Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation

Catalog description

This course is designed to provide an overview of common musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation for pre-allied health and fitness professionals. KINES 411 Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injury and Rehabilitation (3) This course is designed to provide an overview of basic orthopaedic injuries and related musculoskeletal system dysfunctions as well as rehabilitation of those injuries and dysfunctions. Common orthopaedic injuries of all major musculoskeletal structures and tissues are discussed moving up the kinetic chain from the feet up the lower extremities, through the spine and out the upper extremities to the hands. Common injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, tendinopathies, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, compartment syndromes, neural compression, carpal tunnel syndrome and thoracic outlet syndrome will be discussed. Anatomy and function of each body region will be reviewed prior to the discussion of injuries. Mechanisms of injury, tissue pathology and the tissue healing processes are reviewed. The role of inflammation in the healing of injured tissues will be explored and the variations in healing processes between tissues explained. Common surgical procedures for major injuries like anterior cruciate ligament tears will be presented. A general rehabilitation process is discussed and rehabilitation concepts unique to specific injuries are explored. Basic principles of the major components of a rehabilitation program are explained. These major components include the protection of healing tissue, pain control, swelling resolution, restoration of range of motion, facilitation of volitional control, enhancement of muscular strength and endurance, improvement of neuromuscular control, training of functional movement patterns and return to functional activities. The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method of treating pain and limiting swelling will be presented. Manual therapy, stretching and exercise activities used to regain range of motion will be explained. Exercises used to improve muscular strength and endurance will be discussed for each region of the body. Methods of facilitating balance and neuromuscular control will be demonstrated. Finally, the benefits of functional exercise in terms of three-dimensional exercise requiring the use of groups of synergistic muscles in a coordinated manner will be presented. In addition, return to sport programs that gradually reintroduce the patient to the real life stresses placed on their injured body part will be explained. Prioritization of addressing the different components of a rehabilitation plan will be discussed and differences between surgical and non-surgical rehabilitation plans presented. Criteria used to make return to play decisions for injured athletes will also be outlined. Modifications of common exercises to accommodate for injuries and allow continued participation in exercise routines will be presented. This course is appropriate for pre-allied health professionals and fitness professionals with an interest in orthopaedic injuries, musculoskeletal system rehabilitation and the construction of exercise programs that prevent, or accommodate for, musculoskeletal problems.