Abdominal Injuries

Classification of the Injury

Abdominal Trauma: An injury that occurs around the abdominal area and may include the damaging of abdominal organs.
Blunt Trauma: An injury caused by the force of an action toward the body. No penetration of the skin
Penetrating Trauma: Occurs when an object impales the body cutting the skin and creating an open wound on the body. Can cause damage to internal
abdominal organs
Anatomy
The Abdomen is the trunk of the human body
The Abdomen protects the vital organs underneath, aids in letting the body bend at the waist, and helps to provide a structure for the spine
The major muscles that make up the Abdomen are: Latissimus Dorsi, External Obliques, and Rectus abdominis
The major organs that are located around abdominal area are: Small and Large Intestines, Stomach, Liver, Kidneys, Gallbladder, Pancreas,
The major bones that help make up the Abdomen are: Ribcage, Lumbar spine (Vertebrae), and sacrum
Signs and Symptoms of Injury
Swelling: Occurs instantly or over time, Heat: increased temperature in area of injury, Altered: Tissue does not function properly, Red: in color, Painful: to
move that part of the body
First Aid
Call for professional help
Put the person into a comfortable position on their back or uninjured side with their legs bent
Any clothing around the injury must be removed
Locate were the entry wound is located and the exit wound (if any)
If any organs have fallen out of the abdomen because of the injury do not attempt to put in back leave that to professional help
Do not give them anything to ingest
Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation/Healing
What type of treatment does the patient go through?
Pressure, Ice, Elevation, Restriction,
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Strength training exercises
Massages
What happens during a typical rehabilitation program?
Ultrasound and laser treatment
Exercises that strength that core of the abdomen
Massages
Cortical steroid shot
Surgery
Whats happens during the healing of the abdomen?
Inflammatory response phase
Fibroblastic repair phase
Maturation-remodeling phase
What can help catalyze the healing process of abdominal injuries?
Tapping
Massage , medication Medication