by Ruth A. McKinney, DC
Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, or student competitor, getting back in the game quickly is important. Injuries can occur due to repetitive motions, failure to warm up prior to activity, sudden impacts, and improper training. Chiropractic treatment can help athletes relieve pain and heal more quickly. Additionally, it helps prevent injuries from occurring.
Studies show high impact sports such as football, basketball, soccer and running can put the same amount of strain on the body as a car accident. These sports are characterized by intense repetitive wear and tear to the weight bearing joints of the hip, knee and foot. Alternately, low impact activities like cycling and spinning, hiking and walking, and swimming can help rehab injured joints and muscles more quickly.
Athletes of all types of sports can benefit from Chiropractic treatment. Those who play high impact sports can experience increased performance and flexibility, and fewer injuries. Participants in low impact sports like golf, cycling and tennis can see improvement in muscular strain. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and manage sports injuries and recommend a plan to manage and rehab.
Depending on the activity injuries commonly occur to the lower back, knee and foot, and shoulder and elbow. The majority of sports injuries to the back involve sudden twisting motions. Core strength is one of the most important goals you need to achieve if you are going to continue playing.
Hamstring pulls and strains are most commonly due to lack of flexibility and adequate warm up before beginning your sport. Having a tight thigh and weak hamstrings will lead to recurring injuries unless you get your muscles and joint motion back to normal. Apart from stretching and strengthening exercises, it’s important to get good advice on proper footwear. Think of the feet as the foundation from which everything is built. Improper foot wear and bad form in running can lead to increased stresses in the knee, hip and low back.
As the most commonly injured joint in the body, the shoulder requires a balance between strong yet flexible. It is not a ‘joint’, but rather a ‘complex’ of 5 joints, over 30 muscles and 6 major ligaments. The shoulder can assume no less than 1,600 different positions. Sports specific exercises can assist with rehab and prevention of injuries.
Chiropractic care offers a natural way to treat and prevent many different ailments that often plague athletes. If you’re experiencing pain from a sports injury, consider seeing a chiropractor. Injury prevention is key. Before starting a new exercise program or sport, visit your chiropractor to determine what measures can be taken to prevent injury and enhance performance.
To learn how Chiropractic helps you with sports injuries call our office at 423-485-8480.
When it comes to your health, we’ve got your back!