Brain Rewiring After an Injury
Introduction
Have you ever wondered why you instinctively limp after injuring your knee? It's not just the pain; your body is actively compensating to avoid further discomfort. This process, known as cortical remapping or brain rewiring, involves your nervous system adapting to the injury by creating new movement patterns. While these adaptations may help you temporarily, they can also hinder your performance in sports. Let's delve into how this occurs and explore the factors that influence recovery.
Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Your brain and spinal cord make up the Central Nervous System (CNS), which controls various bodily functions. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) connects the CNS to your body, transmitting sensory information (like pain and temperature) and controlling motor functions.
Post-Injury Challenges
After an injury, factors like inflammation, swelling, and disuse can disrupt the nervous system's communication. This makes it difficult for the brain to receive accurate information from injured joints like the knee or ankle. Inflammation can also alter peripheral nerve function and how the brain interprets signals, a phenomenon known as denervation.
Psychological Factors: The ACL Example
For those with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries, psychological factors often pose significant barriers to returning to sports. Up to two-thirds of ACL patients do not regain their pre-injury level of performance due to emotional factors, decreased confidence, and perceived risks. Studies have shown that athletes who successfully return to sports not only have greater strength but also higher confidence in their injured knee.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapist
When selecting a physical therapist, it's crucial to find someone experienced in working with athletes and who understands the holistic nature of recovery. A therapist who can address both the physical and psychological aspects of your injury can help you achieve optimal outcomes.
Liew Id B, Feller J, Webster K. Understanding the Psychological Mechanisms of Return to Sports Readiness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8946672/pdf/pone.0266029.pdf
Rosen, Adam B., et al. “Alterations in Cortical Activation among Individuals with Chronic Ankle Instability during Single-Limb Postural Control.” Journal of Athletic Training, vol. 54, no. 6, 1 June 2019, pp. 718–726, https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-448-17
- Josh
