Playing sports is a great way to exercise. For some people, though, like professional athletes, their sport is their livelihood. Injury setbacks for professionals can be very devastating. Fortunately, a chiropractor can help with recovery and help prevent the reoccurrence of a particular injury.
7 Common Sports Injuries Chiropractors Can Treat
Chiropractic care is a great option for treating various sports injuries. Treatment involves spinal manipulation and other options to relieve pain.
Below are 7 common sports injuries that chiropractors can treat:
1. Strains, Sprains, and Tears
Strains and sprains are two injuries that are commonly associated with sports. Strains happen when you tear a tendon or a muscle. Bones and muscles are connected by tendons. A strain occurs when these tendons are pulled too far from their normal position. Strains commonly occur in the hamstrings or the back. You may have painful spasms or swelling.
Sprains happen when you stretch your ligaments too far from their normal position. Ligaments are flexible tissues that connect bones, so both strains and sprains happen in the joints. The wrist and ankles are the most common place where sprains occur. You may feel painful bruising and swelling. An inability to move your joints is also another experience you may have.
Sports injuries become more severe if you fully tear your ligaments or muscles. Torn ankle ligaments or a torn ACL are examples of tears. These tears make the joints unstable, making it difficult for you to put weight on that body part. The feeling of pain is similar to that of strains and sprains. A chiropractor can help you have a speedy recovery.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain in the back. This pain spreads down to the legs, causing tingling, burning, or numbness. This condition often occurs after participating in sports like tennis and golf, where trunk rotation is required. It also happens in rowing and cycling activities where you remain bent forward for extended periods. With treatment options such as physical therapy, spinal manipulation, and massage, a chiropractor can relieve you of discomfort by getting to the source of the problem.
3. Shin Splints
Shin splints are used to describe the pain that is felt along the tibia or shin bone. They are most common among runners, as well as basketball and soccer players. Typically, overusing the front part of your leg causes this soreness or pain. You are more likely to get this injury if you change your routine and run more than usual.
Most times, shin splints can be treated with rest. However, shin splints are sometimes an indication of a break in the shin bone or a stress fracture. A medical professional like a chiropractor can check your shins and recommend appropriate treatment.
4. Knee Injuries
Knee injury is another problem that is common among athletes. A sensation of tenderness close to the kneecap may be experienced by runners. This is called runner’s knee. You may also feel pain on the side of your knees. Damage to ligaments and cartilage, or bruising to the bone, can severely injure your knee.
ACL tear is a typical example of a severe knee injury. The top of your shinbone is connected to the bottom of your thigh bone by the ACL. You can strain or tear your ACL if you suddenly get hit from the side. A severe tear may require surgery, and a chiropractor can be helpful in the recovery process.
5. Dislocations And Fractures
Dislocation is mostly experienced in high-impact and contact sports. It occurs when there is a form of separation between joints. Dislocated joints may cause intense pain for athletes. They can also lead to damaged nerves.
Treatment involves putting the joint back in place, and a chiropractor can be helpful in the rehabilitation process.
Also, you may break a bone from repeated stress or even a one-time injury. You are likely to have stress fractures when you do repetitive high-impact sports. When you put weight on the fractured area after a stress fracture, you worsen the pain. On the other hand, a one-time injury is an acute fracture, which requires emergency treatment.
6. Swollen Muscles
Your tough membrane fascia is filled with fluid when certain muscles swell. Your blood vessels and nerves are put under pressure as the fascia does not expand. This may cause damage to your muscles. It is a painful condition referred to as compartment syndrome. Muscle swelling can occur after repeatedly receiving blows in sports like boxing.
7. Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles tendon in your body extends from your heel to the calf muscle. Most times, this tendon is torn or stretched when you are performing some sporting activities. Injury to this part happens when your regular training routine does not involve stretching. This is a season-ending injury. Proper treatment from a chiropractor can help you get back to full fitness.
When To Seek The Help Of A Chiropractor After Injury
Don’t try to push through the pain when you get injured. You may end up aggravating the problem. Seek help from a chiropractor whenever you feel these symptoms:
- When you are experiencing increased swelling and/or pain in an area that was previously injured
- When the affected area cannot bear weight
- When the swelling, pain, and numbness are severe
Conclusion
A chiropractor can help you if you suffer any of the sports injuries mentioned above. The swelling and pain caused due to playing sports and any injuries that result from them can be alleviated through sports massage. You can also improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury if you get regular chiropractic treatment.
