Soft-Tissue Injuries

Soft-Tissue Injuries

What are soft-tissue injuries?

What exactly are soft tissue injuries? “Soft tissue” is an expression commonly used to refer to the “softer” aspects of the outer body, not including bones and joints. Muscles, tendons, and fascia are examples. Soft tissue injuries are commonplace and range from minor to very serious, depending on the nature of the injury.

Many activities can lead to soft-tissue damage of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The result can be pain, swelling, bruising, and damage. Soft-tissue injuries are classified as the following:

• contusions (bruises)
• sprains
• strains

Athletes and non-athletes share many similar soft-tissue injuries.

What is a contusion?

A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft tissue often produced by a blunt force such as a kick, fall, or blow. The result will be pain, swelling, and discoloration. Treatment for contusions includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). More serious contusions may need to be examined by a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist

What is a sprain?

A sprain is an injury to a ligament and is often caused by a wrench or twist. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists. The treatment for a sprain includes Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.). If the ligament is torn, surgical repair may be necessary.

What is a strain?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force, or stretching. The treatment for a strain is Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E). If a tear in the muscle occurs, surgical repair may be necessary. View our Cold Laser Therapy has a five star rating in the acceleration and healing of soft tissue injuries.

Muscles

Muscles are the tissues that enable us to move and stay warm. Muscles are arranged in pairs to enable pulling and pushing types of movement. Whenever one muscle in the pair contracts the other is relaxed, and vice versa. This is the basic premise of movement throughout the body. Millions of muscle cells (also known as fibres) operate together to form muscles. The health of the muscles depends on the quality of nourishment they receive. Well-nourished muscle cells are less likely to develop spasms or cramps that lead to pain.

If you’ve sustained muscle injuries, it is important to be aware of the tendency many people have to adjust posture into a position that alleviates the pain, but which may weaken the structure and create muscular stress.

Tendons

Tendons connect muscles to the bones they move. Injuries to tendons involve either a tear of some of the fibres or a complete rupture, where the tendon is torn in two. Because tendons require less blood supply than muscles to function, they take more time to heal. If a tendon tears near the surface of the body, bleeding from it may produce bruising. Chronically weakened tendons can occur anywhere, but especially around joints such as the shoulder, knee, elbow, etc.

Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which are tough bands of tissue that attach muscle to bone. Because tendons are not elastic, they’re more susceptible than muscles to inflammation, even from overuse. The most common areas affected are the hips, knees, shoulders, heels, and elbows.

Activities that require a different range of motion than your usual activities are beneficial to increase the resilience of tendons.

Fascia

The tissue that links all the components of the body together is known as “fascia.” It carries nerves, blood, and lymphatic vessels through it. Fascia also helps to distribute the weight of the body during movement.

Nerves

Nerves carry information from the brain to the body and vice versa. They allow you to move because the brain can co-ordinate all movements based on signals from the nerves. Nerves also send the brain information about the muscles and joints. Nerves transmit pain signals so the brain knows there is something wrong in the body and can co-ordinate a healing response.

Inflammation

When soft tissues are injured they usually become inflamed so it is critical to understand healthy ways to deal with inflammation.

Inflammation is a common symptom of many injuries. Any disorder that ends in “-itis” means there is inflammation involved, for example, bursitis, arthritis, etc. Inflammation is the body’s healthy response to infection, tissue damage or both. By sending increased amounts of white blood cells to the injured area, the body is better able to repair any damage. Without the inflammation process, injuries would not heal. Most holistic health practitioners feel that taking anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical drugs in fact masks and hence lessens the chances of proper healing.

Martha Moore, A.H.G., describes numerous causes of inflammation in her book, Beyond Cortisone, including:

· physical damage (trauma, wounds, burns, sunburns and radiation);

· chemical substances (including some pharmaceutical drugs);

· microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and parasites);

· ischemia or death of tissues from lack of oxygen;

· foreign particles; and

· all types of immune system reactions including autoimmune conditions and hypersensitivity reactions, e.g., arthritic conditions.

