SPORTS INJURY MNAGEMENT

The first 72 hours – what to do

• Rest the injured area for 48-72 hours, movement of the injured part will increase blood flow and bleeding to the injury site, resulting more tissue damage.

• Ice. Apply ice or cold therapy to injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2 hours. Avoid direct ice contact to the skin to prevent cold burns.

• Compression. Apply firm elastic non adhesive bandage to the area. May be done in conjunction with ice.

• Elevate the injured area above the heart level. Elevation decreases bleeding, swelling & pain.

• Refer to see a physiotherapist or doctor for an accurate definitive diagnosis. You may need a continued management & a rehabilitation program.