Exercise and athleticism are a good way to improve overall health. However, physical activity also raises the risk of suffering a musculoskeletal sports injury. There are many causes of sports injuries, including overuse repetitive stress injuries, traumatic injuries, and injuries caused by failure to properly stretch or wear appropriate protective gear. A chiropractor can help you recover from athletic injuries, helping you return to play as soon as possible.
How to Handle a Sports Injury
Always follow the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. This technique isolates the injury and reduces inflammation until you are able to seek rehabilitative treatment. For the first two days after an injury, rest the affected area, applying a cold pack to it for 20 minutes a few times each day. Wrap it in a compression bandage and elevate it above your heart when resting to reduce swelling.
What Are the Symptoms of a Sports Injury?
The most obvious signs of a sports injury are pain and swelling. However, injuries can also cause stiffness, tenderness, and weakness. Old or chronic sports injuries that have not been properly treated or allowed time to heal may cause dull aching pain only when playing or while at rest.
What Are the Most Common Types of Sports Injuries?
Some of the most common types of musculoskeletal sports injuries are related to the connective tissues. Sprains and strains are very common in all types of athletes, as is tendonitis. Other types of sports injuries include dislocated joints, knee injuries, elbow injuries, and fractures.
| Step (R.I.C.E.) | What to do |
|---|---|
| Rest | Stop the activity and avoid loading the injury |
| Ice | 15–20 minutes, several times a day, for the first 48 hours |
| Compression | An elastic wrap to limit swelling |
| Elevation | Raise the injured area above heart level when you can |
How Can a Chiropractor Treat a Sports Injury?
Chiropractors understand the physiology of the muscles and joints. We treat sports injuries often, helping to rehabilitate athletes as quickly as possible. We utilize chiropractic treatments as well as other non-invasive rehabilitative techniques to eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, and allow the body time to heal.