Tips for Treating Fall Injuries
Tips for Treating Fall Injuries
BlogImage
It may not seem like it, but the weather is starting to get cooler and soon the leaves will begin to change colour and the smell of pumpkin spice will fill the air. There’s a lot of great things about fall – from beautiful fall colours to Thanksgiving, to Halloween. However, there is also a risk of specific injuries in the fall that can keep you from enjoying the season. This article will go over some tips to help treat and prevent some common fall injuries.
- Aches and Pains Getting Worse in the Cold
People with chronic pain, especially with conditions like osteoarthritis, will often report feeling more pain as the weather gets cooler. Some people think this is related to changes in barometric pressure – the pressure in the air. There is some research that suggests that people with osteoarthritis actually report more pain with higher barometric pressure and humidity. Although the specific details of the association could use some more research, changes in weather can make pain worse for lots of people with arthritis.
Massage therapy can help people with arthritis relieve their pain, improve their ability to function, and improve their overall quality of life. Massage therapy can be a particularly effective option for pain relief for osteoarthritis of the knee, but massage therapy can also be effective in helping people with chronic pain from a variety of conditions find some relief.
- Raking Injuries
When you rake the leaves around your house, you might engage in repetitive movements that can lead to pain such as strenuous twisting or bending. This can lead to back pain, shoulder pain or even wrist pain. There are a few things you can do that can help prevent these sorts of injuries from happening in the first place. You can try changing position by leaning in a new direction or placing a different foot in front of the other. You should also attempt to rake with your whole body rather than only your upper body. You should also take regular breaks, even if you’re not feeling pain. You can take a few minutes before you go out to rake to gently stretch which can help you prepare for your upcoming activity.
The movements associated with raking can end up leading to shoulder pain which can also negatively impact your shoulder function.
Massage therapy can relieve the pain of some common raking injuries. The postures and strenuous movements associated with raking can lead to shoulder pain for many people. Massage therapy can help reduce shoulder pain, especially when combined with exercise, which can be recommended by an RMT, and can also help people with shoulder pain improve their shoulder range of motion and function. Raking can involve twisting, reaching, pulling and bending that can lead to low back pain for some people. Massage therapy, especially when combined with exercise therapies, can help people relieve low back pain.
- Slips and Falls
In the autumn the leaves are falling, and the daylight is reduced, which can lead to a greater risk of slips and falls. Slips and falls can lead to a lot of physical consequences including fractures and concussions, and have also been associated with ankle sprains.
Repeated ankle sprains can lead to chronic ankle instability, which can also be associated with falls. People with chronic ankle instability who received manual therapy interventions like plantar massage, ankle mobilizations or recommended calf stretches reported increased their range of motion and improved their ankle function. Calf massage can also help healthy people increase the flexibility of their ankle joints and improve their balance. Manual therapies like massage therapy, especially combined with exercise therapies that could be recommended by an RMT and also help people with ankle sprains reduce their pain and improve their function.
Cervicogenic headache occurs commonly when people have a concussion and can have a significant negative impact on quality of life and function. Conservative manual therapy, including massage therapy, is an effective way to decrease the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches. Non-pharmacological interventions like massage therapy, exercise and pain education are effective options for both managing the pain of chronic cervicogenic headaches and improving the health-related quality of life for people with that condition.
- Don’t Let the Chill Keep you Sedentary
When it’s colder outside, you may be less active than you’re otherwise be. You might prefer to stay in your cozy house where it’s nice and warm. When you’re not very active, meaning you’re mostly sedentary, your risk of developing back pain goes up. Regular physical activity can help reduce pain, particularly chronic pain as well as improve function for people with a variety of chronic conditions that lead to chronic pain. When people are sedentary it can also be more difficult to recover from surgery or from injury.
Chronic back pain is one of the most common conditions in Canada, and massage therapy can help people with chronic pain reduce their pain frequency and intensity, especially when combined with recommended exercises. Massage therapy can also help people with fibromyalgia reduce their pain frequency and intensity.
Massage therapy, especially when including recommended exercises can help people reduce their post-surgical pain as well as help them improve their overall quality of life. Massage therapy can also help people relievetheir symptoms of anxiety before and after surgery. After joint surgeries, massage therapy can also help improve range of motion. These massage interventions, when combined with exercise recommended by an RMT, are often more effective.
