Acute Soft Tissue Injuries

Dr. Neil A. Singh

Soft Tissue Injury

A soft tissue injury (STI) is the damage of muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body.

Common soft tissue injuries usually occur from a sprain, strain, a one off blow resulting in a contusion or overuse of a particular part of the body.

Classic Pattern of STI

Swelling

Heat

Erythema

Pain

Loss of function

Management

PRICES

P= Protect

R= Rest

I= Ice

C= Compression

E= Elevation

S= Support

Protect• Athlete

• Surrounding Structures

• Other Competitors

• Injured Parts

Rest• Absolute Rest

• Relative Rest

• Active Rest

Ice• Ice cubes

• Chemical Ice Packs

• Reusable Gel Cold Packs

• Coolant Sprays

Ice

Application

Apply for 10-20 mins, every 2 hours initially

Do not exceed 20-30 mins continuously

Apply for first 48-72 hours

Benefits

Limits bleeding

Limits swelling

Limits further tissue damage

Assists with pain control

Ice

Contraindications

• Broken or damaged skin

• Suspected nerve damage

• Suspected altered circulation

• When ice worsens pain

Compression• Support injured area

• Decrease swelling

• Supportive Bandage or Strapping

Elevation• Must be > 45°

angle

• Combine with support

• Maintain for at least 24 hours

Support• Stabalize injured tissue

• Prevent further injury

• Allows early commencement of controlled and monitored activity

• Shortens rehab period

THANK YOU!