Sports injuries impact the musculoskeletal system and occur while people are engaged in athletic activities. Closely associated with sports injuries is the field of sports medicine, which deals with preventing and reducing the severity of sports injuries. Collisions with others, striking the ground forcefully and sudden twisting of the neck, back, hips, knees, and ankles are frequent causes of musculoskeletal damage.
What are the Most Common Types of Sports Injuries?
Knee injuries (anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears, meniscus tears, kneecap fractures), rotator cuff/shoulder injuries, Achilles tendonitis and back injuries are routinely diagnosed by your chiropractor in Champlin and Ham Lake. Sports injuries also include tennis/golf elbow, mild concussions, joint dislocations and cervical subluxation (misalignment of the upper vertebrae).
What is the Difference Between Chronic and Acute Sports Injuries?
If your chiropractor diagnoses you with an “acute” sports injury, that means you suddenly suffered a musculoskeletal injury during vigorous physical activity and are experiencing swelling, severe pain, joint inflexibility and possibly dislocation. A “chronic” sports injury indicates an injury resulting over time due to overuse of muscles, ligaments, and joints. In contrast to symptoms of acute sports injuries that arise immediately, signs of chronic sports injuries typically emerge when you use that particular joint or body area. Upon resting, symptoms of a chronic sports injury often reside, only to return when you engage in physical activity.
What Treatments are Available for Sports Injuries?
Following a physical exam, a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and possibly, x-rays or other types of imaging scans, your chiropractor will diagnose your sports injury and develop a personalized treatment program involving one or more of the following: adjustments, therapeutic massage, physical therapy, corrective exercises, PEMF (Pulsed Electronic Magnetic Field), SASTM (Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization).
What is a Sports Muscle Therapy?
A sports muscle therapy is designed to gently but firmly manipulate soft (connective) tissues, correct soft tissue imbalances, reduce accumulation of scar tissue and promote blood flow and other nutrients to damaged muscles, ligaments, fascia, and tendons. Sports muscle therapy also helps reduce the risk of suffering repeat injuries by increasing soft tissue health, strength and flexibility.
Make an Appointment with Our Sports Muscle Therapy Chiropractor
Attempting to self-treat sports injuries may lead to the development of chronic injuries that only worsen and cause more pain and stiffness. If you have neglected to treat sports injuries or would like to improve your musculoskeletal health to prevent sports injuries, call Exceptional Chiropractic today at (763) 208-5382 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.