Conclusion
There are a lot of things to love about fall. The crisper temperatures can be a nice change and many people enjoy the colours, the foods, the sights and the fashion. However, many people lose the motivation for movement as the temperature gets colder and can find the cold has a negative impact on their already existing pain. Seasonally specific things like raking leaves, or even just wet leaves on the ground can pose a potential physical hazard. Like many seasons, fall has a lot to enjoy but also a lot of potential downsides. Massage therapy can make sure you have a great fall without any pain.
References
Ali A, Rosenberger L, Weiss TR, Milak C, Perlman AI. Massage Therapy and Quality of Life in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Qualitative Study. Pain Med. 2017 Jun 1;18(6):1168-1175. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw217. PMID: 27590465; PMCID: PMC6279287.
Ambrose KR, Golightly YM. Physical exercise as non-pharmacological treatment of chronic pain: Why and when. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015 Feb;29(1):120-30. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2015.04.022. Epub 2015 May 23. PMID: 26267006; PMCID: PMC4534717.
Azzouzi H, Ichchou L. Seasonal and Weather Effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Myth or Reality? Pain Res Manag. 2020 Sep 7;2020:5763080. doi: 10.1155/2020/5763080. PMID: 32963656; PMCID: PMC7492902.
Baradaran Mahdavi S, Riahi R, Vahdatpour B, Kelishadi R. Association between sedentary behavior and low back pain; A systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promot Perspect. 2021 Dec 19;11(4):393-410. doi: 10.34172/hpp.2021.50. PMID: 35079583; PMCID: PMC8767074.
Braun LA, Stanguts C, Casanelia L, Spitzer O, Paul E, Vardaxis NJ, Rosenfeldt F. Massage therapy for cardiac surgery patients--a randomized trial. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2012 Dec;144(6):1453-9
Busato M, Quagliati C, Magri L, Filippi A, Sanna A, Branchini M, Marchand AM, Stecco A. Fascial Manipulation Associated With Standard Care Compared to Only Standard Postsurgical Care for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial. PM R. 2016 Dec;8(12):1142-1150.
Camarinos, J., & Marinko, L. (2009). Effectiveness of manual physical therapy for painful shoulder conditions: a systematic review. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 17(4), 206–215.
Casazza BA. Diagnosis and treatment of acute low back pain. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Feb 15;85(4):343-50. PMID: 22335313.
Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Granero-Molina J, Aguilera-Manrique G, Quesada-Rubio JM, Moreno-Lorenza C. Benefits of massage-myofascial release therapy on pain, anxiety, quality of sleep, depression, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2011, 561753. doi: 10.1155/2011/561753.
Chang WR, Leclercq S, Lockhart TE, Haslam R. State of science: occupational slips, trips and falls on the same level. Ergonomics. 2016 Jul;59(7):861-83. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2016.1157214. Epub 2016 Mar 30. PMID: 26903401; PMCID: PMC5078727.
Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, Wellman R, Cook AJ, Johnson E, Erro J, Delaney K, Deyo RA. A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Jul 5; 155(1):1-9.
Dorleijn DMJ, Luijsterburg PAJ, Burdorf A, Rozendaal RM, Verhaar JAN, Bos PK, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA. Associations between weather conditions and clinical symptoms in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a 2-year cohort study. Pain. 2014 Apr;155(4):808-813. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.01.018. Epub 2014 Jan 22. PMID: 24462921.
Ellis, M. J., Leddy, J., & Willer, B. (2016). Multi-Disciplinary Management of Athletes with Post-Concussion Syndrome: An Evolving Pathophysiological Approach. Frontiers in neurology, 7, 136.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., Florencio, L. L., Plaza-Manzano, G., & Arias-Buría, J. L. (2020). Clinical Reasoning Behind Non-Pharmacological Interventions for the Management of Headaches: A Narrative Literature Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(11), 4126.
Hanna F, Daas RN, El-Shareif TJ, Al-Marridi HH, Al-Rojoub ZM, Adegboye OA. The Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior, Back Pain, and Psychosocial Correlates Among University Employees. Front Public Health. 2019 Apr 9;7:80. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00080. PMID: 31024881; PMCID: PMC6465323.
Helly KL, Bain KA, Gribble PA, Hoch MC. The Effect of Plantar Massage on Static Postural Control in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically Appraised Topic. J Sport Rehabil. 2020 Oct 7;30(3):507-511. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2020-0092. PMID: 33027760.
