There are many people get injuries that occur during participation in physical activities. Prompt attention is the best course of action for athletic injuries. Ice applied immediately to suspected musculoskeletal injuries and fractures helps to reduce swelling and pain.

Suspected fractures should be immobilized; suspected injuries to the spine require expert medical attention even at the first aid stage of care. Most sprains and strains heal without intervention to moderate function within three to six weeks and full function within 12 weeks.

Serious musculoskeletal injuries or those that don’t heal within 12 weeks might benefit from physical therapy or massage therapy. Warm baths are soothing and help injured muscles and joints to relax. Ice or heat applied to the injury, whichever gives the greater relief, also helps. Rehabilitative therapy, including extensive physical therapy, often is necessary for extensive or severe injuries, or for injuries that require surgical repair.