How Chiropractic Techniques are Applied for Sports Injuries
We all know that injuries can be frequent in sports. Some of the most common sports injuries include:
- Sprains: A stretching or tearing of a ligament, often caused by abnormal joint rotation. Sprains are the most common sports injury, accounting for 41% of all sports injury diagnoses.
- Bone stress injuries: Such as shin splints, these injuries are caused by overuse and result in bone breakdown.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of a tendon caused by repetitive stress.
- Fractures: Broken bones that can cause pain, swelling, and limited joint motion.
- Concussions: Caused by a sudden blow to the head, concussions can range in severity and can include symptoms like headache, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness.
- Plantar fasciitis: Pain in the heel that is worse in the morning, especially with the first step out of bed.
Other common sports injuries include bruises, strains, and nose bleeds.
Sports injuries can be caused by trauma, overuse, improper technique, or inadequate warm-up. It’s important to get medical attention for any injury, as leaving it untreated can have more serious consequences.
How can Chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care is a popular approach for treating sports injuries due to its focus on the musculoskeletal system.
Here are some specific techniques commonly used:
Spinal Manipulation
- Adjustments: Controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to correct spinal misalignments.
- Mobilization: Gentle, low-force techniques to improve joint mobility.
Soft Tissue Therapy
- Massage: To reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
- Myofascial Release: To address fascial restrictions and improve flexibility.
- Active Release Technique (ART): To break down scar tissue and improve range of motion.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
- Graston Technique: Using stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas of soft tissue fibrosis or adhesions.
Kinesiology Taping
- Applying elastic tape to the skin to support muscles and joints, reduce inflammation, and improve proprioception.
Rehabilitation Exercises
- Customized exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent re-injury.
Nutritional Guidance
- Recommendations for proper nutrition to support healing and optimize performance.
Preventative Care
- Regular adjustments and techniques to help prevent future injuries and maintain optimal performance.
It’s important to note that the specific techniques used will depend on the nature of the injury, the athlete’s individual needs, and the chiropractor’s expertise. Remember, if you have a serious sports injury, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment. Chiropractic care can be a valuable therapy to help with pain management, recovery, and overall well-being.
If you’d like to know how chiropractic can help you get back in the game, Dr. Desiree Van Bogart at Desired Health Chiropractic is here to help evaluate your needs and answer your questions!