Inflammation

Questions

• What exactly is inflammation?

  Your body naturally reacts to damage, illness, or toxic stimuli by producing inflammation. Your immune system responds to injuries to your muscles, joints, or tendons by directing white blood cells to the site, which can cause redness, swelling, heat, and even pain. Although it's a necessary healing process, it can become troublesome if it persists for too long or becomes excessive.

• Why does inflammation occur after an injury?

  Your body uses inflammation as a defense and healing mechanism. The body produces chemicals following an injury, such as a sprain, strain, or tear in a muscle, to promote blood flow to the affected area. This results in swelling, which although unpleasant, aids in delivering vital nutrients and cells to begin repairing the injured tissue. We frequently tell our patients at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre that this early inflammatory response is an essential first step in the healing process.

• What are the common signs of inflammation?

  Five common signs of inflammation are as follows:

  1. Redness: The injured region receives an increase in blood flow.
  2. Swelling: As your body sends repairing cells to the area, fluid builds up.
  3. Heat: The affected region may feel heated due to increased blood flow.
  4. Pain: The substances produced have the potential to aggravate nerves.
  5. Loss of function: Movement may be restricted by a tight or weak joint or muscle.

• Is inflammation always a bad thing?

  No, inflammation is a necessary component of your body's recovery. Immediately following an injury, acute inflammation is often helpful and transient. On the other hand, persistent problems may result from inflammation that lasts for several weeks or months. At Elite Physiotherapy, we collaborate with patients to efficiently control inflammation so that it promotes recovery without developing into a chronic issue.

• How can physiotherapy help in managing inflammation?

  Physiotherapy is essential for controlling inflammation and encouraging healing. Here at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we use a range of methods to help you heal more quickly by reducing inflammation:

  1. Manual therapy: Methods such as massage and joint mobilizations can help lower edema and increase circulation.
  2. Ice helps lower blood flow to the region, reducing swelling and numbing discomfort. This is known as cryotherapy, or "Ice Therapy."
  3. Ultrasound Therapy: Deep inside muscles and tendons, this therapy employs sound waves to decrease inflammation and encourage tissue recovery.
  4. Therapeutic Exercise: Moderate, controlled movement aids in healing, stiffness reduction, and circulation improvement.

• What can I do at home to reduce inflammation?

  Apart from your physical therapy sessions, there are other at-home interventions you may undertake to effectively treat inflammation:

  1. Rest: Don't overwork those injured region; instead, let it heal naturally.
  2. Ice: Apply ice for 10-15 minutes every several hours for the first 48 hours following injury.
  3. Compression: Applying a bandage with compression might help lessen edema.
  4. Elevation: To prevent fluid buildup, keep the affected region elevated.
  5. Dietary anti-inflammatory: Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, such as fish and greens leafy, can help lower systemic inflammation.

• Can chronic inflammation lead to other issues?

  Yes, over time, persistent inflammation can cause damage. An ongoing state of inflammation in the body can cause tissue damage and ailments including tendinitis, arthritis, and even metabolic problems. In addition to treating acute injuries, Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre assists in managing and preventing the long-term consequences of chronic inflammation.