Using a tree to Describe the best approach to injury management
Injuries can occur in one of two ways.
Acutely, through traumatic events such as during a game of sport or motor vehicle accidents, or
Chronically, which develops over time.
Whether an injury is acute or chronic the approach for most people would generally be to assess and address the symptoms that are presented at that point of time. We know from experience that this approach does not work for the majority of injuries, especially those chronic in nature.
There are 3 areas to any injury or condition:
The symptoms
The problem
The underlying root cause
Lets look at the injury management tree and how we can use this to describe the above areas.
The Branches and Leaves – The Symptoms
A Client will nearly always present in a way that only describes their symptoms. What they are, where they are located and when they first started noticing them. These are the branches and leaves of a tree. Symptoms can appear differently in each client and can be varying in intensity, and frequency. just like how the leaves of one tree differ in size, colour and amount compared to another tree.
Through treatment we can address the symptoms just like pulling the leaves off a tree or trimming back the branches, this may help the client short term whilst the symptoms are gone however by doing such, we leave behind the problem (the trunk) and the root cause (the roots). This leaves a high probability of the symptoms returning or new symptoms developing.
The Trunk – The Core Problem
This is the symptoms base of support. All symptoms are created and come from the core problem. As the problem grows, the bigger it becomes and the more symptoms it creates.
Through treatment we can address the Problem just like cutting down a tree. It will be harder to do this but with the right tools, addressing the problem will also address the associated symptoms. This may result in longer term relief whilst they are gone, unfortunately by doing such, we leave behind the underlying root cause and there is a modest chance a new problem and symptoms develop over time.
The Hidden Roots – The Root Cause
These are the hidden feeding tubes of the problem, out of sight, covered up by lots of dirt, and often forgotten or disregarded. The root cause gathers all the nutrients and energy the problem needs to grow. The longer they collect nutrients, the bigger the problem gets and more roots are formed in order to feed the problem.
Through treatment we can get address the root cause by digging deeper with the client, understanding the problem in more detail, sifting through the dirt covering them up, and this will help understand how to eliminate the problem and the symptoms at the same time. This significantly reduces the probability of the same problem reoccurring.
So how should we be approaching injury management with clients?
1. Understand the Client’s symptoms and how they present in front of you. Provide strategies and techniques to best manage the presenting symptoms.
2. Understand how the Client’s symptoms are a problem for them, what are the symptoms prohibiting them from doing, or achieving what it is they want. Provide strategies and suggestions to best move them towards what it is they want to achieve.
3. Understand the underlying root cause of the client’s problem. What actions, behaviours or factors are feeding the problem. Provide strategies and techniques to best address and manage the identified root cause.
4. Refer on to other health professionals if addressing the root cause outside of your scope of practice and/or training.
