Common Injuries and Home Treatment

Not every injury requires a visit to physical therapy. Some injuries can be treated well at home.

1. Minor ligament sprain "twisted ankle or knee"

• Rest--take time off from your sport or activity
  
• Ice--a plastic bag with crushed ice or a bag of frozen peas works great over the injured area to decrease pain, inflammation, and swelling.
  
• Compression--an Ace wrap or a pre-fabricated lace up support from your pharmacy can provide your joint with increased stability after an injury and also prevent and reduce swelling.
  
• Elevation--place the injured joint on to pillows to elevate it above your heart. This will reduce and prevent swelling.
  

2. Back strains--did you lift something too heavy and now your back hurts.

• Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting to allow your back muscles to rest.
  
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist about taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicaion such as Advil or Aleve.
  
• Lying on a heating pad or an ice pack can reduce inflammation and muscle spasms. Use Caution with heating pads, they can cause burns on the skin.
  
• Sleep on your back with pillows under your knees or on your side with pillows between your knees.