INFORMATION
Muscle, Ligament and Tendon Injuries
Assessment and rehabilitation of muscle, ligament and tendon injuries, whether they occur in sport or in everyday life.
Updated: · General information
How do they occur?
Although muscle, ligament and tendon injuries are common in sport, they also occur in everyday life. Muscle injuries usually follow a sudden movement or overstretching and present with bruising, swelling, pain and restricted movement; they are graded from mild to severe. Ligament injuries can affect joint stability, and tendon injuries can affect movement.
Assessment and treatment options
The treatment plan depends on the type and grade of the injury and on the person’s general health. The options include rest, ice, physiotherapy and, where indicated, surgery. Physiotherapists may use exercises to strengthen the muscles, ligaments and tendons and improve their flexibility, as well as heat and cold applications and electrotherapy.
What matters during recovery?
Specific exercise programmes can be prepared to restore strength, flexibility and balance for a safe return to sport. Injury-prevention exercises are also part of rehabilitation. Establishing the correct diagnosis and having the treatment plan monitored jointly by the physician and the physiotherapist are important for recovery to progress soundly.
