Acute vs Chronic Injuries

Acute Injuries 

What is an acute injury?

An acute injury occurs suddenly as a result of a specific incident or trauma that damages the body’s tissues. Acute injuries can range in severity and include anything from minor bumps and bruises to severe sprains, muscle tears, and broken bones.

Signs and symptoms of an acute injury:

- Sudden pain at the time of injury

- Redness, swelling, and/or bruising

- Tenderness

- Inability to weight bear the injured limb

- Weakness

- Reduced range of motion

- Visible dislocation or break

Examples of an acute injury:

- Sprained ankle

- Broken wrist

- Ruptured pulley

- Torn ACL

- Dislocated shoulder

- Concussion

When should I see a physiotherapist?

1. Lasting pain. After an acute injury, your body will use inflammation to begin repairing the damaged tissues. For minor injuries, the pain and discomfort caused by the inflammation phase will subside after 3 days. If your pain is lingering, it’s a good idea to have your injury assessed by a physiotherapist.

2. Constant pain.

3. Reproducible Pain. If your pain is easily reproducible with a specific movement, it means the injury is affecting something very specific that should be assessed and treated so that you can return to these specific movements and activities pain-free.

4. Altered movement. If you have been moving differently since your injury (i.e. limping, bending differently, difficulty reaching), it is important to seek physiotherapy treatment to avoid lasting differences in movement patterns.

Chronic Injuries:

What is a chronic injury?

Chronic injuries have a gradual onset and occur as the result of repetitive trauma over a longer period. In the world of sports medicine, chronic injuries are often referred to as over-use injuries because they occur when athletes train too much or too hard. Chronic injuries can also occur due to training errors and poor technique. For example, improper exercise form can lead to an excessive load being placed on certain muscles or joints which over time, can cause injury.

Signs and symptoms of a chronic injury:

- pain while performing a specific activity

- a dull ache while at rest

- swelling

Examples of a chronic injury:

- Shin splints

- Shoulder impingement

- Stress fractures

- Tendinitis

- Carpal tunnel syndrome

- Plantar fasciitis (heel pain/heel spurs)

When should I see a physiotherapist?

1. Pain or other symptoms does not improve with other treatments (rest, ice, over the counter pain medication)

2. Any injury that affects training/performance and has not been diagnosed

3. Pain that worsens over time or increases with continued activity

4. Pain stiffness, or swelling that gets in the way of training/sports and activities

5. Pain and/or symptoms that disrupts your sleep and daily activities

Whether you have an acute or chronic injury, the physiotherapists at Elios Health are here to help you through every stage of your recovery. First, an initial assessment will be conducted to determine the nature and severity of your injury and learn more about you and your goals. Subsequent treatments will consist of a combination of manual therapy, active release techniques, intramuscular stimulation, and exercise prescription. Our practitioners take a patient-centered approach to physiotherapy that will help you return to the sports and activities you love as soon as possible. To book an appointment, visit us at https://www.elioshealth.com/ or call us at 866-538-4272.