In the past sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, kids participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, men and women of all ages are involved in regular sports and fitness activities. A large percentage of people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Despite the activity,though, there is constantly the risk of injury.
Nearly all injuries can be categorized into two primary types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries cause the debilitating problems often associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, although fractures and dislocations do happen at times, particularly with contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most frequent areas for these kinds of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, nevertheless 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 quite serious.
Traumatic injuries can vary from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. The enormity of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the location of the injury, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling happens 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 appropriate management is vital, particularly during the initial stages of the injury to assure proper healing and guard against future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until aid is accessible, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to prevent more damage
R Rest the injured area
I Ice injury to diminish swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support 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 magnitude of your injury and start proper recovery treatment. The majority of these injuries can recover, although they do demand appropriate care during the various stages of healing. If not treated correctly, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is trained in the management of sports injuries can give highly knowledgeable advice and care you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.
Repetitive Stress, or Overuse, Injuries
Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that requires the same actions over and over are common reasons for repetitive stress injuries. An action as uncomplex and healthy as running, particularly on a treadmill, can also be a factor.
Essentially, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when someone is involved in a repetitious activity that causes a very slight strain to tissues, particularly 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 classes of overuse injuries. After a while the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer permit it to function normally, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Definite factors predispose a person to these sorts of injury. A portion are “intrinsic,” that is to say, 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 common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual 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 properly.
Extrinsic factors for injury
There are quite a few 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 instances of faulty sports equipment that can cause problems. Incorrect technique in any sport, such as an incorrect golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities demand some pre-conditioning, which is why people who are deconditioned who continue to extend the duration of an activity without easing in slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured more frequently. Warming up is vital prior to sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury. And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible as the result of stress are too tight and, therefore, unprepared for most sports activities.
It is important to remember that the majority of factors are extrinsic and, therefore, they are factors that can be individually regulated. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to ward off injury in a current sport, it’s smart to get an evaluation of your current body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is extremely to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to diagnose the nature of the injury and create a plan of treatment. 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 generally necessary 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 Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.