Recovery from an injury is often an overwhelming task; however, a better understanding of the structured approach to rehabilitation can make the journey a lot easier and far more effective. Giovanni is an expert in injury treatment in Fitzroy and, in this blog, describes, in detail, a step-by-step timeline for recovery based on various stages in the rehabilitation process and key focuses and objectives for each phase.
The five stages that make Giovanni an Expert in Injury Treatment in Fitzroy
Disclaimer: We can all encounter different types of injury, and we all have different mindsets and approaches to pain and difficulties. Those five stages are based on an average and most often non-post-surgical presentation. In order to obtain the best results and achieve a full recovery, always talk to Giovanni about your physical presentation and your goals and expectations. Giovanni would be more than happy to guide you throughout the recovery process and explain why the time frame may sometimes vary. Now, let’s start with the recovery journey.
Stage 1: Acute Care (0-72 Hours)
Pain management and no further injury are the goals during the acute phase. Understanding the nature of your injury and the particular healing process involved provides the basis for commencing your rehabilitation. Along the stage 1, is reccomend to follow the P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. protocol, which nowdays took over the P.O.L.I.C.E. one.
P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. Protocol:
- Protection
- Elevation
- Avoidance of painful activities
- Compression
- Education about your condition
and - Load management [gradual introduction of movement]
- Optimal loading
- Vascularization [gentle movements to encourage blood flow]
- Emotion management
Stage 2: Early Rehabilitation (1 Week – 4 Weeks)
In this stage, the goal is to support tissue healing while maintaining as much function as possible. Monitoring pain levels and adjusting activities accordingly is essential. In order to achieve those goals, during those three weeks, we start introducing load for the injured site. Based on the subjectivity of the injury and the individual that we are working with, we adapt the load as necessary. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, we use machines or free weights to deliver these services.
Focus:
- Range of Motion (ROM): Begin gentle movements within pain limits.
- Isometric Exercises: Start low-load isometric exercises to maintain muscle engagement without stressing the injured area.
- Behavior Modification: Learn how to move and use your body to avoid aggravating the injury.
- Basic Pain Science: Understand the pain mechanisms involved in your injury to reduce anxiety and improve coping strategies.
Stage 3: Foundational Movement (4 Weeks – 6 Weeks)
Once the 4-week mark is passed, we are confident that the injured area has partially recovered and is strong enough to take the extra load. That said, this is injury and individual-dependent. What this means is that a muscle tear in 1st or second grade is closer to this time frame than what could be a ligament rupture.
Focus:
- Stability and Motor Control: Incorporate unloaded movements to enhance stability.
- Low-Level Concentric Exercises: Introduce gentle concentric exercises to strengthen muscles.
- Increase Body Awareness: Engage in exercises that improve proprioception and body mechanics.
Stage 4: Resisted Movement (6 Weeks – 12 Weeks)
We now reach the stage where tissue adaptation becomes more pronounced as strength and endurance improve. The emphasis is on safely increasing the load and complexity of movements. It is here where machinery can come in really handy, as it allows to increase the load safely and hold track of the progression made.
Focus:
- Isotonic Strength Through Range: Start incorporating isotonic exercises involving concentric and eccentric movements.
- Strength Endurance: Focus on building muscle endurance to support daily activities.
- Complex Task Demands: Introduce more challenging movements that simulate daily activities or sport-specific tasks.
Stage 5: Load Tolerance and Return to Function (12 Weeks and Beyond)
The final stage is all about transitioning back to normal life and activities, emphasizing performance and injury prevention. By this point, you should feel ready to reintegrate confidently into your regular routines. And what about if this in not your case? That’s where cross refferal with other practitioner is a key stracture of Melbourne Massage and Treatment rehabilitation approach. At the Fitzroy North Clinic Giovanni has the opportunities to work with Psychologist like Dr Mohsen Dehghani who has a strong background and focus on cognitive processing in chronic pain.
Focus:
- Ballistic and Plyometric Exercises: Integrate dynamic movements to prepare for high-demand activities.
- Skill Development: Fine-tune skills necessary for your sport or daily living.
- Return to Play and ADLs Testing: Assess readiness to return to sports or daily activities.
- Lifestyle Management and Injury Prevention: Develop strategies to maintain your health and prevent re-injury.
Expert Injury Treatment in Fitzroy
In conclusion, we all know that recovery from injury can be slow, but at Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Fitzroy North, we clearly define the framework of rehabilitation to assist you in your journey. Every stage of recovery is individualized-from acute care to return to function.
Giovanni is committed to getting you stronger, more mobile, and confident again. From personalized treatment to the ability to coordinate with other professionals, we do our best to make sure you are well-supported during your healing process. Let us be part of your journey to recovery and independence with day-to-day activities. Your path to recovery starts here. Book now your Myotherapy initial consultation or a 15-minute free phone call if you have any further enquire.
FAQ
Q: What is the P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. protocol for injury recovery?
A: The P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. protocol focuses on Protection, Elevation, Avoidance of painful activities, Compression, and Education about your condition. It also includes Load management, Optimal loading, Vascularization through gentle movements, and Emotion management to support recovery.
Q: How long does each stage of the rehabilitation process typically last?
A: The rehabilitation process consists of five stages: Acute Care (0-72 hours), Early Rehabilitation (1 week – 4 weeks), Foundational Movement (4 weeks – 6 weeks), Resisted Movement (6 weeks – 12 weeks), and Load Tolerance and Return to Function (12 weeks and beyond).
Q: What types of exercises are included in the early rehabilitation stage?
A: In the early rehabilitation stage, exercises focus on Range of Motion, Isometric exercises to maintain muscle engagement, and behavior modification to avoid aggravating the injury. Education on basic pain science is also provided as part of our Expert Injury Treatment in Fitzroy.
Q: How does Melbourne Massage and Treatment customize rehabilitation plans?
A: At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, known for Expert Injury Treatment in Fitzroy, rehabilitation plans are tailored to each individual’s injury and needs. Giovanni monitors progress and adjusts exercises based on the patient’s specific condition and recovery goals.
Q: What should I expect during the final stage of recovery?
A: In the final stage, you will focus on transitioning back to normal activities, integrating dynamic movements like ballistic and plyometric exercises, and assessing readiness to return to sports or daily living tasks. Lifestyle management and injury prevention strategies are developed to ensure a successful recovery.
Giovanni La Rocca
Giovanni moved to Melbourne, Australia, from Italy in 2008 and became a citizen in 2017. He started studying massage therapy in 2016, then completed a Bachelor of Health Science in Clinical Myotherapy in August 2024. During those years, he also specialised in Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage for presentations like Lipedema and Lymphoedema. Nowadays, he runs his clinic in Fitzroy North, Melbourne, where he integrates movement therapy into his practice to enhance overall well-being. He also values meditation, having completed several Vipassana courses. Committed to continuous learning, he aims to share his expertise in integrated therapies to help others achieve balance and resilience.