From professional league players to weekend warriors who play for an adult-league, sports injuries can greatly interrupt your active lifestyle. Unfortunately, these injuries are all too common and can affect you on and off the field.
Five of the most common sports injuries include:
- Groin pull
- Hamstring strain
- Knee injury
- Tennis elbow
- Shoulder injury
Chiropractic care can help keep the body loose and properly aligned to reduce the risk of an injury. However, if you are injured while playing, visiting a chiropractor regularly can help you get back in the game.
Groin Pull
A groin strain or pull is an injury to one or more of the adductor muscles, which are in the inner part of the thigh. These injuries are common in basketball, soccer and football. These strains may be assigned a grade of between 1 and 3. Grade 1 means there are micro-tears within the muscle. Grade 2 is characterized by loss of muscle strength due to a partial tear. Grade 3 is a complete tear of muscle fibers, which causes debilitating pain and muscle weakness.
Ultrasound and therapeutic exercises can help you recover from this type of injury, as well as rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).
Hamstring Strain
Also known as a pulled hamstring, the muscles in the back of the thighs can become strained or stretched during running, football, basketball, baseball, soccer and more. Unfortunately, these painful injuries can take a while to heal.
Myofascial release and physical therapy may be needed. Chiropractic treatment can include adjustments to address tightness in the joints and stretching to increase flexibility.
Knee Injury
There are multiple types of knee injuries athletes can suffer, the most common of which are ACL and MCL strains. Other injuries include bursitis, patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee), and patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee). Swelling and stiffness, limping, the inability to fully stretch the knee or the “locking” of the knee are all signs of a possible knee injury.
Cold therapy may be used to reduce inflammation of the knee joint while soft tissue massage can help improve your range of motion. Manipulation and mobilization techniques can also be used to increase overall knee function.
Tennis Elbow
Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is caused by a sudden or gradual injury of the muscles and tendons around the outside of the elbow. Though the condition is linked mainly with tennis players, it is also common in golfers, baseball players and bowlers.
Joint manipulation, cold therapy, therapeutic strengthening/stretching exercises, and rest all help you recover from tennis elbow.
Shoulder Injury
Sprains, strains and dislocations make up the majority of shoulder-related sports injuries. Sports that require overhead movements, like weight lifting, basketball and volleyball can all lead to shoulder injuries. Along with RICE, chiropractic adjustments can help realign the body and remove stress from the affected area. Hot/cold therapy, muscle stimulation, and ultrasound therapy may also be used to treat a shoulder injury.
If you have suffered from any of these sports injuries, a doctor at ChiroCare of Florida can create a custom rehabilitation plan. When you suffer an injury, it is physically and mentally devastating. Let us help you get back on your feet.
Call 1-877-DRRIGHT to schedule an appointment at an office closest to you.
