Muscle, Tendon & Ligament Injuries
Our approach to managing soft tissue injuries is based on the latest evidence, with our protocols derived from our experience with elite sport. This ensures rapid recovery and reduces recurrence rates.
Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are structures that attach the bones together. Ligament injuries are common in the ankles, knees and shoulders. They need to be expertly managed to minimise the risk of longer-term problems including osteoarthritis.
Common ligament injuries we treat are:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Medial ligament of the knee (MCL)
- Lateral ligaments of the knee and ankle (LCL)
- Ligaments of the shoulder including the acromioclavicular or AC joint
We also offer proven ligament injury prevention programs such as the PEP program developed by the Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Research Foundation, which showed an 88% reduction in ACL injuries after a 12-week program.
We can supply all necessary aids such as tape, crutches and braces to assist in ligament healing and have contacts with the region’s best surgeons and other specialists if needed.
Muscular Injuries
Muscle strains (tears) are common, particularly in the lower limb. Although they will often settle with rest and activity modification they can heal poorly and are prone to recurrence. A qualified physiotherapist should supervise the management of these injuries. As with ligament injuries, muscular pain often settles several weeks before full healing has occurred and a premature return to activity can cause a recurrence.
Treatment of muscle strains (tears) consists of rest initially, with ice compression and bracing where possible, and often the use of crutches. Following this initial treatment, a graded exercise program aimed at restoring optimal strength and flexibility is prescribed. Additional activities are prescribed (particularly for sports people) so that general fitness and flexibility are maintained whilst the person recovers.
The most commonly injured muscles are:
- Hamstrings
- Quadriceps
- Adductors or groin muscles
TENDON INJURIES
More research has been performed on tendon pathology over the last 5 years than in any other time in history and it is a rapidly evolving field. Exercise therapy is now considered to be a standard part of management for many tendon conditions. Scientifically designed programs emphasising the use of controlled loading have replaced old-style treatments such as ultrasound and electric currents.
The most common tendon injuries we treat include:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Adductor (groin) tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Tennis Elbow (tendinopathy of the common extensor origin tendon in the elbow)
- Gluteal Tendinopathy (often associated with trochanteric bursitis)
- Rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy