How Can Chiropractors Help Sports Injuries?
Sports injuries, today are not just limited to professional athletes or young people who participate in school sports programs. Today, more and more people of both sexes and all ages are regularly participating in sports and fitness activities. There are women involved traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. A large percentage of people very active in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. No matter what the activity,though, there is perpetually the risk of injury.
The majority of injuries can be categorized into two primary types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this type of injury causes the type of incapacitation and debilitation most commonly associated with trauma. Most traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, although fractures and dislocations do take place at times, in particular with contact sports. Trauma to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and less generally in the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be extremely serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be involved.
A traumatic injury may be relatively benign, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. It all depends upon the severity of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling happens with the majority of sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. With all strains and sprains competent management is very important, especially during the initial stages of the injury to assure correct healing and avoid future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly recommended.
The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains particularly if no professional assistance is available: PRICE
P Protect injury from additional damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when the damage is to ankles and knees
As previously mentioned, knowledgeable assessment and treatment are vital to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can ascertain the magnitude of your injury and institute needed recovery treatment. When proper care is provided during the various stages of healing, the majority persons who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not treated attentively, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Experienced management of your sports injury by a chiropractor with an abundance of experience in sports injury care will insure that your injury recovers properly. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your chiropractor.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that requires the same motions over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. An activity as uncomplex and healthy as running, especially on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Fundamentally, overuse or repetitive stress injuries come about when a person is occupied in a repetitious activity that creates a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not create a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent kinds of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability concomitant with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue establish changes that no longer permit proper function. Definite factors predispose a person to these sorts of injury. A portion are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can often be changed or controlled by the person.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, lastly, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are plentiful. An inappropriate grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all examples of deficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as unfortunately, an injury waiting to happen Another factor is poor conditioning. A number of individuals are injured because they are deconditioned. Elevated frequency or prolonged duration of an activity, without building up slowly, can create the conditions for injury. Lack of flexibility can produce injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity safely. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and suitable preparation, is a prevalent factor in injuries. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible as the result of stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.
There are quite a few factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. But, most people require an examination by a qualified health care professional to determine their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the solution to the problem. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
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