Ligament and tendon injuries are common, especially for athletes and seniors. The good news is that they're quite treatable: Depending on your case, the doctor may advise the R.I.C.E method, over-the-counter meds, physical therapy, or surgery. The healing process can also be accelerated through devices such as braces, CPM machines, and cold therapy devices. 

Let's discuss why your ligaments and tendons matter, plus some common recovery devices and how to use them. 

Ligaments and Tendons

Ligaments and tendons are both types of connective tissue: Ligaments join bones to other bones, while tendons join bones to muscles. They can stretch or tear easily, causing pain, swelling, or reduced movement. A severe injury can even prevent you from pursuing normal activities like walking or gripping everyday objects. 

Because tendons and ligaments don't receive as much blood flow as other parts of the body, they take longer to heal, which is why it's important to follow doctors' and physical therapists' instructions for recovery devices. 

Brace

An orthopedic brace supports and protects injured areas such as the knee, back, ankle, wrist, shoulder, or elbow. Depending on the injury, your brace may be composed of soft, flexible fabric or rigid plastic and metal. 

A brace aids the healing process in several ways: 

Limiting movement: Ligaments and tendons naturally want to stretch, which can reinforce the tear or injury. The brace keeps your ligaments and tendons from overexerting, giving them time to actually heal.

Compression: Some braces put mild pressure on the injury, which reduces the fluid buildup that leads to pain and swelling. This pressure also stabilizes the muscles and supports blood flow.

Balance: The brace's contact constantly sends feedback to your brain, which reminds it to stimulate your injured muscles. This also increases your sense of balance during the healing process. 

Support: A brace usually allows you to put some weight and movement on the injured area. This isn't just convenient: It prevents you from letting the ligament or tendon overrest, which can lead to stiff or weak tissue. 

CPM Machine

A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine gently moves your injured joint at a programmed speed and range. Depending on the injury, your doctor may recommend using the CPM for anywhere from twenty minutes to eight hours a day. This controlled movement helps to reduce swelling, improve bloodflow, and prevent stiffness and scar tissue.

While a CPM can't replace physical therapy, doctors and physical therapists often prescribe it as a complement. 

Cold Therapy Device

A cold therapy device keeps ice water moving through a pad wrapped around your injury. Like an ice pack, it's a drug-free way to reduce pain and swelling. Unlike an ice pack, it is extremely reliable, penetrates deep tissue, and can even compress the injury. 

Using Recovery Devices

Tendon and ligament injuries are no joke – a severe tear can permanently limit your movements. That's why every tool in your healing chest matters, from simple rest to physical therapy. If a doctor prescribes a brace, CPM, or cold therapy device, always follow their recommended settings. And remember that while these devices do speed the healing process, using them consistently is ultimately up to you. 

Learn more about the medcom group’s Joint Commission-approved braces, CPMs, and cold therapy devices.