Muscle and soft tissue injuries are common among athletes from novice to professional, and the myofascial system plays an important role in the healing process. The myofascia provides support for muscle fibers and transmits mechanical signals between muscles and tendons. Real-time sonoelastography give us accurate information about the state of soft tissues, the progression of muscle healing, local muscle elasticity, and the stages of the myofascia repair process.
The myofascia, sometimes referred to as the “skeleton” of muscle fibers, forms a 3D network of dense tissue that surrounds and connects the musculoskeletal system.
Myofascia consists of three distinct layers of connective tissue:
- The epimysium covers the surface of muscles
- The perimysium is made up of fascicles beneath the epimysium
- The endomysium divides fascicles into muscle fibers
Injuries occur not just to muscle fibers, but also to myofascia at the endomysium, perimysium and epimysium levels. When myofascia is injured, myogenic satellite cells fuse with healthy muscle cells to repair injured tissues and stimulate the growth of muscle fibers.
Soft tissues like muscles, subcutaneous fat and connective tissues have varying amounts of elasticity, or deformability, which is determined by the tissues’ composition and structure. Ultrasound imaging provides a safe, inexpensive and convenient way to view soft tissues in real time, with the patient in motion. Sonoelastography (SEL) works in conjunction with ultrasound imaging to assess the mechanical and elastic properties of soft tissues.
Soft tissue elasticity is expressed as a ratio of stress to strain. Injured tissues are typically harder and less elastic than normal healthy tissues. Soft tissue elasticity can be altered by tendinopathies, neuromuscular disorders and during the various stages of wound healing. SEL allows practitioners to assess muscle injuries based on elasticity, and gauge the progression of healing throughout the course of treatment.
Sonoelastography (SEL) can help us detect subtle changes in the mechanical properties of muscles, tendons, fascia and nerves in the early phases of injury. Early detection helps practitioners devise the most effective rehab strategies. SEL helps us monitor treatment progress and healing, enhance rehab protocols, eliminate pain, restore function, speed recovery and improve performance. With SEL, we can quantify muscle, tendon and nerve stiffness, giving us important data about the state of an injury and its healing progress.
Being able to quantify tissue properties has important repercussions for return to sport and injury prevention. Returning to the playing field prematurely after an injury dramatically increases an athlete’s risk of re-injury. Rather than basing rehabilitation progression and return to play on an arbitrary timeline, we are able to assess each injury and each athlete on a case by case basis.
There is no question that technology is making a profound impact on athletic performance. The ability to gather quantitative data on an individual athlete and apply it to training and rehab helps us build stronger athletes with more precise skills execution and lower risk of injury.
At NYPDNRehab, we have the latest and most sophisticated technologies at our disposal. Our unique technological toolkit includes:
- KINEO intelligent load system
- 3D running gait analysis
- Research grade high resolution ultrasonography
- C.A.R.E.N computer assisted rehabilitation environment
- ESWT shock wave therapy
- Motion capture video system
- Dual force plate technology
- Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill
- Customized integrated software
Whether you have acute or repetitive overuse injuries, are recovering from surgery, suffer from chronic muscle or joint pain, or simply want to gain a competitive edge, the sports medicine team at NYDNRehab will help you optimize your musculoskeletal system and reach your peak performance potential.
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