Joint Sprain
Chiropractic treatment is a useful rehabilitative treatment or a preventative treatment for sprains. A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, ligaments are found at all the joints within the body, they connect one bone to the next providing stability and support to the joint during movement. A sprain occurs when a joint is taken beyond its limits of normal movement and damage to the collagenous fibres of the ligament occurs. Symptoms of a sprain are pain, swelling and bruising, you may hear a snapping sound if the ligament has ruptured.
Early stage treatment of a sprain should consist of rest and ice, with light movement introduced in mild cases 1-3 days after injury.
Chiropractic treatment can take place once the pain and swelling has subsided, this typically takes 2 -4 weeks. During the sprain injury the bones in the joint can move out of alignment, chiropractic treatment improves the movement in these joints to optimise healing. Rehabilitative exercises are also used to regain strength and stability reducing the risk of further damage to the joint.
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.
Goals of Chiropractic Care The main goals of chiropractic care in the treatment of Joint Sprain include:
- Reduce pain
- Reduce the risk of re injury
- Improve strength and stability
- Improve muscle firing patterns
- Stimulate nerves
- Improve joint function
loading...