Injury Management: Where Does Massage Fit?
Injuries to soft tissue essentially means muscles, tendons and ligaments. One of the biggest risk factors in getting an injury is, having a previous injury and returning too soon and/or, setting intensity/load too high. Other biggest risk factor is beginning a new activity without taking all necessary preventative precautions. Preventative measures can include but not limited to: Adequate warm up and cool down Appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises Gradual increases of intensity and load Adequate diet (lots of water and rehydration) Recovery time (days off training, massage, hydro, stretching, cross-training) Image by: Mindbody Health US http://mindbodyhealth.us/ Typical types of injury: Acute Often hard to prevent, these injuries include sprains, strains and bruises.
Usually associated with high impact sports such as Rugby. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is most widely used in these scenarios but new research will likely change the management of acute injuries in the future. Referral for scans for anything more serious. Overuse Repetitive friction, pulling, twisting or compression that develops over time.
Usually associated with endurance activities such as running, cycling but also other repetitive movement activities such as tennis, golf etc. RICE protocol again (For now), especially if long term overuse. The role of massage in any programme is ideally for preventative measures, to aid with recovery from heavy training loads and help bring awareness to any imbalances or red flags, before they become an injury.
Massage is also used in the rehab of injury to help speed up recovery times and ensure recovery/rehab is on track. It is often used in conjunction with other modalities such as Physio, to facilitate this process. Whilst massage should not be used in the early stages of acute and some overuse injuries, it can certainly play a role in treating the non-affected side, which will almost certainly take on extra load, to help protect the injured side.
Massage sits alongside strength, movement and education. It is not a substitute for any of them.
Written By, Matt Parry (Expert Remedial Therapist & Greenslopes Practice Manager) Tags: damage injury injury management ligaments muscles prevention soft tissue sports injury tendons
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I not get a massage after an injury?
Avoid direct treatment over a fresh acute injury with significant swelling, bruising or suspected fracture, and seek medical assessment first. Also hold off if you have an infection, a fever, or an open wound in the area. If you are unsure, call the clinic and we will tell you honestly whether to come in or see a doctor first.
How soon after an injury can I be treated?
It depends entirely on the injury. Work away from the site to manage compensating muscles can often start early. Direct treatment usually waits until the acute stage has settled. Your therapist will assess and tell you where you are.
Do you work with physiotherapists and doctors?
Yes. We refer on when something sits outside our scope, and we are happy to work alongside your GP, physiotherapist, specialist or coach. Bring any diagnosis or imaging with you, because it genuinely changes how we treat.
Will massage speed up healing?
Tissue heals on its own timeline and no treatment overrides that. What treatment can do is manage the protective tension that builds up around an injury, help you keep moving, and reduce the compensations that often turn one problem into two.
Should I keep training with an injury?
Often you can keep training in a modified way, which is usually better than stopping entirely. The answer depends on the injury and the sport, so get it assessed rather than guessing.