Occupational therapy can be beneficial in the treatment of sports injuries especially in the upper extremity, for fractures, dislocations, tendon injuries, soft tissue injuries and nerve damage. Largely the occupational therapist is involved in rehabilitation after acute medical management has been done, or after surgery has taken place. The management is as follows:
1. acute care – assessment of the injury, considering surgical or non surgical intervention.
2. treatment – application of thermoplastic or soft splints, oedema and scar management to reduce pain, desensitization therapy and advice to encourage healing;
3. Rehabilitation- progressive management for full return to sport using Range of motion exercises, isolated muscle strengthening and functional use of the hand. Note Conditioning exercises as per sport is not done.
Occupational therapy is an important adjunct to the entire team in any sports injury, despite the sport being played as a leisure pursuit, for schools or professionally.
