Breaking The Mould

Posted 15 October 2017 in Uncategorized

Rehabilitation and physiotherapy clinics are faced with a confronting statistic, with the number one risk factor for future injuries being previous injury. Therefore by the time you walk through that front door of the clinic you are already primed for future injuries, in fact the number 2 and 3 risk factors for future injuries, are movement asymmetry and motor control. This suggests that the traditional model used for recovery after musculoskeletal injuries is not detailed enough and can permanently alter your function if not rehabilitated correctly, as symptoms are usually the only things being treated. How many times have you done it where there’s no pain, so you stop all your rehabilitation exercises and return to normal activities, not being aware of the potential harm it could be having on your body now and in the future.

Here is an example of a common chain reaction seen in active individuals.
– 16 years old suffers a typical ankle injury during soccer, however there is no return to sport/activity screening and comprehensive rehabilitation program. As a result compensatory movement patterns and motor control impairments would be present with normal activities and when returning back to sport.

– Due to altered biomechanics the 21 years old now suffers an ACL tear. Upon recovery no standardized, return to sport screening has been completed, and has started becoming active again without being physically ready. As the body now has certain limitations, a decrease in activity levels due to pain/ restriction and constant reoccurring injures could start occurring, ultimately leading to them quitting sport.

– By 35 years of age the constant knee pain/ restriction can result in early osteoarthritis signs and symptoms, forcing them to stop exercising. Leading to the possible development of lifestyle diseases.

– By 65 years of age there is the need for a knee replacement. After surgery there’s no comprehensive discharge planning or annual musculoskeletal examination, leading to an altered sit to stand pattern. As a consequence there is an increased risk of falling.

– Has a fall by 80 years of age and loses all independence.

There are multiple factors associated with a decline in the individual’s function; sport is now a major concern, as specific movements are being taught repetitively over the expense of other movements. As a consequence these global movement patterns can involve dysfunctional components, increasing the risk of injury and poor performance.

Injuries are a multifactorial process and commonly arise due to multiple issues, so why aren’t we measuring and treating these factors accordingly. In our emergency departments, operating theatres, paramedics they all have a standardised operating procedures to give patients the most accurate and finest care available. This baseline enables clinicians to provide patients with a clearer understanding about their diagnosis, treatment plan and progressions. Here at Movewell Physiotherapy where changing the face of rehabilitation, by measuring and giving a objective rehabilitation schedule, giving you a chance of breaking the continuum model and allowing for a successful now and in the future.