What are acute sports injuries?

Acute sports injuries usually affect soft tissues (such as ligaments, muscles, tendons, skin). They can cause pain, edema (swelling) and difficulty in carrying out movements.

They occur suddenly after, for example, a blow, an untimely effort or a poorly controlled movement, both in the context of competition and in the context of recreational/recreational sports.

Some of the most common acute injuries are sprains and muscle injuries. Depending on their severity, they often immediately make it impossible for the person to continue their sports practice.

CAUTION: Never apply massage, creams/lotions or heat to an acute injury!

Action protocols after an acute injury

Over the years, several action protocols have been developed in the face of an acute soft tissue injury. Each of these protocols was identified with an English word, in the form of an acronym, to function as a mnemonic.

ice

The most basic protocol for dealing with an acute sports injury is ICE, which is an acronym for:

I = ICE (ice); C = COMPRESSION (compression); E = ELEVATION (elevation)

Despite lacking scientific consensus, the application of ice or cold (cryotherapy) to the affected area is one of the most popular measures after an acute sports injury.

Attention:

It is not recommended to apply ice or cold for more than 5 to 10 minutes

The ice must not be in direct contact with the skin in order to avoid the risk of burns (from cold)

The ICE protocol also includes compression in the affected area using, for example, an elastic bandage (be careful to avoid serious injuries due to the tourniquet effect!) and elevation of the affected limb, as measures to control edema.

RICE

In the late 1970s, the RICE protocol was implemented:

Regarding the ICE, only the R = REST (rest) was added as a basic form of protection of the affected area.

PRICE

Later, PRICE was created, in which P = PROTECTION (protection) was added, in which the use of orthoses or other means to promote the immobilization of the affected area is recommended in order to avoid worsening of the injury.

POLICE

There were other variations of these protocols (e.g. HI-RICE, PRICES, PRINCE, RICER), but the most significant was the evolution from PRICE to POLICE, where R = REST (rest) was replaced by OL = OPTIMAL LOAD (load controlled).

More than a mere change of letters, this protocol represents a change of concept in which means of early mobility are valued (which favor a faster recovery) such as functional bandages (which are made by physiotherapists in order to immobilize a certain structure of selectively), light exercise and the progressive and controlled introduction of load (for example through body weight) on the affected area, which stimulate the repair process of the affected tissues.

PEACE & LOVE

In 2019, a new protocol was proposed with two acronyms to optimize the recovery of soft tissue injuries: PEACE & LOVE. This protocol includes a wide spectrum of measures for a more adequate management of injuries, from immediate care (PEACE) to subsequent intervention (LOVE).

[PEACE]

"Immediately after a soft tissue injury, do no harm and let PEACE guide your approach"

(“Immediately after a soft tissue injury, do not aggravate it and let peace [PEACE] guide your way”)

P = PROTECT (protect); E = ELEVATE (elevate); A = AVOID ANTI-INFLAMATORY MODALITIES (avoid anti-inflammatory means); C = COMPRESS (compress); E = EDUCATE (to educate). This protocol highlights the potential detrimental effect of anti-inflammatory means on the recovery process (including anti-inflammatory medication and ice). Education is also valued as a fundamental means of enhancing recovery.

[LOVE]

"After the first days have passed, soft tissues need LOVE"

(“Once the first few days have passed, soft tissues need love [LOVE]”)

L = LOAD(load); O = OPTIMISM (optimism); V = VASCULARIZATION (vascularization); E = EXERCISE (exercise). The PEACE protocol introduces the psychosocial component and reinforces early movement strategies as ways to enhance recovery.

Conclusion

The application of the ICE, RICE and PRICE protocols may not contribute to accelerating injury recovery, but they are a suitable means for immediate intervention in the first hours after injury, especially with a view to controlling pain and edema, and stabilizing the injury until evaluation by a healthcare professional.

For a more comprehensive and effective approach, the concepts considered in the POLICE and PEACE & LOVE protocols are more in line with the most current scientific and clinical evidence, but lack specialized physiotherapy care.

