Role of Patient Education, Motor Imagery and Crossover Therapy in an Acute Post-traumatic Multi-system Involvement Condition- A Case Report

Aims: With the increased number of road traffic accidents, especially involving younger males, it becomes important to discuss the acute stage rehabilitation of such cases where it has to be planned keeping in mind the associated complications, yet achieving successful outcomes.

Presentation of Case: The case report describes trauma and consequent fracture to the right humerus and scapula, multiple ribs, and right lung leading to haemothorax. The patient also had an injury to various upper limb nerves leading to a lack of muscle activation. It talks about the thorough physical therapy assessment after initial medical management, followed by holistic physical therapy rehabilitation involving patient education, motor imagery, cross-over therapy, guided relaxation, etc during the acute stage of healing.

Discussion: In acute multi-traumatic and post-surgical rehabilitation, there is difficulty in obtaining cooperation from the patient given the pain. Patient education forms the mainstay to obtain the cooperation of the patient. Motor Imagery and Cross Over therapy are particularly useful for ensuring the voluntary activation of brain areas without actually doing the movement, thereby working on the paths of neuroplasticity.

Conclusion: The above rehabilitation methods achieved recovery by assisting the process of neuroplasticity and nerve growth, in contrast to traditional acute rehabilitation plans.