 the male dancer
written by DancingDoc             on 09.08. at 23:36:58 - as answer to: Time off for sprains / minor injuries? by >Does anyone have any rough idea how long it takes for something like a tendon to fix completely after the pain's subsided? (I'd like to go straight back to classes, but I don't want to risk re-spraining it.)>A. Anthony...these are tough questions! I don't give individual medical advice on the web, but I can give you some generalities. You should always see your own physician following an injury. Following an injury in any athletic endeavour, the patient should avoid the activity or sport until healing occurs. An alternative activity that does not stress the injured part or cause pain should be encouraged. This is to prevent the loss of fitness. In Sports Medicine, it is considered that every week of rest usually requires two or more weeks of exercise to reach preinjury fitness levels. The injured patient should restore flexibility, strength and endurance before returning to full athletic activity. However, the athlete must balance the healing process with the desire to return to full activity. Alternative activity, like swimming or doing exercises in a pool, are very helpful. In cases where there is inflammation of the tendon, tendinitis, local rest (of the injured part), possibly splinting (if appropriate), moist heat and anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Motrin, etc. (Note: Tylenol is good for pain, but does not do much for inflammation.) are a simple program of treatment; however, in some cases tendinitis requires different treatment. Things that are called "strains" or "sprains" can involved damage to the fibers of the tendons, including complete disruption. It is necessary to have a physician evaluate an injury to see if there is actual damage to the tendon fibers. Every dancer should be ready to see their physician for an evaluation, work on alternative exercise that does not stress the injury but helps maintain fitness, and plan a gradual return to dance. Once back, it's generally advised that less intense activity (e.g. a class at a lower level) start first, with avoidance of any activity the causes pain or risks re-injury. For example, if I had Achilles tendinitis, I would slowly return to jumps, etc. that can cause sudden stress on the tendon. Plies, on the other hand, which gently stress the tendon, would be the place to start. And by all means, let you teachers know, and ask them for help in your rehabilitation! Good Luck! DancingDoc Answers to this message:
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