When the body sustains an injury, it reacts quickly
to begin the healing process.
There is usually some swelling, pain and redness in
the area - all signs that the body is mobilising to repair itself. Prompt
first-aid measures help to minimise the extent of the damage and give some
pain relief.
You should be feeling some improvement within a day
or so but if your injury does not improve as fast as you think it should,
you may benefit from an assessment by a Chartered Physiotherapist. The
address of your local Chartered Physiotherapist can be found in Yellow
Pages, or on the web at www.physiofirst.org.uk - find a physio. Always
look for the letters “MCSP” or "Registered with the Health Professions
Council" to ensure they are fully qualified.
You can help your body to repair with these simple
first-aid measures:
- REST - use the damaged part as little as possible
- ICE - use a cold pack or frozen peas to minimise the swelling
- COMPRESSION - to reduce the swelling which eases the pain
- ELEVATION - to drain away excess fluid
.