Depending on the nature of the injury, a person who has sustained any or all of the preceding conditions may be experiencing inflammation.

Your Inflammatory Response

The March/April 1994 edition of the online nutrition journal, Nutri-Notes described the “inflammatory response” as the body’s internal defence mechanism against injury. It is the body’s effort to protect itself by neutralizing and destroying toxins at the site of an injury so that any infection cannot spread to other tissues. The following occurs as part of an “inflammatory response:”

1. Blood vessels dilate, increasing in size and becoming more permeable so that substances normally contained in the blood can travel out into tissues, enabling greater blood flow to the site of an injury. The larger volume of blood at the injured site allows the body to remove toxins and dead cells.

Increased permeability allows the white blood cells and clot-forming substances to enter the damaged area. This occurs because the body has released chemicals such as histamine, kinins, and prostaglandins. The increased blood circulation and permeability of small blood vessels (known as capillaries) produces heat, redness, and swelling within minutes of an injury. Pain is the result of damage to nerves, toxin irritation, and/or pressure from the swelling. Prostaglandins worsen and lengthen the pain attributed to inflammation.

2.Kinins also affect nerve endings and contribute to pain.

3.Bacteria-eating cells known as phagocytes migrate to the area to help ward off infection after the inflammation process has begun. The different types of white blood cells squeeze through the capillaries to reach injured tissues, and another type of immune system cell called neutrophils (storage centres for proteolytic enzymes, which I’ll discuss later) clear away any toxic debris.

4. Nutrients that the body has stored are released to be used in the area of the injury. They support the defensive immune system cells and injured cells.

While inflammation is the body’s means of dealing with injury to soft tissues, if it remains unchecked for lengthy periods of time, then it can cause serious harm to the body. However, even for short durations, inflammation can cause mobility problems and be linked with pain that is difficult to deal with. View our Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy Section under pain relief cold or low level laser therapy has a five star rating for inflammation and soft tissue injuries.

Pharmaceutical vs. Natural Approaches to Inflammation

There are more than 200 potential anti-inflammatory drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids in the form of cortisone injections, creams, etc.), to gold salts, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. However, many people find a natural means is best to control inflammation since this approach also promotes healing and does not involve side effects. As well, natural remedies do not interfere with the body’s innate ability to heal and repair injured areas.

NSAIDs

NSAIDs include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and others. Some of the side effects of these medications include: stomach bleeding and ulcers, gastrointestinal distress (heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea), headaches, dizziness and/or tinnitus, which is a continuous buzzing or ringing in the ears with no obvious cause. It is one of the most common hearing disorders in adults. Over longer periods of time NSAIDs can cause kidney and liver damage.

These medications also appear to accelerate the development of osteoarthritis  and increase the rate of joint destruction.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are powerful drugs with powerful side effects. They deplete your body’s immune system response, thereby making you more prone to infections of all kinds. In addition, they’re harmful to the adrenal glands (the stress glands), and can cause depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts, blurred vision, severe muscular weakness, ulcers, thinning of the skin, and osteoporosis.

More Strikes Against OTC/Prescription Pain Killers

According to Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of Pain-Free in 6 Weeks, “side effects from OTC and prescription drugs are the third highest cause of death in the U.S. When one considers how many of these drugs are in the category of “analgesics” (pain medications), which include the non-narcotic drugs such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or narcotic drugs, such as opioids and opiates, this is significant.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications also deplete your body of much-needed vitamins and minerals required for all your body’s basic functions. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Tylenol, and the countless others on the market deplete your body of Vitamin C, folic acid (Vitamin B-9), iron, and zinc. These nutrients are needed to keep your immune system strong, heal tissues, maintain cellular integrity, build healthy blood, heal wounds, and nourish skin and hair.

