Monday Motivation: Don't Stop Moving
"April showers bring May flowers, right?" Well, someone still needs to plant those flowers! In fact, many of us have started home projects, yardwork, or maybe getting back into that walking or running routine. Has anyone noticed some heel pain? Maybe some tightness in their calf?
It could be caused by achilles tendinopathy - a common overuse injury that occurs between your heel bone and calf muscle. Someone may have told you to "stay off it for a while" or to "put a brace on and try not to move it."
Well, current research is showing this may not be the best option. In fact, after the initial 24-48 hour inflammatory phase, movement might actually be the BEST therapy for your aches and pains.
According to a 2016 study, "Prolonged immobilization should be avoided" (in the treatment of achilles tendinopathy). While bracing and rest during the initial inflammatory response (24-48 hours) is often necessary due to pain, their research suggests movement is actually more beneficial for recovery.
There are other modalities that help speed up achilles tendonitis. A newer technology, Laser Therapy, is especially helpful in reducing the initial inflammatory phase of any new injury.
https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/specialties/medical-specialties/orthopaedic-surgery-sports-medicine/achilles-tendonitis
The same study stated, "Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) may increase collagen production, reduce edema (swelling) , stimulate tenocyte proliferation (increase cellular activity), and preserve the elasticity of the tendon." So, in other words, Laser Therapy may reduce swelling, increase healing time, and get you back to moving your best without pain or restriction!
Have questions on how Laser Therapy can benefit your lifestyle? Reach out to Dr. Vig and he would love to explain to you how this innovative modality is helping patients every day!
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5112330/pdf/BMRI2016-6492597.pdf
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