Sprains and strains are common injuries that we see in our office. These injuries cause pain and can sideline you, restricting your sports or daily activities. At Spine & Sport Chiropractic in Tuscaloosa, AL, we offer sports injury treatment, including treatment for sprains and strains.
What are Sprains and Strains?
Sprains and strains can happen during sports, accidents, or daily activities.
Sprains
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched abnormally. In most cases, the weight of your body is a contributing factor in a sprain, along with sudden movement. For example, an ankle sprain can occur if your ankle twists while you are standing, walking, or running.
If you get a sprain, you'll feel pain immediately. You may also hear a popping sound. Sprains typically cause bruising, swelling, or inflammation, and pain, especially when moving the affected joint. You may find it difficult to put weight on the joint or lift things as well.
Strains
Strains occur when a muscle is stretched too far. This causes tiny tears in the muscle. Carrying too much weight, weakened muscles, and movements or falls that stretch the muscle unnaturally can cause strains. Simply overworking your muscle is another culprit.
Strains can cause pain immediately, but in many cases, you won't notice until after you've rested for a bit. Strains cause a lot of stiffness and muscle soreness, along with pain and swelling. The muscle may also be weak and unable to support your weight.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains, along with other types of athletic injuries, can be treated with chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustment is a common treatment for sprains and strains. Your chiropractor will use gentle thrusts and pressure to correct misalignments in your body. Chiropractic adjustment can be used to treat misalignments of the spine or joints in the body, including knees, wrists, hips, and shoulders. Proper alignment can relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow and nervous system function.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help your body heal from strains and sprains. Physical therapy is typically performed with movements and exercises. This can improve flexibility, increase muscle strength, and help your body repair soft tissue damage.
Therapeutic Exercises
Therapeutic exercises can also help you heal from athletic injuries. Your chiropractor will show you how to perform these exercises. Then, you'll continue them at home.
Sprains and Strains Treatment at Spine & Sport Chiropractic
If you need sports rehabilitation in Tuscaloosa, visit one of our sports injury chiropractors at Spine & Sport Chiropractic. We offer chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, physical therapy, and other treatments to help you heal from injuries and perform at your best.