Besides that, OTC and prescription pain medications do not eliminate the underlying causes of the symptoms people take them for; instead, they merely mask them. While that pill may help alleviate a symptom in the short term, in the long term, the medications may be creating other problems. The liver and kidneys must filter every synthetic chemical that enters your body including medications. Repeated use of these medications can weaken these organs and the body’s ability to detoxify. Plus, the cause of the original problem that was covered up by medications may rear its ugly head somewhere down the road in a much nastier form.

Before you stop using any drug, it is important to see your doctor. Sudden discontinuation of some prescription medications can cause severe health problems.

And if you’re taking any OTC or prescription pain medication, you must consider that they may interrupt the delicate workings of the body and deplete vitamins and minerals that the body requires for proper healing.

Alternatives to NSAIDs

The best-known pain-reliever is aspirin. Aspirin’s active ingredient is salicin, which converts to salicylic acid in the stomach. Chemists first synthesized salicylic acid in the nineteenth century. The drug was given its name, which reflected its herbal heritage. The herb, meadowsweet, was called “spirea” at the time. Meadowsweet, along with willow bark, contains a natural version of salicylic acid. Herbalists recommend meadowsweet or willow bark for many of the same symptoms for which doctors suggest aspirin. One benefit is that there are fewer side effects with herbs.

Substantial research shows that herbs like ginger, turmeric, boswellia gum, cayenne, guggul gum, and proteolytic enzymes can be as effective as or more effective than aspirin when used appropriately and in appropriate herbs. Also, recent findings in nutritional therapy, suggest that compounds in some foods are more powerful than aspirin at alleviating pain and inflammation.Cold Laser Therapy  has a five star rating for inflammation and soft tissue injuries.

When it comes to muscle, tendon, fascia, or other soft tissue injuries, you don’t need to suffer. And there are many natural options,  including Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy, to OTC and prescription painkillers.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used are certified as Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT).  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy is a treatment where by a cold laser is utilized to treat chronic and acute pain. Cold or low level laser therapy may be used for patients suffering from back and neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, bursitis, neuropathy, Achilles tendonitis, migraine headaches, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel syndrome and other associated pains. Cold or low level laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions. By increasing serotonin levels, cold or low level laser therapy contributes to the body’s own healing process. Non-thermal and non-invasive, cold laser therapy involves a combination of cold laser and electric stimulation and is one of the most effective healing therapies. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, cold or low level laser therapy can significantly reduce treatment and healing time including costs.

Cold or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Research.

Neck pain is a pain in the neck. It is common, often persistent, and responds poorly to medication. So it is encouraging to read that a relatively novel, non-invasive treatment shows evidence of effectiveness. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)’ yielded 820 patients, for whom data was pooled. LLLT was found to reduce pain immediately after treatment in acute neck pain and up to 22 weeks after completion of treatment in patients with chronic neck pain. Low-level laser – or cold laser – is yet to be established as a medical treatment but, according to Wikipedia, papers are appearing at the rate of around 25 per month, mainly investigating treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

1. Chow RT, Johnson Ml, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.

Cold or Low Level laser Laser Therapy

Cold or Low Level  Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Athletic and sports Injuries, Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas

Lower leg (calf pain) inflammation, Shin splints, Hamstring, Achilles tendonitis, Bursitis, Plantar fasciitis conditions and disorders

Ankle sprains, pain injury, and fractures, inflammation conditions and disorders

Heel and foot pain injury, pain, Bursitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar fasciitis, conditions and disorders

Knee pain, injuries, tears, ligament, Tendon injury, ruptures, Runners Knee, inflammation, Bursitis, conditions and disorders

Shoulder injury, pain, Shoulder tears, fractures inflammation, Tenosynovitis ,Tendonitis, Bursitis, conditions such as frozen shoulder, and disorders

Neck injury, Neck Pain, Neck sprain, Whiplash injury(WAD).

Back Injury, Lower back pain, Sciatica, “Slipped disc” Prolapsed disc, Herniated / Bulging discs, Trapped nerve and inflammation.

