California Physical Therapy Ebook Continuing Education

Chapter 3: Acute Injury and Pain: A Strategy, Management, and Rehabilitation Discussion for Physical Therapists 3 CC Hours

By: H. L. B. Prasadinie Learning objectives

Š Define pain, discuss the scales used to measure pain and summarize the similarities and differences between acute pain management and chronic pain management. Š Describe four theories regarding pain perception and discuss both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies of pain management. Š Evaluate electrotherapy options, as well as techniques of manipulation and pain relief. Š Discuss alternative therapies and maintenance programs and methods, including Pilates, yoga, acupuncture and reflexology. the alleviation of pain; therefore, it is a good idea to occasionally review the basics of injury, pain and rehabilitation. This course is set up in two sections: The first section is a discus- sion about the management of acute injures. The second section discusses methods and management of pain. Physical therapists, upon completion of this course, will benefit from the information provided. adversely impact health outcomes. Addressing implicit bias in healthcare is crucial for achieving equity in medical treatment. Strategies to combat these biases involve education and aware- ness programs for healthcare professionals. These programs help individuals recognize and acknowledge their biases, fostering a more empathetic and unbiased approach to patient care. Addi- tionally, implementing policies and procedures prioritizing equi- table treatment for all patients can play a pivotal role in reduc- ing healthcare disparities. Ultimately, confronting implicit bias in healthcare is essential to creating a more just and equitable healthcare system where everyone receives fair and equal treat- ment regardless of their background or characteristics. 2. Chronic injuries : Injuries that have passed the expected time of healing, or a recurring injury. This course will focus on acute injuries. 1. Increased temperature : The temperature of the affected area is increased due to active hyperemia (increased blood flow to the area). 2. Erythema : The skin over the affected area will be red due to hyperemia. 3. Pain : When an injury occurs, a certain chemical substance (Substance P) is been produced and released to the particular area of damage. Substance P is responsible for the occurrence of pain. This substance stimulates the free nerve endings to transmit pain to the brain. The pain may also be caused by the compression of the surrounding tissues by the fluid re- leased out of the blood vessels following the injury. The pain depends on the severity/degree of the injury, number of pain receptors on the skin of the affected area, and texture of the tissue (loose tissue or confined space in the tissues).

Š Summarize both the subjective and objective signs of acute injuries, including the five signs of inflammation. Compare and contrast muscle strain, sprains, contusions, fractures, dislocations and subluxation. Š Discuss the primary objectives when managing acute injuries to help further the stages of the soft tissue injury healing process. Š Identify the components of the “SPRICEMMM” and the “HARM” technique and protocol, respectively. Course overview Millions of Americans suffer with pain every year. Pain – both chronic and acute – is quickly becoming an increasingly dire pub- lic health issue that costs employers, patients and insurance com - panies billions of dollars each year. Pain directly affects quality of life and overall well-being of millions of Americans, both young and old. One of the fundamental aspects of practice for the physical thera- pist is to aid in the rehabilitation of injuries in order to promote Implicit bias in healthcare Implicit bias significantly affects how healthcare professionals perceive and make treatment decisions, ultimately resulting in disparities in health outcomes. These biases, often unconscious and unintentional, can shape behavior and produce differences in medical care along various lines, including race, ethnicity, gen- der identity, sexual orientation, age, and socioeconomic status. Healthcare disparities stemming from implicit bias can mani- fest in several ways. For example, a healthcare provider might unconsciously give less attention to a patient or make assump- tions about their medical needs based on race, gender, or age. The unconscious assumptions can lead to delayed or inadequate care, misdiagnoses, or inappropriate treatments, all of which can

ACUTE INJURY MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION TO INJURIES

An injury is an act that harms, damages, or hurts someone[1]. In- juries can be categorized as: 1. Acute injuries : Injuries that happened recently. Acute injuries Acute injuries occur suddenly and are often associated with some kind of physical trauma. They are categorized into three phases according to the timeframe: ● Acute. ● Subacute. ● Postacute phases. An injury is considered acute from the onset of the injury up to 4 days. The time from 5 to 14 days (post injury) is termed subacute ; whereas from 14 days on, it is called postacute [2] . The most common acute injuries are musculoskeletal injuries, especially soft tissue injuries. Examples of these acute muscu- loskeletal injuries include bruises, fractures, muscle strains, liga- ment sprains, joint dislocations, and lacerations. After an injury, the body undergoes several changes during the acute stage. The skin and/or the soft tissues may provoke an inflammatory process. There are five signs of inflammation. They are:

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