Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are made of very strong fibres. Their function is to hold a joint in its correct position particularly during movement and exercise. Ligaments have limited flexibility and as a consequence some or all of their fibres can tear if they are subjected to an excessive force. This injury is often referred to as a ligament 'sprain'.

Symptoms
A torn ligament can be very painful. It usually causes localised swelling, heat and ultimately bruising. It may be too painful to weight bear through the affected joint and additionally the joint may feel quite unstable. The sooner this injury is diagnosed and treated the more quickly and completely it will heal.

How does Physiotherapt treatment help?
Treatment can be divided into three stages:

1. Initial Treatment
Swelling can initially restrict joint movement. This needs to be resolved as quickly and completely as possible if a stiff joint is to be avoided.

Because there is often a reflex inhibitory reaction that affects the muscles that control an injured joint, it is common for these muscles to lose strength and tone. If overlooked such weaknesses can put the injured joint under additional strain. Long term this can cause further muscle imbalances and injuries. These muscles are tested on the initial assessment and if any muscle imbalances are noted we teach you how to correct them.

Sometimes pain can cause adjacent muscle groups to lock in spasm. Altered mechanical dynamics due pain can also result in muscle spasm. An injured joint may also need a special support or strapping. We will either provide this for you or arrange for its delivery.

2. Secondary Treatment
Once the initial acute stage is resolved any thickened residual swelling needs to be softened to prevent it from impeding the joint's natural movement. Ultrasound, gentle massage and careful stretches are very effective at this stage.
Any restriction in joint movement is returned with gentle passive movement, carefully graded joint mobilisations and specific exercises. It is important that the joint is returned to its full range of movement.
If an exercise programme was previously implemented it is constantly reviewed to ensure that affected muscles return to their optimal strength. Manchester Physio take particular care to ensure that these muscles regain strength throughout their full range of movement and that they are well controlled during exercise.

3. Final Treatment
Healthy muscle, tendon or ligament fibres lie relatively parallel to one another. This allows the fibres to glide freely over each other as the area contracts or stretches. Traumatised tissue tends to heal with fine fibres laid in a haphazard formation that does not have the same flexibility of healthy tissue. It is important to soften and gently stretch this tissue as it forms.
Manchester Physio takes injury prevention very seriously. All too often the final stage of rehabilitation, proprioception training, is left untreated. This is a common cause of recurring injuries in the same area. Manchester Physio will put in place the proprioceptive exercises required to facilitate you achieving maximal rehabilitation, and a reduced risk of injury reoccurrence.