Injury Health Advice

Disclaimer

The information contained on this site is intended as general guidance and information only, and should not be relied upon as a basis for planning individual medical care or as a substitute for specialist medical advice in each case.  To the extent permissible by law, the authors and clinic accept no liability for any loss, injury or damage however incurred (including negligence) as a consequence, whether directly or indirectly, of the author of the contracts of this web page/site.

Injury Advice

Acute soft tissue injury management to treat information of the injured area immediately after injury and for 3-5 days afterwards.

Follow PRICE

P    *    PROTECT the injured tissue from undue stress that may disrupt the healing process and/or cause further injury.  Make sure the mode of protection can accommodate swelling.

R    * REST    this reduces the energy requirement of the area, avoids any unnecessary increase in the blood flow, ensures protection of the area and optimizes healing.  For example using slings, crutches or static rest (i.e. sitting or lying down).

I      * ICE helps constrict the blood vessels thereby limiting bleeding and reducing the accumulation of unnecessary scar tissue.  Crushed ice wrapped in a damp towel (to prevent ice burn) is best (ice cubes can wrapped in a cloth and smashed against a wall to crush the cubes). Ice should be applied immediately after injury for 20 minutes every 3 – 4 hours or no more than 5-10 minutes at a time on bony area.

C     * COMPRESSION simple off the shelf compression bandages such as tubigrip and adjustable neoprene supports are adequate.  It is important the bandages are not too tight to cause pins and needles or any loss of feeling around the joint.

E     * ELEVATION lowers the blood pressure and helps limit bleeding and encourage drainage of fluid through the lymphatic system.

When following PRICE it is important to avoid HARM, hence the saying
‘Give Price and avoid HARM’

Avoid HARM

Immediate management of acute low back pain/neck pain.

Minimise sitting – try to alternate between short periods of rest i.e. up to 1 hour with short standing of gentle walking or standing.

Take regular painkillers as prescribed by a pharmacist

Apply gentle heat i.e. microwavable hot pack wrapped in a towel to the area for 10-15 minutes and lay in as comfortable a position as possible

(if there is swelling use cold therapy – see PRICE)

Try gentle movements of your neck or back while lying, ideally after heat.

If you have severe pins and needles/numbness in both arms or legs and difficulty passing water seek an urgent medical opinion