Injury prevention (overuse, wounds)

Injury prevention (overuse, wounds)

Prevention is better than cure, but can we really prevent injuries?

There are certain precautions that can be taken when there are risk factors.

For example, a person who no longer has the ability to stand on their legs (due to weakness or paralysis) and who relies solely on their arms to mobilize will be at risk of overuse injuries (e.g. tendinitis in the shoulders and carpal tunnel in the wrists). If in addition this person has difficulty changing position on their own, they are also at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Another simple and more universal example would be a prolonged bad posture, which can cause a lot of pain in the spine and in the different joints.

Finally, some performance sports bring muscles and joints into extreme positions and situations that are more prone to injury.

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Of course, it is possible to intervene directly on certain risk factors. For example, poor computer work posture causing neck pain can be corrected by adapting the workstation.

On the other hand, some risk factors are very difficult to change. While it is relatively easy to change a work environment to improve posture, the means to be taken are more complex for a paralyzed person who wants to prevent wounds, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, certain strategies, modalities and technological advances exist that make it possible to reduce these risk factors and prevent injuries.

The mandate of the various physical health professionals is to rehabilitate physical disorders, but also to promote health and prevent injuries.

For example, the physiotherapist offers instruction and exercises to change postures and ways of working or playing sports. Occupational therapists make adaptations to workstations or homes with tools such as specialized cushions to prevent seat sores, a bed support bar to allow the person to change their own position, etc.

Also, for the past few years, there have been some proven methods that are effective in prevention. Functional electrical stimulation of the gluteal muscles has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of seat sores in people with very limited mobility. Also, robotic walking aids (G-eo and exoskeletal) allow people with paralysis or great weakness to be able to walk and thus prevent wounds, promote blood circulation, and promote good cardio-respiratory health 1,2.

Moreover, good cardio respiratory health and good muscle tone act as preventive factors to injuries and loss of autonomy. This is why targeted training by a kinesiologist and/or physiotherapist should be considered. For example, strengthening the stabilizing muscles of the hips and ankles helps prevent injuries during running. Strengthening the stabilizing muscles of the shoulders will help prevent wear and tear injuries in wheelchair users. Improved propulsion technique is another strategy used to better manage energy and allow recovery times for the joints.

Good advice, good health and a good team can often prevent many ailments. Prevention is better than cure; if you want to learn more about your risk factors and the prevention options that best suit your needs, don’t hesitate to surround yourself with qualified professionals, call Neuro-Concept.

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References:

  1. CRAVEN, C. VERRIER, M. BALIOUSSIS, C. WOLFE, D. HSIEH, J. NOONAN, V. RASHEED, A. CHERBAN, E. (2012), Rehabilitation environmental scan atlas : Capturing capacity in canadian SCI rehabilitation, [en ligne]
  2. HOEKSTRA, F., VAN NUNEN, M. P. M. GERRITS, K. H.L. STOLWIJK-SWASTE, J. M. CRINS, M. H. P. JANSSEN, T. W. J. (2013), Effect of robotic gait training on cardiorespiratory system in incomplete spinal cord injury, Journal of rehabilitation research and development, vol, 50, no 10, p.1411-1422.