Blog Layout

The Power of Early Exercise Intervention in Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries

Aug 09, 2023

As allied health professionals, our primary goal is to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients recovering from musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. Traditional approaches to rehabilitation have often emphasized rest and immobilization during the initial stages of recovery. However, emerging research suggests that early exercise intervention can play a pivotal role in enhancing recovery and restoring function. In this blog, we will explore the significant benefits of early exercise intervention in acute musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries, shedding light on the advantages it offers to patients' overall rehabilitation process.

 

1. Accelerated Healing and Tissue Remodelling.

 

One of the most compelling reasons for incorporating early exercise intervention is its ability to promote accelerated healing and tissue remodelling. Controlled, gentle movements can enhance blood flow to the injured area, facilitating the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to support tissue repair. A study by Ferreira-Valente et al. (2018) reported that early exercise following musculoskeletal injuries promotes angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, essential for tissue healing and remodelling.

 

2. Preservation of Muscular Strength and Joint Function.

 

During the early stages of recovery, patients often experience muscle atrophy due to disuse. Early exercise intervention can counteract this muscle loss, preserving and even enhancing muscular strength. A systematic review by Hultman et al. (2019) highlighted that early mobilization and targeted strengthening exercises positively influence muscle preservation during post-surgical rehabilitation.

 

3. Pain Management and Neurological Adaptations

 

Pain is a common challenge in musculoskeletal injuries and surgeries. Contrary to conventional wisdom, early exercise intervention can be a powerful tool for pain management. Low-impact exercises and movements can activate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, such as the release of endorphins. A study by Smith et al. (2017) demonstrated that early exercise interventions positively influence pain thresholds and reduce pain perception.

 

4. Psychological Benefits and Patient Empowerment

 

Injuries and surgeries can be emotionally challenging for patients, leading to anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Early exercise intervention allows patients to actively participate in their recovery process, promoting a sense of empowerment and control over their healing journey. A meta-analysis by Turner et al. (2020) found that early exercise interventions in orthopaedic rehabilitation improve patient motivation, confidence, and overall psychological well-being.

 

 

5. Reduction in Rehabilitation Duration and Healthcare Costs

 

By kickstarting rehabilitation early on, the overall duration of the recovery process can be significantly reduced. Early exercise intervention can expedite functional recovery, allowing patients to return to their daily activities and work sooner. A study by Aamot et al. (2019) reported that early exercise interventions in post-surgical rehabilitation led to shorter recovery periods and reduced healthcare costs.

 

The benefits of early exercise intervention in acute musculoskeletal injuries are evident, making it an essential component of modern rehabilitation protocols. By incorporating appropriate exercises at the right time, we can promote accelerated healing, preserve joint function, manage pain, and empower patients on their road to recovery. Embracing this evidence-based approach and collaborating to optimize patient outcomes will improve the overall quality of care in our field.

 

References:

 

- Ferreira-Valente, M. A., Pais-Ribeiro, J. L., & Jensen, M. P. (2018). Physical therapy and exercise in pain management. Pain Reports, 3(5), e674.

- Hultman, J., Sääf, M., & Halvorsen, K. (2019). Early active mobilization after flexor tendon repair in zone II. JBJS Reviews, 7(2), e4.

- Smith, L., Louw, Q. A., Crous, L. C., & Grimmer-Somers, K. (2017). Preoperative exercise halves the postoperative complication rate in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review of the effect of exercise on complications, length of stay, and quality of life in patients with cancer. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(10), 792-797.

- Turner, R. R., Beckenkamp, P. R., Griffiths, L. R., & Hughes, D. L. (2020). Psychological aspects of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 15(1), 22.

- Aamot, I. L., Forbord, S. H., Gustavsen, M. T., Nordvik, H., Stensvold, D., Ugelstad, I., ... & Dalen, H. (2019). Home‐based versus hospital‐based high‐intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized study. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 26(2_suppl), 17-25.

We live in a 3D world, it's time to start training that way!

