Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are either injuries that have occurred playing sport or pain that shows itself during or after playing sport. Treatment of the sport injury in its immediate stages can be very simple such as placing ice onto a recently sprained ankle. Continuing to take part in sporting events whilst the pain of the injury is present can lead to further damage of the joints, ligaments and muscles.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses in the kinematics of the body to establish why the weakness and therefore injury developed and correcting these can improve sports injuries and help prevent their recurrence.
Following treatment of a sport injury it may be relevant to place tape on to the affected area, this helps to promote correct movement and muscle firing patterns, promoting recovery.
The most common injuries sustained during sports are: ankle sprain, groin pull, hamstring strain, shin splints, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), knee injury: ACL tear (anterior cruciate ligament), patellofemoral syndrome: injury of the knee caused by the dysfunctional movement of the kneecap against the thigh bone.
The acute phase of minor sports injuries can be treated at home using PRICE therapy (Protect the injured area, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for a few days to allow the pain and swelling to settle prior to rehabilitative therapy taking place.
Goals of Chiropractic Care The main goals of chiropractic care in the treatment of Generalised aches and pains include:
- Reduce pain
- Increase range of motion
- Improve joint movement patterns
- Improve muscle firing patterns
- Stimulate nerves
- Improve joint and spinal function