MANUAL THERAPY IN MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY REHABILITATION: A PAIN-MODULATION APPROACH

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries are common among athletic populations, posing a significant risk to athletes' performance and well-being. Various injury mechanisms, from muscle strains to fractures, can afflict athletes in contact sports. Athletic trainers (ATs) play a vital role in their recovery, employing therapeutic modalities and rehabilitation exercises. In early-stage injury rehabilitation, effective pain management and joint range of motion restoration are pivotal for a successful recovery. While pharmacological interventions are prevalent for pain management, non-pharmacological methods offer safe and effective alternatives. ATs often combine various therapeutic modalities with pharmacological interventions to expedite sports-related injury recovery. The well-established POLICE protocol (protocol, protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation) serves as the gold standard for acute athletic injury treatment. The acute phase of injury, characterized by inflammation, demands effective management to prevent excessive swelling and hasten recovery. In rehabilitation settings, manual therapy techniques complement the POLICE protocol, facilitating pain reduction, joint mobility restoration, and overall recovery.