There was a time when sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, boys participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, a large number of people of both sexes and all ages are regularly active in sports and fitness activities. There are women playing traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity,though, there is perpetually the risk of injury.
Nearly all of injuries fall into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.
Traumatic Injuries
As the name implies, this sort of injury creates the kind of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. A high percentage of 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, especially with contact sports. A strain is any harm to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Injuries to the neck and low back can be quite serious as the spinal cord or spinal nerves can also be affected.
Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem needing surgery. It is contingent upon the amount of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are identified with some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, in particular with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains demand appropriate attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to assure complete healing and protect against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly recommended.
The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains expressly if no professional help is available: PRICE
P Protect injury to avoid additional damage
R Rest the injured area
I Ice injury to decrease swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees
As formerly mentioned, proper diagnosis and management are crucial to a complete recovery. A chiropractor can determine the degree of your injury and start appropriate recovery treatment. Nearly all of these injuries can recover, although they do require knowledgeable treatment during the various stages of healing. If not carefully monitored and treated, a sprain or strain injury can result in long-lasting joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is educated in the treatment of sports injuries can offer highly knowledgeable advice and care you’ll require to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. Call your Santa Barbara chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that demands the same motions over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such afflictions.
Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when someone is occupied in a repetitious activity that causes a tiny strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles, that alone would not generate a problem, but done many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability concomitant with carpal tunnel problems happens over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue establish changes that no longer permit correct function. Specific factors predispose a person to these sorts of injury. Some are “intrinsic,” meaning the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which means that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the person.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostgeneral 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, lastly, 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. An inappropriate 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 deficient sports equipment that can create problems. Inept technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as unfortunately, an injury waiting to happen A further factor is poor conditioning. A number of men and women are injured because they are deconditioned. Elevated frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Insufficient flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity correctly. Warming up is vital prior to sports activities and lack of warm-up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a prevalent cause of injury. And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, hence, unprepared for most sports activities.
It is encouraging to remember that most factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually managed. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to avoid injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an evaluation of your current body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a experienced professional, like a chiropractor, to assess the nature of the injury and create a plan of care. If left untreated, an injury will not only prevent someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often required to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good 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.