How to Wrap Acute Soft Tissue Injuries

While it is not uncommon to see pro athletes play through the pain, ignoring a sprain or other acute soft tissue injury can create major joint problems later.

Sprains, strains and muscle tears are all acute soft tissue injuries. They are seldom life-threatening, but if treated incorrectly they can jeopardize a sports career or cause chronic problems for years after the original injury. Most acute soft tissue injuries do not truly begin to heal until after they have completed a "swelling phase." This phase can be abbreviated by proper wrapping and care of the injury immediately following the accident.

Things You'll Need

• Two elastic sports bandages
• Metal fasteners
• Ice pack

Instructions

1. Elevate the injured limb. As soon as you detect the injury, stop any activity and elevate the injured area of the body. This will help prevent swelling while you wrap the injury.

2. 

   Wrap the injured area in an elastic sports bandage. Use a circular wrapping motion to encase the injured area. If it includes a joint, make sure that the wrapping is not so tight that it causes the joint to lock, but it should be tight enough to prevent movement and flexing.

3. Fasten the wrap. Secure the end of the wrap by tying off the tail, tucking the end under the tight portion of the wrap or using metal grips to prevent the wrap from coming undone.

4. Check for circulation. Once you have secured the wrap, make sure that it is not so tight that it prevents circulation. You should be able to insert a finger under the bandage. Your limb should not tingle or feel numb. If it does, remove the wrap and start over using slightly looser circles.

5. 

   Add ice. Place an ice bag over the wrapped injury and secure it with additional bandages. Leave the ice pack on the injury for 10 to 20 minutes.

6. 

   Rewrap for stability. Once you have removed the ice pack, use the extra bandage as an outer wrapping for extra support for the injured limb.

Tips & Warnings

• An acute soft tissue injury can lead to chronic pain and recurring joint problems if not properly treated. Consult a physician if you experience this type of injury.