In physiotherapy, injuries are understood as damage to the musculoskeletal system that can arise from external influences (exogenous) or overload (endogenous). This includes injuries to bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The most common injuries treated in physiotherapy are:
- Sprains and bruises
- Bone fractures
- Dislocations (luxations)
- Tendon, ligament and muscle injuries
Depending on the severity of the injury and the tissue affected, a distinction is made between mild, moderate and severe injuries. Mild injuries lead to a downtime of up to one week, moderate injuries to 1-4 weeks, and severe injuries to more than 4 weeks.
The goal of physiotherapy is to start treatment early in order to reduce swelling and pain, support wound healing and restore function. Various methods are used, such as lymphatic drainage, electrotherapy, manual therapy and movement exercises.
Later on, the focus shifts to restoring strength, coordination and endurance and building up sport-specific load tolerance. In severe injuries, the physiotherapist works closely with physicians and other therapists such as occupational therapists to ensure optimal care.
Overall, physiotherapists play an important role in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Through targeted measures, they help avoid secondary damage, support healing and enable the return to everyday life and sport.