With the fall sports season in full swing, we think it’s important for you to be aware of some of the most common sports injuries, and how treatment at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center can play a pivotal role in recovery and prevention. Whether you're a high school athlete or a recreational sports enthusiast, injuries can happen at any time, and can hold you back on the field and at home. While some injuries may require surgical intervention or extensive rehabilitation, many sports-related injuries can be effectively managed with chiropractic care. Let’s explore some common sports injuries and how Action Chiropractic can help.
1. Sprains and Strains: Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments, tendons or connective tissue, while strains refer to injuries in muscles. These injuries are often the result of sudden movements or overexertion.
Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury and happen when you quickly turn the ankle in and tear the anterior talo-fibular ligament. Chronic ankle sprains can lead to ankle instability, which can lead to hip stability issues and possible ACL tears.
At Action Chiropractic, we use chiropractic adjustments to make sure that there is minimal stress on the joints and bones and use our soft tissue techniques like ART and dry needling to make sure that the muscles and tissue can move without restriction. We then provide you with corrective exercises and continue to monitor your progress, so you are less likely to get re-injured.
2. Tennis/Golfer's Elbow: Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are repetitive strain injuries caused by overuse of the forearm muscles. These injuries are common in sports that involve repetitive gripping and wrist movements, such as tennis, golf, and weightlifting.
Injuries to the elbow can make it painful and difficult to not only perform in sports, but also do everyday activities like typing on the computer, using your phone, or really anything that involves gripping. At Action Chiropractic we use both spinal and extremity (wrist, elbow, and shoulder) adjustments, myofascial release, and various other modalities to reduce the inflammation at the elbow, and help you regain full, pain-free range of motion.
3. Shin Splints: Shin splints result from inflammation of the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue surrounding the shinbone. They are frequent among athletes that experience repetitive impact on the lower leg.
Shin splints make it painful to walk, run, and be on your feet. When this occurs, it can change your gait and lead to more serious injuries to the ankles, knees, and hips due to compensation patterns. When dealing with an issue like shin splints, we make sure to address the whole lower extremity to help prevent further injury from occurring. Combining adjustments to the ankle, knee, and hip with ART helps to improve function and mobility while decreasing pain and inflammation.
4. IT band Syndrome: IT Band Syndrome, is a common injury that affects runners, cyclists, and other athletes who engage in repetitive knee-bending activities. The iliotibial band (IT band) is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the shin. ITBS occurs when the IT band becomes irritated and inflamed as it rubs against the outside of the knee joint.
The IT band runs from the hip to the knee and can cause problems in both joints. Treatment for IT band issues involves working the entire length of the band, as well as surrounding structures in order to decrease pain and inflammation and avoid compensation patterns leading to further injury.
5. Shoulder Injuries: Shoulder injuries are common in sports due to the complex nature of the shoulder joint and the demands placed on it during various athletic activities. The shoulder joint is highly mobile, allowing for a wide range of motion, but this also makes it susceptible to injuries. Some common shoulder injuries in sports include: tears, impingement, and tendinitis.
The shoulder is vitally important in virtually all sports and most aspects of everyday life. Treatment at Action Chiropractic is aimed at regaining full, pain-free range of motion and also providing you with exercises to maintain strength and stability. The shoulder is a complex joint that is responsible for a lot of motion. At Action Chiropractic, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, and a treatment plan that will get you back, and keep you back, on the field.
6. Back Pain: Back pain is a common issue in sports that can affect athletes of all levels and ages. Back pain can be caused by many different things including repetitive motion, impact/trauma, muscular imbalances, lack of mobility, etc.
At Action Chiropractic, we identify and treat the root cause of your back pain. We use adjustments and ART to help increase range of motion and decrease pain and inflammation. We also provide you with stretches and preventative exercises to keep you on the field, and out of the office.
Sports injuries are a common occurrence, but they don't have to be a roadblock in your athletic journey. Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective approach to treating and preventing sports injuries, allowing athletes to recover faster, perform better, and stay on top of their game. By addressing the root causes of injuries, Action Chiropractic can become an invaluable ally for athletes at all levels. If you're an athlete dealing with an injury or seeking ways to enhance your athletic performance, click here, and see what we can do to help keep you on the field and off the training table.