When going to the hospital, patient care is organized based on the severity of their injuries. This triage classification system is designed to address the most important needs first. In this way, medical professionals can prioritize their efforts and help as many people as possible.
Unfortunately, the injuries suffered by trauma patients are often so severe that they require more complex medical procedures and lengthier recovery times. Because of this, it is crucial that anyone who suffers a traumatic injury participates in a comprehensive rehabilitation program to ensure maximum recovery.
What is an Injury?
An injury can include virtually any instance that causes you bodily harm. Injuries can range in severity, but some require immediate medical attention. Some examples of injuries include cuts, scrapes, burns, minor concussions, sprains, and broken bones. Depending on the severity of the injury and the risk of further complications, your injury may require medical attention. For example, some cuts can be handled at home with a good first-aid kit, while others require a visit to the ER for stitches.
What is a Trauma?
A trauma refers to a serious—and possibly life-threatening—injury that requires immediate medical attention. These are the most critical injuries, which is why many hospitals are equipped with trauma centres to help treat time-sensitive traumas. Some examples of trauma include car accident injuries, gunshot wounds, stab wounds and other severe cuts, major burns, blunt-force trauma, serious falls resulting in multiple broken bones, and major concussions or other head injuries. While minor cuts can be handled by a first-aid kit or a few stitches, serious trauma such as a bleeding artery may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation for a full recovery.
Physiotherapy and Injuries
Physiotherapy can provide a variety of benefits for those who are recovering from injuries. When you suffer from a broken bone or sprained limb, everyday activities such as walking, driving, and standing for long periods can become very difficult. Physiotherapy offers you the chance to exercise specific muscles so that your body properly recovers from the injury.
After suffering an injury, it is important to speak with your doctor about a recovery plan that includes physiotherapy. Even minimal physiotherapy can help you regain strength and function after suffering an injury. For those with broken bones and sprains, physiotherapy can help you stretch and soothe the affected area and promote healing. For elderly patients and those at risk of injury, preventative physiotherapy can help maintain strength, balance, and a full range of motion while preventing injuries from occurring.
Physiotherapy and Trauma
Traumatic injuries can require much more extensive surgery to fix, which will significantly extend the recovery process. For injuries that require surgery, the physical and mental toll that such an injury can take is tremendous. Depending on the extent of the injury, the severity of the symptoms, and the nature of the damage, the recovery process can be anywhere from several days to several years. Even with optimal surgery results, some patients will never fully recover.
For those who have suffered a catastrophic physical trauma, the time immediately following your injury and subsequent surgeries is the most crucial in your recovery process. It is important that your doctor creates a comprehensive recovery plan that begins immediately and includes active recovery such as physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, while possibly painful and difficult, will help you regain as much function as possible after suffering a serious injury. Both for physical traumas and brain injuries, it is important to participate in a physiotherapy rehabilitation plan if you want to recover fully.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in the GTA
Depending on your injury, rehabilitative care can come in many different forms. For example, someone who suffers from a broken leg may need massage therapy and a custom brace, while someone who gets a severe concussion may need a concussion management professional to address any deficits caused by brain damage. Every unique situation presents a different recovery timeline, so it is important to be patient and follow the recovery plan you create with your doctor. Some of our services include:
- Targeted physiotherapy to maximize function and muscle strength
- Massage therapy to relax muscles and offer relief for rehabilitative practices
- Custom braces and orthotics to enhance mobility and independence
- Acupuncture treatment to target pressure points in the body
- Spinal decompression services to relieve pressure on spinal discs
- Comprehensive, full-body treatment plans for car accident victims
- Whiplash and concussion rehabilitation
Why Us?
At Focus Physiotherapy, our registered physiotherapists and team of medical professionals will work with you to create a comprehensive recovery plan for your unique needs. We offer rehabilitative assistance for injuries to virtually any part of your body, and we tailor our services to the needs of each individual patient and their injuries, ensuring you have the best chance for recovery if you follow our plan.
For those who have suffered from car accidents and other extreme traumas that have resulted in multiple injuries to your body, we create comprehensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy programs tailored to your unique needs. Our patients are our top priority.
For more information about our medical services, or to receive a quote for a rehabilitation program, contact us here.
Thank you for reading,
Anthony Grande
Registered Physiotherapist
Bsc PT