title: Immobilization or early mobilization after an acute soft-tissue injury?
abstract: Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that early, controlled mobilization is superior to immobilization for primary treatment of acute musculoskeletal soft-tissue injuries and postoperative management. Optimal treatment and rehabilitation follow four steps that address response to trauma. First is treating the damaged area with PRICES: protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation, and support. Second, during the first 1 to 3 weeks after the injury, immobilization of the injured tissue areas allows healing without extensive scarring. Third, when soft-tissue regeneration begins, controlled mobilization and stretching of muscle and tendons stimulate healing. Fourth, at 6 to 8 weeks postinjury, the rehabilitative goal is full return to preinjury level of activity.
authors.affiliation: Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine, UKK Institute, Tampere, FIN-33501, FI. klpeka@uta.fi.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kannus