Sports Injuries

What are sports injuries?

Sports injuries affect the entire musculoskeletal system, including the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. These injuries happen because of wear-and-tear and/or acute trauma that occurs while running, playing sports, or doing other physical activities.

Even though most sports injuries are minor, getting checked by a sports chiropractor is crucial. When not properly treated, injuries often get worse over time. Chiropractic care can prevent this and speed healing.

What are some common sports injuries?

The Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab team treats various sports injuries, including:

• Broken bones (fractures)
• Torn cartilage (for example, a torn rotator cuff) 
• Concussions (traumatic brain injuries)
• Joint dislocation
• Tendonitis (tendon inflammation)
• Sprains and strains
• Trigger points (tight muscle knots)
• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Back pain
• Neck pain

Instead of trying to provide quick fixes, the Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab staff treats sports injuries at their source. This eases pain and reduces the risk of re-injury.

How are sports injuries diagnosed?

Your Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab provider reviews your medical records and asks about your injury, including when it happened, where it’s at, and what it feels like.

They then complete a chiropractic exam. Your provider checks the affected area of your body for bruising, redness, and swelling. They palpate (gently press) the skin to identify sensitive spots and test your reflexes, muscle strength, and range of motion.

Some injuries, like sprains, can be identified during the exam. But if your provider suspects a more severe injury, like a broken bone, they order X-rays to check your bones, joints, and surrounding tissue for damage.

How are sports injuries treated?

The Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab team takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating sports injuries. They could suggest:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Sports chiropractic
• Dry needling
• Sports massage
• Cupping
• Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Biomechanical taping
• Corrective exercise programming (to prevent further injuries)
• Active release therapy
• Virtual rehabilitation
• ALINE® insoles (prescription shoe inserts)

Most sports injuries benefit from several therapies at once.

How long does it take to recover from a sports injury?

Recovery from sports injuries varies from person to person. Most patients see an improvement in their pain and mobility within 2-3 weeks of beginning treatment.* Follow your provider’s instructions, attend each of your checkups, and don’t rush the process.

Call Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab today to schedule sports injury treatment, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.