A contusion, also known as a bruise, occurs when a direct blow or trauma damages blood vessels underneath the skin’s surface. The pooling of blood results in visible discoloration, pain, and swelling. Although most contusions are not severe, some can be painful and disruptive, necessitating speedy recovery. In this blog post, we will compare two medical approaches to contusion healing: chiropractic care and physiotherapy, to guide you on how to settle on the treatment that best suits your needs.
Chiropractic care is a type of complementary medicine that deals with musculoskeletal conditions and how they affect the nervous system to promote the human body’s natural healing ability. Chiropractors manipulate the spine to alleviate pain and stiffness. Research has shown that chiropractic care can speed up the recovery process by reducing inflammation, promoting blood flow, and decreasing pain. The chiropractor’s techniques include manual therapy and instrument-assisted therapy, which involve hands-on methods to eliminate joint restrictions. A chiropractor can also recommend exercises, nutritional advice, and lifestyle modifications to avoid aggravating the injury.
On the other hand, physiotherapy is a type of medical treatment that emphasizes musculoskeletal rehabilitation to alleviate physical impairments. Physiotherapists prescribe targeted exercises to improve strength, mobility, and flexibility. They also integrate massage therapy, electrotherapy, and heat therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Physiotherapy aims to prevent future recurrences of the injury through education and training. Physiotherapy sessions usually concentrate on range of motion, balance, flexibility, and strength training.
When deciding whether to use chiropractic care or physiotherapy, several factors come into play. Your preference, the severity of the contusion, and the type of contusion are all considerations. It’s vital to seek medical advice from a qualified health practitioner who can assess your injury’s extent and guide you on the appropriate course of action.
Additionally, if the contusion is severe or has caused severe pain, it’s essential to follow the R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) protocol to reduce swelling and pain. The R.I.C.E protocol can assist in promoting healing and preventing complications. If the injury starts to improve, incorporating chiropractic care or physiotherapy can speed up healing and accelerate the rate of full recovery.
To conclude, contusions, while typically not severe, may cause inconvenience and discomfort. Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are two effective yet distinct methods of healing contusions. While chiropractic care focuses on promoting the body’s natural healing processes, physiotherapy is centered on enhancing mobility, strength, and flexibility. Both approaches are effective, but the decision to use one over the other should be made in consultation with a health professional. Whichever treatment option you pick, ensure you give yourself adequate time to rest and recover. With proper medical management and the appropriate therapy, you can expect to be back to normal in no time!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
