Managing Sports Injuries

Treatment of soft tissue injuries such as muscle strains or joint and ligament sprains can be effected using the X4000. It is important to remember however that for injuries to be properly treated in addition to the relief of pain, certain procedures should be followed in addition to utilising the X4000.

The application of packed ice to the injured body part is very effective in reducing inflammation and is used by professional sports doctors on a regular basis.

The ice pack is applied immediately to prevent swelling and inflammation causing additional damage to body tissue and body parts.

Ice packs should be kept in place over injured tissue for no more than twenty minutes, as prolonged application could result in aggravated skin tissue due to ice burning. It is also important to remember that ice packs should not be applied directly to the skin but used with a damp cloth to cover the injury.

There is no specialist ice pack formulation and the types of material that can be employed vary from frozen gel packs or crushed ice in a plastic bag to a packet of frozen peas.

Ice packs should not be used by anyone who suffers from circulatory problems or high blood pressure and the X4000 should not be used immediately after ice pack application. It is best to wait for one hour before using the X4000 if ice packs are used immediately after the injury is sustained.

An alternative to ice packs is compression therapy which is a relatively simple method for reducing swelling and even bleeding. When applying compression bandages it is critical that the wrapping starts from well below the injury and bandage is applied in an upward direction, overlapping the material as you go. The bandage must never be so tight as to be uncomfortable in any way. The sensation felt by the sufferer should be one of support rather than constriction. Compression should always be applied when it is not practical or possible to elevate the injured body part.

As soon as an injury is suffered, it is important to protect the injured body part from further damage, by avoiding further movement, particularly the activity that caused the injury.

For instance, arm injuries may require a sling and leg injuries may benefit from the sufferer temporarily using a walking stick or crutches to reduce pressure on injured area.

Elevation of the injured area so that it is resting above the level of the heart, immediately following an injury, may help to minimise swelling and reduce pain. The elevation method should be used as long as swelling remains. It is believed that elevation is more effective without compression. Although it may not always be practical or possible to elevate above the level of the heart due to outside influences or other injuries, some elevation is better than no elevation at all.

As with all illnesses and injuries, rest is a critical factor in recovery. In terms of injury, this means not replicating or enacting the movement that caused the injury – not total rest, as exercise of other body parts can enhance recovery rates for injured tissue. Recovery periods will vary greatly from as little as 12 hours up to several weeks, depending on the site of the injury and the severity of tissue damage.

Use of the Painwave X4000 can significantly speed up the recovery period from a sports injury. If you would like to find out more then click here.