KIGALI HEALTH INSTITUTEFACULTY OF ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCESDENTAL DEPARTMENTLEVEL2

Group work: Management of soft tissue injury

Done by:• AHSL2/o6/ 0486• AHSL2/o6/0279• AHSL2/o6/0488• AHSL2/o6/0168• AHSL2/o6/0105• AHSL2/o6/0654• AHSL2/o6/0573• AHSL2/o6/0277• AHSL2/o6/0888

Soft tissue injury• A Soft tissue injury (STI) is the damage of muscles,

ligaments and tendons throughout the body. • Common soft tissue injuries usually occur from a

sprain, strain, contusion or overuse of a particular part of the body.

• Soft tissue injuries can result in pain, swelling, bruising and loss of function

Soft Tissue Injury Management

• Immediately after the injury occurs to minimize the local tissue damage and reduce inflammation is the first essential thing to do.

• This is done by applying the PRICER principle

Aims of management of soft tissue injuries are to:

• Minimise tissue damage • Minimise inflammation • Prevent further tissue damage • Early and efficient removal of blood clot and tissue swelling • Minimised scarring of damaged tissue regain full function

before returning to play. • Enable the doctor or physiotherapist to make an early

diagnosis because the swelling is less. • Reduce rehabilitation time allow early and complete return

to sport.

• ’PROTECTION’ Protect the individual from further injury by preventing them from moving and keep further hazards away from the individual.

• ‘REST’ Rest the individual from any activity that causes pain. If simple movements such as bending, straightening or walking are causing pain ‘’rest’’ means immobilizing the injury by splinting or preventing weight bearing with crutches. If walking does not cause any pain, continue to walk for short distances as comfort allows.

• ’ICE’ During the first 72 hours following an injury ice can help minimize pain and control swelling caused by bleeding and fluid loss from the injured tissue. Icing is recommended for 15minutes every 4 hours to help control the swelling and pain.

• ‘COMPRESSION’ Compression is the application of pressure over the injured area with the use of a bandage, elastic wrap or compression tape. This is to control the initial bleeding of joint or limb tissues, or to reduce residual swelling .

‘ELEVATION’ Used in combination with ice and

compression, elevation can also minimize initial tissue bleeding and swelling. Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart as much as possible for the first 72hours, or longer of the swelling persists.

Referal: refer to an appropriate health care professional for definitive diagnosis and continuing management.

Bleeding gums tissues • Gums are pinky and spongy structures, essential for

holding and protecting the teeth. They adhere to the teeth very closely to prevent entry or spreading of the infection inside, to the root of the teeth or jaw bone.

Causes:• Bacterial, • viral or • fungal infections• Injury due to teeth extraction• Brushing too hard• Dentures that don't fit

Management of gum bleeding

• Apply pressure using a gauze pad soaked in ice-pack • Mouth rinse: Pinch of salt in lukewarm water • Rinse twice a day to reduce swelling • Consult a dentist if bleeding continues • Avoid aspirin intake • Massage gums regularly • Reline poorly fitted dentures • Take vitamin supplements if necessary

Management of bleeding to the tongue.

• The tongue is a frequently cut and injured organ because of the risk of the teeth inadvertently biting it.

• Tongue cuts typically bleed a lot because there are a lot of blood vessels in the tongue.

Management of tongue bleeding.Step 1• Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide or another

antiseptic. This step is important to prevent infection, which can lead to serious complications. Swish the antiseptic around in your mouth for a few seconds and then spit out. Then repeat with water to make sure that you do not swallow the antiseptic.

Step 2• Apply a cold compress to the cut area. For small tongue cuts,

wrapping a few ice cubes in a paper towel will work as a cold compress. Apply steady but firm pressure for five minutes. This cold compress will help slow blood flow and speed coagulation.

Step 3• Apply gentle but steady pressure for 15 to 20

minutes to the affected area, using a clean piece of gauze.

Step 4• If this does not stop the bleeding, go to an

emergency room or urgent care center, as you may need stitches.

We wish you all the best and May The

Almighty GOD bless all of you