The role of the physiotherapist

The physiotherapist is a first contact health professional qualified to assess and monitor this type of injury, with a view to optimizing recovery from the injury and a quick and safe return to sports practice.

If necessary, the physiotherapist will refer you to the most appropriate professional or health entity for the situation. The early intervention of the physiotherapist after an acute sports injury promotes a faster return to physical activity, with greater safety, with a lower risk of recurrence and with lower costs.

Unfortunately, many people are unable to return to full physical activity due to lack of effective monitoring of their injury.

Ask for a physical therapist evaluation as soon as possible after an acute injury. Physical therapy can also be effective even in chronic injuries.

At Clínica Sabeanas we can help you through an advanced, differentiated and personalized physiotherapy intervention in order to obtain the best results in the most efficient way.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

ATTENTION!

In the event of a serious injury (for example head trauma, deformity of a limb, severe pain, bleeding) it is advisable to resort to emergency means and/or seek healthcare in a hospital environment.

Sergio Caneira

Physiotherapist

A Fisioterapia é o serviço prestado por Fisioterapeutas a indivíduos e populações de forma a desenvolver, manter e restaurar o máximo movimento e capacidade funcional ao longo da vida. A Fisioterapia é prestada em circunstâncias em que o movimento e a função são ameaçados pelo envelhecimento, lesões, dor, doenças, distúrbios, condições ou fatores ambientais.

O Fisioterapeuta procura maximizar a qualidade de vida e o potencial de movimento nas áreas de promoção, prevenção, tratamento/intervenção, habilitação e reabilitação.

A Clínica Sabeanas possui um conjunto de serviços prestados por uma equipa de fisioterapeutas certificados e especializados para avaliar e tratar uma variedade de condições, em áreas como as lesões no desporto, as lesões músculo-esqueléticas, as perturbações posturais, a incontinência urinária, a preparação para o nascimento, a recuperação pós-parto, a recuperação pós-covid, a recuperação após cirurgias, a prevenção de quedas em idosos, entre outras.

Para mais informações consulte www.clinicasabeanas.com

The ‘Physiotherapy Space’ was created by Sabeanas Clinic to provide well-being and health, in the areas of Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and clinical exercise, through a differentiated, personalized, human and holistic approach. At the ‘Physiotherapy Space’, services are provided in a personalized way, in an office context, following high standards of quality, aiming at the best speed and effectiveness in obtaining therapeutic results.

Our team includes qualified physiotherapists and osteopaths, highly specialized and experienced in their areas of differentiation, who invest in continuous training, in order to provide quality and safe care, according to the best scientific and clinical evidence.

The services provided include:

• CARDIORESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPY: It acts on a variety of health conditions that have an impact mainly on the cardiac, respiratory, vascular and metabolic systems.

• SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY: Aimed at the prevention and treatment of injuries related to sports practice, such as muscle injuries and sprains, and for optimizing sports performance.

• MUSCULOSKELETAL PHYSIOTHERAPY: Aimed at the intervention of disturbances in the musculoskeletal system, such as low back pain, sciatica, tendinitis, or in other conditions where mobility and function are compromised.

• ONCOLOGICAL PHYSIOTHERAPY: It acts on oncological conditions, namely breast cancer.

• OSTEOPATHY: Approach to the individual in a global way, focusing on the causes and not just the symptoms, based on the principle that well-being depends on the good functioning of the entire neuro-musculo-skeletal system.

• PEDIATRIC OSTEOPATHY: Osteopathic approach in newborns, babies and children, including in situations of torticollis, plagiocephaly, reflux, postural deviations, sleep disturbances, etc.

• POSTURAL REEDUCATION: Intervention in posture changes, such as scoliosis, associated or not with other dysfunctions or pain.

• HYPOPRESSIVE GYMNASTICS: Physical exercise method that aims to promote the increase of tone of the abdominal muscles, posterior trunk muscles and pelvic floor muscles, based on postural and respiratory exercises, associated with training of intra-abdominal pressure, indicated for rehabilitation, training, aesthetic effects, prevention, postpartum recovery, urinary incontinence, etc.

• CLINICAL YOGA: Therapeutic means based on yoga.

