Types of Soft Tissue Injury

There are two types of soft tissue injuries to the joint:

Traumatic Injury:

Traumatic injury to the joint occurs as a result of a sudden impact or accident. The soft tissue around the joint that holds the joint in proper position is stretched and torn. Usually this tearing is seen as microtrauma to the joint. In other words, small tears occur in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These traumatic injuries will usually heal and return to near normal with proper rehabilitation. In some cases the tearing is complete or so extensive that surgery is needed.

Deconditioning Injury:

The soft tissue that holds a joint in place can also be injured by abnormal pressure or stress over a period of time. Repeated improper joint movement or even prolonged poor posture can cause the ligaments, tendons, and muscles to become too lax - or too inelastic. In either case the effect creates a joint that does not stay aligned and move properly. This type of long-term joint stress is called joint deconditioning. A joint that is deconditioned must be rehabilitated to assure normal joint function and the prevention of reinjury to the joint. Surgery is usually not an option.

Need for Care:

Your are a candidate for rehabilitation if you exhibit one or more of the following: This is a repeat episode of the same or similar injury. You have not regained total health from manipulation or other treatment. The injured area exhibits a loss of range of motion, which may become permanent. The injured area exhibits a loss of strength, which may become permanent. You have structural anomalies, which increases the need for good soft tissue support.