Evaluation and treatment of muscle function in athletic injury

Abstract

Since athletic injuries are caused by circumstances characteristic of the sport, the patients are subject to recurrent identical trauma. This as well as the need for early return to the athletic activity makes early and complete rehabilitation essential. Weakness and stiffness after injury are among the main causes for reinjury. Therapeutic exercises to restore full function of the injured part are essential for a safe and speedy return to the sport. Treatment of athletic injury, therefore, stresses early—often immediate—mobilization after fracture, sprain and strain. The technic of exercise and local treatment to relieve painful muscle spasm are described. Good physical conditioning and adequate warm-up are the most important measures in the prevention of athletic injury.