First Aid: A Key Component of Effective Recovery

A healthy lifestyle is built on several good habits, one of which is regular exercise. Since the pandemic, sports have gained popularity across various groups. From running and golf to cycling and tennis, all have attracted a new wave of enthusiasts.

Besides focusing on exercise movements, it’s also crucial to consider injury risk factors. Sports injuries can be caused by both external and internal factors. External factors include uneven or slippery surfaces. Internal factors, which are often more significant, include inadequate warm-ups and cool-downs, exercising when tired, overly intense training programs, and unresolved previous injuries. Many of these risks can be avoided.

First Aid for Sport Injuries

The most important thing to remember is to avoid traditional massage therapy when a sports injury occurs. During an injury, the body's tissues are damaged, inflamed, or wounded. Massaging or pressing the area can actually worsen the injury.

Sports injuries are classified into four levels, each requiring different treatments:

1. First-degree injuries involve pain and muscle strain without swelling or tears.

Treatment: This type of injury can recover with the PRICE method (Protect, Rest, Ice,Compress, Elevate).

2. Second-degree injuries involve small tears.

Movement is still possible but accompanied by pain. Treatment: Use the PRICE method, but if there's no improvement, see a doctor promptly.

3. Third- and fourth-degree injuries involve muscle tears, ligament ruptures, or even broken bones.

Symptoms are usually immediately visible. Treatment: Go to the hospital immediately, as surgery may be required.

When visiting a doctor or the Emergency Unit RS Pondok Indah, patients will undergo the TOTAPS assessment: Talk (to understand how the injury happened), Observe (to check for dislocations, fractures, and other issues), Touch (physical examination), Active Movement (the patient moves the joint themselves), Passive Movement (the doctor moves the patient's joint), and Skill Test (to determine if ligaments or tendons are torn, among other

things).

Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing injuries, especially for athletes. Effective diagnosis and treatment also help maintain the patient’s mental health, which is crucial for recovery.