Sports Injuries
Sport Injuries, Get Back in the Game
In the past sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. A large number of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.
The majority of injuries can be categorized into two basic types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this type of injury creates the kind of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, but fractures and dislocations do take place at times, in particular with contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be extremely serious.
Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem needing surgery. The seriousness of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the location of the injury, and the age of the person. The majority of sprains and strains are associated with some degree of swelling and frequently with internal bleeding, particularly with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains require competent attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to assure correct healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury attention to sprains and strains specifically if no professional help is available: PRICE
P Protect injury to avoid additional damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, especially when the damage is to ankles and knees
As formerly mentioned, knowledgeable evaluation and care are crucial to a total recovery. A chiropractor can ascertain the magnitude of your injury and start needed recovery treatment. Most of these injuries can heal, though they do require appropriate management during the various stages of healing. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in long-standing joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is experienced in the management of sports injuries can give the proper advice and care you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will recoverl in the best possible way. Call your Santa Barbara Chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
These injuries are becoming more widespread, expressly among those involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that demands the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, especially on a treadmill, can cause such afflictions.
Repetitious activity can often produce a minuscule strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles. However, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that causes the more serious problem. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common classes of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability associated with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue undergo changes that no longer allow normal function. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems: 1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can often be changed or controlled by the person.
Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, lastly, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. An improper grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of faulty sports equipment that can produce problems. Inept technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as unfortunately, an injury waiting to happen An additional factor is poor conditioning. Some men and women are injured because they are deconditioned. Added frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can produce the setting for injury. Lack of flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity properly. Warming up is vital before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a widespread cause of injury. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible as the result of stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.
It is very helpful to remember that most factors are extrinsic and, consequently, they are factors that can be individually managed. Before embarking on a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an evaluation of your general body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is crucial to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to determine the nature of the injury and design a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can significantly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally necessary to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.
