ISSUE 75 : Mar/Apr - 1989 - Australian Defence Force Journal

ARMY RECRUIT TRAINING INJURIES "INDEMIC OR EPIDEMIC" 27- The treatment is easy to carry out and iswell tolerated.- There are few contraindications.- It is inexpensive.Heat Treatment (Thermotherapy)Heat has been used for thousands of years inthe treatment of different types of pain. Experienceshows that it has a beneficial effect onpain arising from inflammation which is thebody's defence mechanism in cases of injurycaused by trauma or over-use.Heat is beneficial because- 48-hours post injury - it helps in the healingprocess when the risk of haemorrhageis over.- It increases blood flow.- It increases the elasticity of collagen (connectivetissue) fibres, ie Tendon is composedof 90 per cent collagen fibre.- It decreases joint stiffness.- It relieves muscle spasm.- It reduces the risk of further injury.Other forms of heat application- Heat lamps, heating pads, hot baths andsauna baths increase blood flow and mayhave a beneficial effect on stiffness aftertraining etc.Short WaveShort wave treatment involves a high frequencyalternating current passing through thebody, generating heat in deeper tissues.UltrasoundHigh frequency ultrasonic sound waves passingthrough soft tissue can generate heat byvibration. Acoustic streaming the dosagepenetrates heat to the deeper tissues.InterferentialThis treatment consists of a varying mediumfrequency current which penetrates into thetissues.Heat Pads or PacksHeating pads or packs contain a gel which hathe capacity to store both cold and heat. Theyare immersed in hot water before being appliedto the area to be treated.Some statistical information showing percentagesrecorded, numbers and main injury sitesINJURIES SUSTAINED IN AEROBIC DANCE(103 of 105 Instructors had 220 injuries)NEWINJURIES1234567-TOTAL 141:SITEShinFootBackAnkleKneeCalfHipOther70