Healing begins as damaged tissue is replaced by collagen, perhaps better known as scar tissue. This is an inflexible substance which needs correct and careful treatment before a full return to sport is possible. For the first 48 to 72 hours following injury, an ice pack should be applied for 10 to 12 minutes every 2 waking hours. Medisport Instant Ice Packs are ideal for this purpose. In order to reduce further the amount of blood flowing to the injured area, elevation and compression are recommended using a tubular bandage or an elasticated support.
Rest can prevent further trauma to the damaged site.
Braces, supports and strapping can help to protect low grade injuries while undertaking normal daily activities. They can also protect and support Grade 3 strains but should only be used under medical supervision. Very light massage after initial bleeding has ceased, using any form of oil to prevent skin abrasion, can improve the function of forming scar tissue, cut healing time and reduce the possibility of injury recurrence. Careful stretching can improve the function of scar tissue as it forms, but this only applies to muscles and tendons, NOT ligaments which benefit from massage only. Vitamin C, taken at the time of an injury, can help promote healing.