to excellence in exercise prescription. Restoring mobility and increasing strength will speed up your recovery.
Heat
Another simple remedy that is commonly used at home. The beneficial effects of heat therapy include pain relief and increases in blood circulation, cellular activity, and elasticity/flexibility of connective tissues. Science has shown that heat-wrap therapy provides short-term reductions in pain and disability in patients with acute low back pain and provides significant pain relief of muscle soreness. Heat is relatively safe and can be applied for extended periods as long as the temperature is kept within safe limits.
Electrotherapeutic Modalities
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound is used to deliver a high frequency mechanical vibration to the injured area. Therapeutic ultrasound can also be used by physiotherapists to reduce pain, increase local circulation and increase mobility of soft tissues.
Electrotherapy
While the concept of using electricity on the body may sound painful, most people find the sensation very relaxing. The two main types of electrotherapy used at Newcastle Village Physiotherapy are TENS and IFC
TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This electrical stimulation can directly block transmission of pain signals along nerves. In addition, electrical stimulation has been shown to promote the release of endorphins, the natural painkillers produced by the body.
IFC
Interferential current (IFC) can be considered a deeper form of TENS. Interferential current uses a high frequency (4000 Hz) carrier wave, which penetrates the skin more deeply than a regular TENS unit, but with less user discomfort for the level of stimulation. This results in a TENS-like signal deeper under the skin than a standard TEN unit would allow. IFC is used to treat circulatory disorders, improve range of motion, and reduce swelling and muscle spasms and to promote faster healing.
Benefits of Electrotherapeutic Modalities during Wound Healing
Inflammatory/Acute Phase
A normal acute inflammatory response occurs after the initial injury when white blood cells enter the area to initiate healing. When modalities are applied early, the white blood cells attract a variety of other healing cells (fibroblasts and endothelial cells) to the injured area. Early intervention can result in accelerated healing in the early phase, moving to an earlier entry into the second stage of healing (the proliferative phase) and improving comfort of the patient in this often-painful acute phase.
Proliferative Phase
In this phase, electrotherapeutic energies stimulate cells to produce a protein called collagen, improving tensile strength of the healing connective tissues. There is an accelerated process of wound contraction and repair. Low-intensity electrotherapy within 72 hours following an injury can promote wound contraction which could result in a smaller scar.
Maturation/Remodeling Phase
The response to electrotherapy in this stage is dependent on if therapy was initiated in the acute/inflammatory phase. Application of a stronger doses during this phase improves tensile strength of the healing tissue.
At Newcastle Village Physiotherapy the use of therapeutic modalities is expertly combined with appropriate exercise prescription, and other complimentary therapies we offer, as part of a goal directed personalized Plan of Care designed to meet your individual needs.
You can explore the many skills we can use to help you by further exploring the other information available in this section of the website. You can also contact us at the Newcastle Village Physiotherapy Clinic by telephone or e-mail. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to book an appointment today.
We would welcome the chance to assist you with your physical recovery.