3 Elements of Successful Injury Rehabilitation

Whether they happen on the job, on the playing field or around the house, musculoskeletal injuries require careful and accurate diagnosis, assessment and treatment before they can be fully rehabilitated.

From initial medical assessments by a professional in the appropriate discipline, through the specific treatments and ongoing therapeutic exercise program(s), full injury rehabilitation can only come from a combined care approach.

1. Complete Diagnosis & Assessment – In addition to initial medical assessments of an injury, often done by a physician, further analysis and assessment is required before a proper treatment program can be designed and delivered.

Depending on what area of the body is affected, an injury may affect the proper function of other areas of the body. Conversely, the function of other areas of the body may affect the injury. An analysis of your posture, gait and/or balance are among the further assessments that you might need before proper rehabilitation can begin.

2. A Progression of Treatment – Your injury goes through different stages, from the initial swelling and difficulty in movement, to therapeutic exercises that restore strength and function. Each stage requires treatment by professionals in different disciplines.

Beginning with a doctor’s full diagnosis of the injury, through massage therapy and acupuncture, which can help reduce swelling and pain, to physiotherapy and chiropractic care to regain full function and strength, a progressive treatment program is needed for complete rehabilitation.

3. Avoid the Rush – The only problem with thorough assessments and the right treatment progression is that successful results can make you feel “ready-to-go” before you’re actually ready. That false sense of recuperation can lead to two problems. First, it can cause you to not put in the effort needed to fully complete your treatment program. Second, it increase your chances of re-injury.

In any case, rushing to return your life to normal without completing your treatment regimen, or taking part in activities before you are ready, can lead to longer rehabilitation times, chronic pain and the potential for the injury to have a long-lasting or permanent effect on your body and life.

If you’ve been injured at home, at play or on the job, our complete-care team of health professionals are ready to put you on the right path to full rehabilitation. Please call Healthmax Physiotherapy at 416-431-4000 or Contact Us to find a location near you in Toronto and the GTA. Your initial consultation with a doctor or therapist is always free of charge.