More and more people are getting into sports because they see how great it is for their health and well-being. But with the increase in participants, we’re also seeing a rise in sports injuries. These injuries can happen due to overusing joints, tendons, and muscles, or from accidents. To keep playing the sport you love, it’s crucial to get the right treatment right away.
Some signs that you might need to see a doctor include swelling or tenderness in a muscle or joint during or after activity, tingling or numbness in an arm or leg, pain anywhere in your body, or stiffness and limited movement in a joint. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get checked out by a healthcare professional.
Chiropractic care is becoming more popular as a treatment option because it doesn’t involve drugs or surgery. Nowadays, chiropractic treatments often combine adjustments with massage and other techniques to handle most types of sports injuries. Chiropractors can assess, diagnose, and treat many injuries like muscle and tendon strains, joint sprains, and non-severe back injuries. They can also help with general aches and pains from overused muscles. To start off, chiropractors might use methods like ice massage to reduce swelling, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
Ice massage should be done within 48 hours of getting injured to help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. An ice pack is moved around the injured area in circular motions for about ten minutes. For muscle aches and strains, deep tissue massages may be included in the treatment plan. Later on, chiropractors might use ultrasound to apply heat to deep tissue areas, which can help soothe sore muscles and tendons.
Electrical stimulation has been used for over a hundred years to manage pain and swelling from injuries. Though it was controversial at first, modern studies show that both chronic and acute pain can be lessened with this method. Today’s chiropractic treatments often use devices like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators), IFC (Interferential Current), and GS (Galvanic Stimulation).
These electrical stimulation devices work by using different waveforms, frequencies, and effects. Typically, adhesive pads are placed on the injured area, and electricity is delivered through them, causing a tingling sensation rather than a shock. The level of electricity can be adjusted based on the patient’s comfort, with the treatment usually lasting around fifteen minutes.
Another effective technique chiropractors use is called passive range of motion, where the joint is moved through its full range of movement without any effort from the patient. Recent studies have shown that this technique helps with the healing process for joints and tendons.
After you’ve healed, many chiropractic centers offer plans to help prevent future injuries. These programs might include exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and advice on proper warm-up techniques before playing sports or doing other physical activities.