Sports Injuries

What are some common sports injuries?

The term “sports injury” refers to a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries that occur due to physical activity. In truth, you don’t have to be playing sports to suffer a sports injury.

Many fitness enthusiasts come to the practice with sports injuries. They can occur when you push your body too hard or too fast. Of course, some sports injuries occur with little warning and cannot be prevented.

Some common examples of sports injuries include:

• Ankle sprain
• Back pain
• Whiplash
• ACL or MCL tear
• Groin pull
• Concussion
• Pinched nerve
• Pulled muscle
• Shin splints
• Stress fracture

These are just some of the issues you can experience when you are engaged in physical activity.

How can chiropractic care help with sports injuries?

Most people associate chiropractic care with back pain, and it’s true that back pain brings many people in for their first interaction with a chiropractor. There are many other joint issues that can benefit from chiropractic treatment, however, including many common sports injuries.

Chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilization, and joint manipulation can offer these benefits:

• Reduced stress
• Increased flexibility
• Enhanced energy
• Better range of motion
• Reduced inflammation

All of these improvements can help you perform at peak levels without pain. They can also help you recover faster and prevent future injuries.

How can I avoid sports injuries?

Some injuries simply cannot be prevented, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of sustaining a sports injury. One important precaution is to purchase and wear the proper protective gear, especially if your activity of choice involves a risk of contact.

You can also reduce strain on your body by investing in a pair of high-quality athletic shoes that offer the right level of support. This is especially important for runners and hikers.

As you train for fitness or sports, take care to avoid overtaxing your body. Listen to the messages your body is sending you, and know the difference between pushing your limits and pushing too far.

If you do sustain a sports injury, seek assistance if you have severe pain, if you cannot put weight on an injured joint, or if your discomfort does not improve after a couple of days of self-care. Reach out to the office in Normandy Park, Washington by phone to book an appointment.