Basic Athletic Training Chapter 3 Injuries and the Healing Process

Chapter Objectives Describe the inflammation process in the healing of athletic injuries Compare obtained values of vital signs to the standard values for a normal patient Debate the treatment rationale of ice versus heat application Distinguish between acute and chronic injury management Explain the principles of physical rehabilitation and range of motion

The Inflammation Process Inflammation (swelling) after an injury is essential for complete healing of injured anatomical structure. Body sends specialized cells to injured area in an attempt to limit damage and to begin healing. Five signs of inflammation Pain Swelling Redness Heat Loss of function

The Inflammation Process Three Phases of the Healing Process Inflammation—post acute injury Tissue repair—after swelling subsides, scar tissue develops, which takes two to three weeks Regeneration—replace all damaged tissue with new and healthy tissue

Vital Signs Vital signs monitor life such as heart rate and breathing rate Pulse—heart rate Normal adult—60-80 beats/minute Child—80-100 beats/minute Respiration—breathing rate Normal adult—12-20 breaths/minute Child—20-25 breaths/minute

Vital Signs Temperature—Indication of acute or chronic illness Oral–98.6 degrees Rectal–99.6 degrees Axillary–97.6 degrees Skin Color—Indication of acute or chronic illness Red–heat stroke, diabetic coma, or high blood pressure White (pale)–insufficient circulation, heat stroke, or shock Non-white athlete–examine inner lip, gum area, and fingernail beds

Vital Signs Pupils—traumatic situations, drug use, and head injury can cause pupils to change size Constricted–central nervous system or depressant drug use Dilated pupils–one or both, head injury, heat stroke, hemorrhage, or stimulant drug use Unequal–failure to accommodate to light could indicate brain injury, drug poisoning, or alcohol intake

Vital Signs State of Consciousness Movement—Four basic patterns Alert Verbal Responds to pain Unresponsive Movement—Four basic patterns Active–athlete provides movement Passive–ATC moves body part Assistive–ATC assists movement Resistive–ATC provides resistance to oppose movement

Vital Signs Abnormal Nerve Stimulation—Always check motor (movement) and sensory (feeling) Blood Pressure—When heart contracts, systolic pressure is determined. As the heart relaxes, diastolic pressure can be determined

Treatment Rationale: Ice vs. Heat Selection of ice or heat following injury is critical. Ice is used 48 to 72 hours following most injuries. Application of ice Reduces swelling and inflammation Reduced blood flow to injury site Reduced pain at the injury site Ice bags Chemical ice packs Ice massage

Ice Treatment Cold whirlpool Cold water immersion Cold spray Cold packs

Application of HEAT Heat should not be used in the first 48 to 72 hours unless advised by a physician or certified athletic trainer. Hot packs Hot whirlpool Contrast baths Hot water and cold water immersion

Additional Therapeutic Techniques Exercise Increases circulation, strength, and range of motion Therapeutic Modalities Various electrical modalities are used to decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasm. Ultrasound Electrical stimulating currents Ultraviolet therapy Low-post lasers

Additional Therapeutic Techniques Massage Counterirritants Substances applied to the skin that cause a reaction Joint mobilization

Acute vs. Chronic Injury Management Acute Injuries (quick onset, short duration) Response to an acute injury should include basic treatment of PRICES Protection–remove athlete from participation Rest–depends on severity of injury but could last 24 hours or longer Ice–Apply cold to the area to help control bleeding and swelling Compression–Use a compression wrap to control swelling. Applied too tight could interfere with circulation and nerve function Elevation–Keep injured body part elevated above the heart Support–If needed place athlete on crutches or in a sling

Acute vs. Chronic Injury Management Chronic (of longer duration, repeating) Characterized by continued use of PRICES Exercise Therapeutic modalities Heat Contrast bath treatment

Physical Rehabilitation Five Phases of Physical Rehabilitation Post-surgical/acute injury Early exercise Intermediate exercise Advanced exercise Initial sports re-entry Basic Components of Physical Rehabilitation Therapeutic exercise Therapeutic modalities Athlete education

Range of Motion (ROM) Range of Motion—normal movement of a joint Assessing ROM is critical in evaluating injuries Athletic trainer needs experience in using a goniometer

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