In what is best described as a freak accident, a Russian ice worker was hit by a bobsled at the Sanki Sliding Center. Center officials sent an empty forerunning sled to make sure the run was in good condition for the athletes. Three workers were on the track at the time. Two of them noticed the oncoming bobsled and got out of harm’s way. The third suffered two broken legs because of the impact. He was using a motorized air blower and may not have heard the announcement of the oncoming bobsled. The worker had surgery on both legs and is currently in stable condition.
The worker can expect a long recovery. One broken leg is a significant injury but two broken legs greatly inhibits the amount of movement possible and extends the recovery time significantly. The worker will most likely be in a wheelchair for at least 12 weeks to give his legs time to heal. When physicians determine an appropriate amount of healing has occurred, he will progress to crutches.
Physical therapy is critical for these types of injuries. Because the immobilization period is substantial, therapy usually starts with strengthening the non-injured areas (upper body and core). Improvements in upper body strength make getting in and out of the wheelchair much easier.
Therapists may recommend lower body muscle contractions to keep the muscle strong and supple. Because scar tissue forms so quickly, range of motion training will be high on the priority list.
The proficient physical therapists at Cross Bay Physical Therapy in Howard Beach are your best resource for recovery and rehabilitation. Cross Bay Physical Therapy offers therapeutic exercises, soft tissue mobilization, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, iontophoresis, mobility aid training, and cardiovascular conditioning.
Accidents are just that – accidents. If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible and enlist Cross Bay Physical Therapy to design an individualized program for optimal recovery and rehabilitation.
By Benjamin Bieber