Post-traumatic rehabilitation

Treatment immediately after surgery, or after any kind of tissue damage, includes rehabilitation that restores all the mechanisms found in healthy tissue. Post-traumatic rehabilitation of soft or mineralised tissues, such as cartilage and bone, requires rest to prevent further tissue damage. The haematoma that forms must be kept to a minimum and used as the core of new healthy tissue. New tissue forms precisely from the injured and swollen tissue, and it is exactly these complex mechanisms and processes that rehabilitation deals with. Tissue healing initially requires rest, immobilisation, cooling, reduction of oedema and, where appropriate, gentle compression. This method is known as RICE, but it should not be taken literally, for a number of reasons – above all because each of its elements can bring both benefits and complications. It is good rehabilitation care that prevents all the potential health risks that can arise in this initial, early phase of rehabilitation. Consult your doctor if you notice any changes or have any questions during rehabilitation.