Johns Hopkins Medicine tells us that over 3.5 million sports injuries occur yearly in the United States alone. Children tend to get injuries while playing soccer, teens get more injuries while playing football or basketball, and adults are more likely to get injured while playing softball. No healthcare professional is better suited for maximum results from everyday sports injury treatment than your chiropractor near you. Spine & Sport Chiropractic in Tuscaloosa, AL, is here to answer your frequently asked questions about sports injuries and how chiropractic care for athletes can help manage and prevent these injuries.
What are the most common symptoms of athletic injury?
Swelling and pain, especially back pain, are the most frequent symptoms associated with athletic injuries. You can also experience inflammation, bruising, reduced sensation, and difficulty bearing weight on a joint. Having a decreased range of motion is also likely for sports injuries.
How can you prevent sports injuries?
Always wearing protective gear while participating in sports and ensuring your gear fits correctly are vital for preventing sports injuries. You should also practice proper technique and form to protect yourself from overuse injuries and strains. Doing stretches before and after your game can keep your body from tensing and locking up. You should also take breaks as needed, especially if you feel tired.
What can your chiropractor do to treat a sports injury?
The most important thing your chiropractor does as your sports injury specialist is determine the underlying cause of your condition. A single sports injury can cause multiple symptoms across your body, impacting several body parts. Your chiropractor can find the underlying cause of your symptoms to treat the root of your problems instead of just treating your symptoms.
Your chiropractor near you can correct spinal misalignments with gentle sports chiropractic adjustments. They can also provide therapeutic stretches and exercises to help strengthen your body and prevent future injury. Your chiropractor can use soft tissue therapy to relieve pain and improve your range of motion.
What kinds of athletic injuries does a chiropractor treat?
Your chiropractor near you can treat several athletic injuries, including:
- Sprained ankles
- ACL injuries
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Knee, shoulder, and hip injuries
- Shin splints
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Hamstring strains
- Meniscus injuries
- Concussions
Can you do first aid for sports injuries on your own?
There are multiple ways to provide temporary relief from your sports injuries. You are probably familiar with the acronym RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and relaxation. This method is effective for managing pain and discomfort for several sports injuries. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever while waiting to see your chiropractor. Being gentle with your injured area and refraining from putting too much strain on it also prevents your injury from worsening.
Visit Your Sports Injury Specialist at Spine & Sport Chiropractic Today
Sports injury treatment from your chiropractor near you at Spine & Sport Chiropractic in Tuscaloosa, AL, can significantly improve your range of motion while decreasing pain. We can help you get back on the field healthier and stronger than ever, so call us and schedule an appointment today at (205) 345-8102.