Li Z, Bauer B, Aaberg M, Pool S, Van Rooy K, Schroeder D, Finney R. Benefits of hand massage on anxiety in preoperative outpatient: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-tests. Explore (NY). 2020 Sep 2:S1550-8307(20)30302-5.
Lim MC, Awang Lukman K, Giloi N, Lim JF, Salleh H, Radzran AS, Jeffree MS, Syed Abdul Rahim SS. Landscaping Work: Work-related Musculoskeletal Problems and Ergonomic Risk Factors. Risk Manag Healthc Policy. 2021 Aug 17;14:3411-3421. doi: 10.2147/RMHP.S314843. PMID: 34429672; PMCID: PMC8380128.
Lebert R, Noy M, Purves E, Tibbett J. Massage Therapy: A Person-Centred Approach to Chronic Pain. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2022 Sep 1;15(3):27-34. doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v15i3.713. PMID: 36061225; PMCID: PMC9401086.
Lebert R, Noy M, Purves E, Tibbett J. Massage Therapy: A Person-Centred Approach to Chronic Pain. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2022 Sep 1;15(3):27-34. doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v15i3.713. PMID: 36061225; PMCID: PMC9401086.
Massingill, J., Jorgensen, C., Dolata, J., & Sehgal, A. R. (2018). Myofascial Massage for Chronic Pain and Decreased Upper Extremity Mobility After Breast Cancer Surgery. International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork, 11(3), 4–9.
McAlindon T, Formica M, Schmid CH, Fletcher J. Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain. Am J Med. 2007 May;120(5):429-34. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.036. PMID: 17466654.
McKeon, P. O., & Wikstrom, E. A. (2016). Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies for Chronic Ankle Instability. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 48(5), 776–784.
Park, J., Shim, J., Kim, S., Namgung, S., Ku, I., Cho, M., Lee, H., & Roh, H. (2017). Application of massage for ankle joint flexibility and balance. Journal of physical therapy science, 29(5), 789–792.
Perlman A, Fogerite SG, Glass O, Bechard E, Ali A, Njike VY, Pieper C, Dmitrieva NO, Luciano A, Rosenberger L, Keever T, Milak C, Finkelstein EA, Mahon G, Campanile G, Cotter A, Katz DL. Efficacy and Safety of Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a Randomized Clinical Trial. J Gen Intern Med. 2019 Mar;34(3):379-386. doi: 10.1007/s11606-018-4763-5. Epub 2018 Dec 12. PMID: 30543021; PMCID: PMC6420526.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians, Denberg TD, Barry MJ, Boyd C, Chow RD, Fitterman N, Harris RP, Humphrey LL, Vijan S. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28192789.
Sharma, S., Ghrouz, A. K., Hussain, M. E., Sharma, S., Aldabbas, M., & Ansari, S. (2021). Progressive Resistance Exercises plus Manual Therapy Is Effective in Improving Isometric Strength in Overhead Athletes with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial. BioMed research international, 2021, 9945775.
Teasell, R. W., McClure, J. A., Walton, D., Pretty, J., Salter, K., Meyer, M., Sequeira, K., & Death, B. (2010). A research synthesis of therapeutic interventions for whiplash-associated disorder (WAD): part 2 - interventions for acute WAD. Pain research & management, 15(5), 295–304.
Tsao, JCI. Effectiveness of massage therapy for chronic, non-malignant pain: A review. Evid Based Complement Altern Med. 2007 Jun; 4(2):165–179.
Wasserman JB, Copeland M, Upp M, Abraham K. "Effect of soft tissue mobilization techniques on adhesion-related pain and function in the abdomen: A systemic review." J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019 Apr;23(2):262-269
Wikstrom, E. A., & McKeon, P. O. (2017). Predicting Manual Therapy Treatment Success in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability: Improving Self-Reported Function. Journal of athletic training, 52(4), 325–331.
Yeun YR. Effectiveness of massage therapy for shoulder pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017 May;29(5):936-940. doi: 10.1589/jpts.29.936. Epub 2017 May 16. PMID: 28603376; PMCID: PMC5462703.
Yimer BB, Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, Lunt M, Pisaniello HL, House T, Sergeant JC, McBeth J, Dixon WG. Heterogeneity in the association between weather and pain severity among patients with chronic pain: a Bayesian multilevel regression analysis. Pain Rep. 2022 Jan 12;7(1):e963. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000963. PMID: 35047712; PMCID: PMC8759613.