Final answer:
The severity of an injury and potential complications, rather than pain level, guide treatment priority in sports medicine. Physical therapists work on enhancing healing through methods like heat packs and exercises. The use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen must be carefully timed post-injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether the injury that hurts the most needs to be treated first is a complex one, as pain levels don't always indicate the severity of the injury. Sports medicine professionals, such as orthopedists and physical therapists (PTs), understand that while ligament sprains and muscle strains can be very painful, sometimes more painful than fractures, the treatment priority is based on the overall severity and risk of complication, not just pain intensity. For instance, a minor wound might become significantly more problematic if it gets infected, despite being less painful than a sprain at the onset.
When treating injuries, physical therapists often start with heat packs to enhance blood flow for healing, followed by prescribed exercises, and finish with icing to decrease inflammation. The appropriateness of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen depends on the timing after the injury, as they can affect blood clotting. Consequently, the decision on which injury to treat first requires a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional and follows a tailored appropriate physical therapy plan rather than being solely determined by pain levels.