• POSTPARTUM RECOVERY: Program based on education and exercise after childbirth.

• POST-SURGICAL RECOVERY: Recovery programs after orthopedic surgeries (knee, shoulder, spine, etc), or others where mobility and functionality are compromised.

• POST-COVID RECOVERY: Recovery from immediate sequelae after COVID-19 infection and sequelae associated with the so-called “Long Covid”, including those related to tolerance to effort.

• PREVENTION OF FALLS IN THE ELDERLY: Exercise program and teaching of strategies aimed at the elderly population and their respective family members/caregivers, with the aim of preventing falls and optimizing mobility and functionality. It may include a home visit for risk assessment and suggestion of solutions. Falling is one of the main risks associated with aging, and can result in serious injuries, hospitalization, dependence, decrease in general health condition and decrease in life expectancy.

• HOME PHYSIOTHERAPY: Suitable for people who need physiotherapy care, but who have a high commitment to their mobility and locomotion capacity.

For more information, visit www.clinicasabeanas.com

Os Fisioterapeutas são os únicos profissionais que podem exercer Fisioterapia. São profissionais altamente qualificados, que necessitam de possuir uma licenciatura em Fisioterapia e de estarem inscritos na Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas para poderem exercer a profissão.

O Fisioterapeuta centra-se na análise e avaliação do movimento e da postura, baseadas na estrutura e função do corpo, utilizando modalidades educativas e terapêuticas específicas, com base, essencialmente, no movimento, nas terapias manipulativas e em meios físicos e naturais, com a finalidade de promoção da saúde e prevenção da doença, da deficiência, de incapacidade e da inadaptação e de tratar, habilitar ou reabilitar indivíduos com disfunções de natureza física, mental, de desenvolvimento ou outras, incluindo a dor, com o objetivo de os ajudar a atingir a máxima funcionalidade e qualidade de vida.

A nossa Equipa de Fisioterapeutas é constituída por profissionais devidamente habilitados e inscritos na Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas, altamente especializados e experientes nas suas áreas de diferenciação; apostam na formação contínua, de forma a prestar cuidados de qualidade e em segurança, de acordo com a melhor evidência científica e clínica, o que permite elevada celeridade e efetividade na obtenção dos resultados terapêuticos.

Para mais informações consulte www.clinicasabeanas.com

O fisioterapeuta é um profissional de saúde autónomo, responsável pelos atos de Fisioterapia que pratica junto dos seus utentes. A Fisioterapia é reconhecida como sendo uma profissão de saúde de base científica, exigindo uma formação académica de nível superior e uma necessidade permanente de aprendizagem/educação ao longo da vida.

Assim, o fisioterapeuta é um profissional de primeiro contacto que, através de competências de diagnóstico diferencial, determina se a condição em causa tem indicação para os serviços de Fisioterapia e/ou se deve ser referenciada para outro profissional. Após triagem, e em caso de indicação para Fisioterapia, o fisioterapeuta implementa um processo de avaliação, através de um processo de raciocínio clínico suportado pela evidência científica, a partir do qual estabelece objetivos e metas, planeia e executa o plano de intervenção mais adequado.

O fisioterapeuta pode também integrar equipas multidisciplinares que atuam na área da reabilitação.

A equipa de fisioterapeutas da Clínica Sabeanas é constituída por profissionais devidamente habilitados e inscritos na Ordem dos Fisioterapeutas, altamente especializados e experientes nas suas áreas de diferenciação; apostam na formação contínua, de forma a prestar cuidados de qualidade e em segurança, de acordo com a melhor evidência científica e clínica, o que permite elevada celeridade e efetividade na obtenção dos resultados terapêuticos.

Na Clínica Sabeanas os utentes beneficiam de um acesso rápido a um fisioterapeuta, sem necessidade de referenciação ou prescrição médica prévia, com evidentes vantagens para a obtenção mais rápida dos resultados terapêuticos. Sempre que se justifique, o fisioterapeuta poderá referenciar para o profissional de saúde mais adequado.

Para mais informações ou para saber como marcar uma consulta com um fisioterapeuta na Clínica Sabenas consulte www.clinicasabeanas.com