By Alison Absolute Balance • 24 Apr, 2024
The human body is designed to move in a three-dimensional plane divided into the following segments: Sagittal Plane: Cuts the body into left and right halves. Forward and backward movements. Frontal Plane: Cuts the body into front and back halves. Side to side movements. Transverse Plane: Cuts the body into top and bottom halves. Twisting/rotational movements. Too often we get caught training mostly in a sagittal plane, think running, squats, bicep curls etc. While these are all good exercises, in day-to-day life we don’t only move along a sagittal plane. What happens when you need to quickly get out of the way of the e-scooter flying towards you on the foot path or make a quick sidestep to avoid a pothole – these movements are along the frontal plane. While movements such as turning to check your blind spot while driving or turning to talk to the person next to us are in the transverse plane. When it comes to injury prevention and movement efficiency it is important to incorporate exercises from all planes of movement into training programs. Sagittal If a line ran down the middle of the body splitting it from left to right, movements parallel to this line are within the sagittal plane of movement. The sagittal plane is the most common plane of movement and is trained overwhelming more than the frontal and transverse planes of movement. Movements/exercises considered to be in the sagittal plane include running, squats, deadlifts and bicep curls. Now while all these exercises are good, with the way our lives having evolved into many desk sitting roles, driving from place to place etc, to then go to the gym and focus heavily on movements that are predominantly up – down, and forwards – backwards we can end up reinforcing these pathways and becoming somewhat robotic, heavily limiting our natural movements. Frontal If a line ran down the middle of the body splitting it into front and back, movements parallel to this line would be within the frontal plane of movement – essentially any movement that involves moving away from or towards the midline. Often neglected in strength programs, frontal plane exercises include Cossack squats, lateral lunges, and side raises. Transverse If a line split the body in half separating it into top and bottom with the pelvis being the point of division, any movement parallel to this line would be considered to be in the transverse plane of movement. Movement along/through a transverse plane is generally more rotational such as a Russian twist or trunk twist. By focussing largely on sagittal plane movements, we are risking developing muscle imbalances, limited mobility and uncoordinated movements in the neglected planes. Our body is designed to move on a 3-dimensional plane so make sure to train in a way that will allow it to move the way it’s supposed to. Katie McGrath Injury Prevention Specialist Injury Prevention Services

Stretching and mobility benefits

18 Apr, 2024
Stretching and mobility exercises are indispensable components of both injury prevention and recovery strategies. Incorporating dynamic stretches before physical activity can help prepare the body for movement by increasing blood flow to muscles and enhancing joint flexibility. This dynamic warm-up routine primes the muscles and connective tissues, reducing the risk of injury during subsequent activity. Furthermore, static stretches, performed after physical activity, helps alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility, thereby minimizing the likelihood of strains and tears. In the realm of injury recovery, stretching and mobility exercises play a crucial role in rehabilitation protocols for individuals recuperating from various musculoskeletal injuries. Following an injury, muscles can become tight and weakened due to disuse or trauma. Gentle stretching exercises aid in maintaining or restoring flexibility, preventing muscle atrophy and contractures. Additionally, targeted mobility exercises assist in restoring range of motion and functional movement patterns, allowing individuals to gradually regain strength and flexibility while reducing the risk of re-injury. Moreover, stretching and mobility exercises promote tissue healing by improving circulation to the injured area. Increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues, facilitating the repair process and reducing inflammation. By incorporating a comprehensive stretching and mobility routine into their regimen, individuals not only safeguard themselves against future injuries but also expedite their recovery journey, enabling them to return to their activities with greater resilience and confidence. Mariah Adolphus Workers Compensation Specialist (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA

Meet a Team Leader at AB

05 Apr, 2024
Hey, my name is Blake, and I am an Exercise Physiologist, Workers Compensation Specialist and Clinical Team Leader at Absolute Balance. I graduated from Edith Cowan University in 2015 after completed my Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science and Rehabilitation). I grew up on a farm Northeast of Perth past Gingin with my parents and two brothers, both of which are back working on the farm, which has been in our family for generations. My love for sport and interest in the human body initially prompted me to complete my Bachelors in Exercise and Sports Science, and my initial thoughts on a career were either Physiotherapy or Phys Ed Teacher. However, this quickly changed when I commenced my first Exercise Physiology unit in my Sports Science degree as it opened my eyes to exercise rehabilitation, and how important it was to individuals with injuries. Having experienced multiple injuries personally playing football (AFL), basketball and tennis, I can fully empathise with how much injuries can impact your life. Being an EP and being in a role where I can make a positive and meaningful impact on individual’s lives who have sustained an injury is extremely important to me. This doesn’t only extend to the patients I see, but also the team members I lead within Absolute Balance. I guide a team of five in the Northeast region at Absolute Balance, assisting them with their own patients and leading them to grow as Exercise Physiologists and individuals. Although it has its challenges, leadership is extremely rewarding and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. Whilst I am not at work, I am spending my time at the gym, at football training and games during February-September (or in the car travelling to and from comes with the gig of country football), spending time with my wife and our dog Otis. I spend the other half of my weekend manicuring my lawn and watching good shows and sports. Blake Cocking Workers Compensation Specialist ‑ Team Leader North East (AEP, ESSAM) Exercise Rehabilitation Services ‑ WA
More Posts
Share by: