Not too long ago sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, boys participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, 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. No matter what the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.
Nearly all of injuries generally fit 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 kind of injury causes the type of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. Most traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, although fractures and dislocations do take place at times, in particular with contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is damage to ligaments. Sprains and strains most frequently occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be affected, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.
Traumatic injuries can extend 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. 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. With all strains and sprains competent management is very important, particularly during the initial stages of the injury to insure correct healing and avoid future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains specifically if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P Protect injury to avoid more damage
R Rest the damaged body region
I Ice injury to diminish 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 the damage is to ankles and knees
As formerly mentioned, proper evaluation and care are essential to a thorough recovery. A chiropractor can find out the extent of your injury and start needed recovery treatment. When knowledgeable treatment is supplied during the various stages of healing, nearly all individuals who have suffered sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not treated carefully, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. Expert care of your sports injury by a chiropractor with years of experience in sports injury management will insure that your injury recovers properly. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.
Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries
These injuries are becoming more and more common, expressly among individuals involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same motion over and over (repetitively). An action as uncomplex and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when a person is occupied in a repetitious activity that causes a very small strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common kinds of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue undergoes changes that no longer let it to function correctly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Definite factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A portion are “intrinsic,” i.e., the factor is found within a person’s own body. Other factors are “extrinsic,” which is to say that the factors are external and can frequently be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most prevalent intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostcommon intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are numerous. For instance, sports equipment can insufficient–an inappropriate grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are prime examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, e.g., a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen A further factor is poor conditioning. Some individuals are injured because they aren’t in shape. Elevated frequency or extended duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the conditions for injury. Insufficient flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity correctly. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and properly preparation, is a frequent factor in injuries. And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can create tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are quite a few factors that are extrinsic and, consequently, within a person’s control. Nevertheless, most people must have assessment by a qualified health care professional to ascertain their overall body health, the type of injury, and the resolution to the problem. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is frequently needed 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.