Sports Injuries
Physical therapy is a treatment for a sports injury.
Responding to sports injuries is the same as responding to other injuries. You must look at what caused the injury and what the symptoms are, then you need to decide who to contact for help and what care you can give.
What are the first steps to take when you approach a person injured in a sports activity?- Check the scene to make sure it is safe.
- Check the victim to find out if the injury is life threatening.
- Call for help—find a coach or other adult.
- Assist the victim according to your training and certification.
Many sports injuries involve joint, muscle, and bone accidents. You have already learned how to treat fractures, so here we will look at muscle cramps and strains and sprains.
Muscle Cramps
A cramp is a sudden and painful tightening of a muscle. Things to do:
- Get help from a coach or adult.
- Stretch out the muscle to counteract the cramp.
- Massage the cramped muscle.
- Apply moist heat to the muscle.
Strains and Sprains
What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?A strain is an injury to a muscle resulting from overuse, and a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Both injuries result in swelling and pain.
To treat strains and sprains, remember R.I.C.E.
- Rest: Avoid moving the injury. Help the victim find a comfortable position.
- Ice: Ice reduces pain and swelling. Ice the injury for 20 minutes, then rest 20 minutes, then re-apply ice for 20 more minutes. Repeat this every 3 hours until symptoms disappear.
- Compression: Putting light pressure on the injury can reduce swelling. Use an ACE® bandage or light wrap.
- Elevation: Raise the injury above the level of the heart, which helps reduce pain and swelling.