Elbow, Wrist and Hand injury, Tendonitis, inflammation, fractures, conditions and disorders, such as Tennis Elbow,Golfers Elbow; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,

Hip injury and pain, Sacroiliac Joint inflammation, groin and thigh strain (pull), sports hernia, Hip Bursitis/Tendonitis, Trochanteric Bursitis, conditions and disorders

Muscle sprain and spasms, Cramps, Joint Pain and stiff Joints.

Pain Relief including Arthritic pain relief.

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns, Skin infections

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Safety

Low level laser therapy is not harmful. Lasers used for tissue stimulation have insufficient strength to damage cells. 30 years of clinical studies and clinical use have shown no adverse effects whatsoever.

The Advantages of Low Intensity Laser Therapy

• Non-invasive
• Non-toxic
• Easily applied
• Highly effective
• Cure rate > 95%
• No known negative side effects

Mechanism of Action

Therapeutic lasers work by supplying energy to the body in the form of photons of light. The tissues and cells then absorb this energy, where it is used to accelerate the normal rate of tissue healing.

Therapeutic Benefits of Laser Therapy:

• Anti-inflammatory Action: Laser light reduces swelling, leading to decreased pain, less stiffness, and a faster return to normal joint and muscle function.
• Rapid Cell Growth: Laser light accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
• Faster Wound Healing: Laser light stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis in damaged tissue.
• Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation: Laser light reduces formation of scar tissue, leading to more complete healing, with less chance of weakness and re-injury later.
• Increased Vascular Activity: Laser light increases blood flow to the injured area.
• Stimulated Nerve Function: Laser light speeds nerve cell processes which may decrease pain and numbness associated with nerve-related conditions.

Frequency of Treatments

While some patients get immediate results, others require 6-10 treatments before seeing a lasting effect. Less severe or acute injuries will require fewer treatments than chronic or severe conditions.

Chiropractic In Sport

In modern sport, increasing levels of intensity have brought extra physical demands from athletes. This has also unfortunately led to an increase in injuries. Fast moving, high contact and tactical positioning based competition has led to an increased pressure on backs and musculo-skeletal systems. Injuries can come in a variety of types. Some can be played through, others lead to time on the sidelines and even worse still, there are occasions when injuries fail to respond to traditional treatment. However, in recent years we have seen the emergence of chiropractic treatment geared towards the needs of an athlete.

The treatment has always stressed the importance of maintaining prper functiony in all areas of body which in turn promotes fast and natural healing from injuries, thus making the treatment nearly ideal for athletic training. Based on the founding principal of human body as a fully integrated being, chiropractic treatment places its focus on spinal, muscular, tendon, ligament, nerve and joint related care. Professionals from a variety of sports both international and domestic now deploy chiropractic therapy and a primary source of treatment with some of the attending specialists at the Olympic Games falling into the category of “Doctors”or Chiropractors.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic addresses the function of central nervous system which is the “master system” of the body controlling ad regulating function of all other subsystems including musculoskeletal system. Properly aligned skeletal system would improve performance, reduce the risk of injury and improve healing of existing injuries.

Chiropractors specialize in the non-drug treatment of musculoskeletal problems, including joint sprains and disc injuries. To some extent, the chiropractic approach to sports injuries is similar to that of traditional medical care.

Usually chiropractor’s initial examination would include standard orthopaedic and neurological tests to diagnose whether a particular pain is due to a strain, sprain, or disc problem. X-ray examination is also performed to screen for fractures and other bone disorders, such as osteoporosis.

Chiropractic management of sports injuries often includes widely used physical therapies such as ice, Cold laser therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation, or electronic muscle stimulation for muscle strains and spasms.

Importance of Restoring Structural Body Balance.

Chiropractic management of sport injuries has an emphasis on adjustment and improving function of spinal and other joints through manipulation as well as restoring overall structural balance of the body. Chiropractor assess the effect of the muscle injury on the rest of the body as it would cause tightening of other muscle and joints in order to maintain general balance. Chiropractic adjustments help to restore the natural balance that was present before the injury.

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