chiropractic Ventura treats many adults and children who are in pain from sports injuries. There was a time when sports injuries were primarily limited to professional athletes, boys participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Now, more than ever, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. The vast majority of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Unfortunately, risk of injury is constantly possible with any sports activity.

The majority of injuries can be divided into two fundamental types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as a consequence of overuse or repetitive stress.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this type of injury produces the kind of incapacitation and debilitation most commonly associated with trauma. A high percentage of traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, though fractures and dislocations do take place at times, in particular with contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while damage to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most characteristic parts of the body for these sorts of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, but other areas can be affected including the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be involved, injury to the neck and low back can be extremely serious.

A traumatic injury may be relatively benign, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. The severity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the amount of tearing of the tissues, the location of the injury, and the age of the person. Some degree of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. However, with certain injuries, especially those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains demand appropriate attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to insure complete healing and avoid future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Ventura chiropractor, is highly recommended.

Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains specifically if no professional assistance is available: PRICE
P Protect injury from further damage
R Rest the injured area
I Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees

Naturally it is necessary to get the injury professionally evaluated by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to ascertain the degree of damage. When proper treatment is given during the various stages of healing, most individuals who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can bring about persistent joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Experienced management of your sports injury by a chiropractor with an abundance of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury heals properly. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Ventura chiropractor.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that requires the same actions over and over are widespread causes of repetitive stress injuries. Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such problems.

Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is performs a repetitious activity that produces a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but done many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread classes of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems takes place over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue establish changes that no longer allow correct function. Certain factors predispose a person to these sorts of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which means that the factors are external and can generally be changed or controlled by the individual.

Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the most common intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning normally.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are many extrinsic injury factors. A wrong grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all cases of deficient sports equipment that can cause problems. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as the saying goes, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities demand a bit of pre-conditioning, which is why people who are de-conditioned who continue to extend the duration of an activity without building up slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured most often. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and appropriate preparation, is a common factor in injuries. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can cause tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.

It is important to remember that almost all factors are extrinsic and, consequently, they are factors that can be individually regulated. Before embarking on a new sport, or as a way to avoid injury in a current sport, it’s wise to get an evaluation of your overall body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a competent professional, like a chiropractor, to diagnose the nature of the injury and design a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can considerably affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently required to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is and excellent 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 Ventura Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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