Injury Resource Centre

Acute Facet Syndrome: Acute facet syndrome can occur throughout the spine and is one of the most common causes of spine pain. As each vertebra of the spine stacks on top of the other, there are joints that link each segment to the one above it and the one below. These joints are referred to as facet joints. When these joints become compressed or sprained, the individual usually complains of pain with movement, pinpoint pain in the spine, and often feels as though he or she is leaning to one side. Treatment of this type of injury may include mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and the re-conditioning of the spinal musculature.

Ankle Sprain: Ankle sprains typically occur when someone has “rolled” their ankle. This type of injury is most commonly a result of overstretching the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL). Each sprain is unique and needs be diagnosed and graded depending on the degree of injury to the specific ligament. If you think you may have sprained your ankle, immediately place ice over the injured area and seek treatment from a medical professional.

Whiplash and Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Whiplash and whiplash associated disorders are a group of injuries linked to the sudden movement of the head. These types of injuries typically occur during rear-end motor vehicle accidents, but they sometimes occur during less violent activities, like while playing contact sports or falling while riding a bicycle. WAD injuries are graded (0-4) depending on the type and severity of symptoms while being examined by a trained professional. WAD injuries can be very severe and they may require the propreoceptive training of the muscles controlling motor movement of the head and eyes.

Upper-Cross Postural Syndrome (UCPS): UCPS is a common problem for individuals who work at a desk or computer station. Individuals with UCPS often complain of tightness in the shoulders and at the base of the skull that leads to a headache at the end of the day. These people often have internally rotated shoulders, a tight chest, and increased curvature of the mid-back and anterior head carriage. UCPS can be treated using a specific set of postural exercises and soft tissue treatments that train the individual to reset his or her posture while working at a desk or computer station. Education and daily exercises allow the individual to correct postural changes throughout the workday to perform at their best.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): CTS is a condition in which the median nerve of the upper limb is compressed as it passes through the wrist into the hand. Individuals often experience changes in sensation (paresthesia) of the thumb, index and middle fingers, weakness of the hand, and numbness. Although uncommon, numbness of the palm may also occur. The median nerve originates in the cervical spine and runs down the upper limb, and then continues into the hand to provide sensation and strength. There are many sites along this path where the nerve may become compressed. ART, Graston soft tissue mobilization, and mobilization of the cervical spine are proven techniques used to remove pressure from the median nerve while decreasing paresthesia.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis/osis): Golfer’s elbow is a term used to describe the common injury in which the muscles of the forearm cause pain along the medial portion of the elbow. Flexor muscles of the forearm attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus where the periosteum of the bone may be irritated due to constant stress. The periosteum is a covering over the bone which is highly innervated by nerve tissue. When this periosteum is irritated, the area becomes swollen and very painful. Individuals often experience pain during the downward stroke of their golf swing or during any activity that requires a firm grip. Treatment includes rest, ice, specific exercise, nerve decompression, and fascial release of the muscles involved.

Sick Scapula (scapular dysfunction): Sick Scapula is a common dysfunction experienced by many throwing athletes. The scapula is the triangular bone providing structure and movement to the shoulder and its rotator cuff. As specific muscles of the shoulder become overused because of a repetitive motion such as throwing, the scapula will begin to show dysfunction in motion. As the scapula begins to move improperly, the athlete is at risk for rotator cuff injury. These athletes will often experience pain while throwing and a tightness in the posterior aspect of the shoulder. Rehabilitation of these muscles can correct the scapular dysfunction. Some exercises can be carried out without assistance, while other exercises and soft tissue treatments need to be completed by a trained professional.

Musculoskeletal Disorders: Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common complaints.They can originate from acute trauma to the effected tissues or by repetitively stressing a muscle, tendon, or joint. Chronic overuse of a tissue results in the creation and deposition of scar tissue. This inhibits the ability of the involved muscles, tendons, and joint to operate optimally. Chronic repetitive strain of a tissue can be caused by something as simple as prolonged work at a computer station. Through the assessment of joint function and range of motion, muscle rigidity, muscle firing patterns, and patterns of causation, a tailored treatment plan will be devised to help alleviate chronic symptoms.

Soft Tissue Injury: Acute and chronic injuries to the body cause scar tissue to develop within the associated soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves) which inhibits their ability to work optimally. ART® and Graston Technique® are manual therapies used to effectively break down scar tissue. These techniques have also been proven to decrease both the pain and the dysfunction associated with injury, as well as to increase the rate of recovery.

Sacroiliac (SI) Sprain and Subluxation: This injury commonly occurs in kickboxing after kicking or kneeing an opponent or avoiding an opponent’s blow. During these movements, there is usually an extension from a flexed position causing the dorsal sacral ligament to undergo a sprain. With these injuries, patients usually experience sharp, stabbing pains over the sacroiliac joint. Often the pain refers along the leg. SI sprains are usually treated with manipulation of the joint and aided by a sacroiliac brace. ART, Graston, and ice usually provide great relief to the injured athlete.

Burner/Stinger: This injury occurs when the cervical spine undergoes sudden lateral flexion, creating tension in the brachial plexus or cervical nerve roots. This can occur in kickboxing, for example, after a head shot is inflicted while sparring. Patients often experience a burning pain and or numbness along the lateral deltoid and arm with associated weakness. In order to prevent re-injury, athletes are encouraged to strengthen their cervical neck muscles, to wear protective headgear during contact sports, and to rest during recovery. Facet joints may become damaged as a result of this type of injury, decreasing the cervical range of motion. Fortunately, cervical manipulation has proven to help remedy this condition.

Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder: This injury causes patients to report shoulder pain that increases during overhead, punching, or throwing activities. It is often common in patients who have a history of shoulder injuries. In this condition the muscles of the rotator cuff, the bicep tendon, the superior labrum, and the various bursae of the shoulder sustain injury. Patients show improvement after soft tissue treatments – such as ART, Graston, and Acupuncture – and progressive rehabilitation programs strengthen the muscles of the shoulder.

Triangular Fibrocartilage Injury: This injury creates pain over the ulnar side of the wrist that becomes aggrevated with pronation, suppination, and extension (movements that occur during punching, pushing, and pulling exercises). To recover from this injury, the patient’s wrist is immobilized with the RICE technique (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and then the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the wrist are strengthened through exercise techniques. If the issue does not resolve after these techniques, referral to the appropriate specialist may be required.

Injury Resource Centre

Common Injuries

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