Hein Viljoen
Physiotherapy
Orthopaedic injuries are incredibly common and can significantly impact a person's quality of life. From preventing you from performing daily activities to needing to take time off from your favourite sport, these injuries often require a lengthy rehabilitation process to recover fully. Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone who suffered a fall, the road to recovery is crucial for restoring strength, mobility, and function.
Orthopaedic injuries affect the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These injuries are often caused by trauma, repetitive stress, or wear and tear over time.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue connecting two bones in a joint. Sprains occur when the ligament is stretched too far or torn. This injury is common in the ankle, wrist, and knee, often due to sudden twisting or falls. For example, ankle sprains are common in athletes who run or jump, leading to overstretching of the ligaments.
Sprains can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of ligament damage. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Rest and applying ice are the initial treatments for sprains, but physiotherapy is crucial for proper healing.
A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons — the tissues connecting muscles to bones. Strains can happen due to overstretching, sudden movements, or overuse in sport. Hamstring strains, for instance, are often caused by sprinting or abrupt changes in speed.
Mild strains may cause only discomfort, while severe strains involve muscle tears and significant pain. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength and flexibility through targeted exercises to prevent future injuries.
A fracture is a break in the bone, often caused by trauma like falls or accidents. It differs from a stress fracture, which is tiny cracks in the bone. A stress fracture is an overuse injury commonly seen in athletes, especially runners.
Stress fractures usually affect the lower leg (the tibia and fibula) or foot and can cause pain that worsens with activity. Treatment for fractures involves immobilisation with braces or casts. Once healed, physiotherapy helps rebuild strength, regain range of motion, and prevent stiffness.
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon due to overuse. A common example is Achilles tendonitis, which affects the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition is prevalent among runners and people who participate in a sport involving jumping or quick stops and starts.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain and stiffness in the lower leg, particularly after exercise, along with tenderness and swelling in the tendon. Rehabilitation focuses on rest, tendon-strengthening exercises, and stretching to promote healing and reduce further strain.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons stabilising the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are common in individuals who engage in repetitive overhead movements, such as swimmers or tennis players. A tear can be partial or complete, depending on the severity.
Shoulder dislocations happen when the upper arm bone is forced out of its socket, usually from trauma during sport or falls. Physiotherapy for shoulder injuries focuses on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and improving flexibility and stability to prevent future dislocations.
Knee injuries are common in sport that involve quick pivots or jumping, such as rugby and hockey. Two significant knee injuries are Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscus tears.
An ACL tear occurs when the knee is twisted, often during sudden stops or landings. It can result in instability and may require surgery. Meniscus tears involve damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee, usually caused by twisting the knee while bearing weight.
Rehabilitation for knee injuries focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, ensuring stability and a maximum range of motion. Post-surgery rehabilitation, particularly for ACL tears in athletes, is essential for a full recovery.
Rehabilitation at a physiotherapist is vital for regaining full function after orthopaedic injuries. It involves a progressive approach to improve strength, mobility, and stability, ensuring the injured area heals correctly. Here are the key phases of rehabilitation:
While some orthopaedic injuries may heal with rest and self-care, it’s vitally important to seek help from a physiotherapist if you experience:
Orthopaedic injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, tendonitis, and ligament tears can range from mild to severe. Rehabilitation plays an essential role not only in helping you to recover but also in preventing future injuries. Early intervention and a structured rehabilitation plan are key to returning to your active lifestyle.
