Emergency Management of Soft-Tissue Injuries

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Video Runtime: 71 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 44 Minutes

For physical therapists, soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains are nothing new; however, lacerations, punctures, and traumatic amputations that are sometimes seen during on-field coverage of sporting events may require quick and effective decision-making in order to keep the athlete safe from more emergent conditions. In this course, sports medicine practitioners Katie and Todd will discuss the most common soft-tissue injuries, their typical courses of treatment, and return-to-play considerations. In addition, a thorough lab demonstration on bleeding control and care of open wounds will be provided to assist the sports physical therapist in both preventing and managing shock.

Meet your instructor

Katie Whetstone

Dr. Katie Whetstone is a board-certified clinical specialist in the area of sports physical therapy and a full-time faculty member at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. Katie has a Bachelor of Science degree in the area of exercise science as well as a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She also completed…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Introduction to Soft-Tissue Injuries

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the most common soft-tissue injuries seen in sport, including both closed and open wounds.

2. Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common orthopedic injuries seen in athletes, both inside of the clinic and on the sidelines. This chapter will review the soft tissue’s response to injury as well as healing timelines for common sprains and strains.

3. Acute and Emergency Response to Soft-Tissue Injuries

The sports physical therapist has an obligation to respond quickly to soft-tissue and bleeding injuries in order to avoid further damage or significant loss of blood that could result in death. In this lab-based chapter, the sports medicine team of Katie Whetstone and Todd Arnold will show viewers how to respond appropriately in the case of significant soft-tissue injury, including the use of a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding.

4. Shock

In this chapter, Katie Whetstone delves into a life-threatening condition: shock. This chapter covers the types and causes of shock and relates each type of shock to athletic conditions. Different signs and symptoms of shock are discussed, and the important steps for treatment of shock are detailed.

5. Soft-Tissue Question and Answer

Todd and Katie share their experiences with open and closed soft-tissue injuries in this question and answer session on emergency management of soft-tissue injuries.

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