In the past sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, kids participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, many people of both sexes and all ages are regularly active in sports and fitness activities. There are women active traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. A large percentage of people very active in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Regardless of the activity,though, there is always the risk of injury.
Most injuries can be broken down into two fundamental types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the effect of overuse or repetitive stress.
Traumatic Injuries
These injuries create the debilitating damage often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most commonplace, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. Trauma to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. The most characteristic places for these types of injuries are the ankles, knees, and shoulders, but other areas can be affected including 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 very serious.
A traumatic injury may be relatively benign, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be quite serious and require surgery. The seriousness of the injury depends upon several factors, such as the severity of tearing of the tissues, the whereabouts of the injury, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are related to some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, in particular with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains demand competent attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to guarantee complete healing and avoid future disability. Treatment from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly expedient.
Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury attention to sprains and strains particularly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P Protect injury to prevent 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, particularly when dealing with ankles and knees
As already mentioned, knowledgeable diagnosis and care are essential to a complete recovery. A chiropractor can ascertain the extent of your injury and institute proper recovery treatment. When proper care is supplied during the various stages of healing, the majority those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not managed attentively, 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 experienced in the treatment of sports injuries can deliver highly knowledgeable advice and management you’ll require to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.
Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries
These injuries are becoming more prevalent, particularly among those pursuing sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that requires the same motion over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can cause such problems.
Fundamentally, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when an individual is involved in a repetitious activity that produces a very slight strain to tissues, expressly tendons and muscles, that alone would not cause a problem, but repeated many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability concomitant with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue establish changes that no longer permit correct function. Definite factors predispose a person to these kinds of injury. A few 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 often be changed or controlled by the person.
Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that man or woman to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. There are those who are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning normally.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are abundant. An improper 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 insufficient 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 necessitate some pre-conditioning, which is why people who are out of shape who continue to extend the duration of an activity without building up slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured more frequently. Warming up is very important prior to sports activities and lack of warm-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.
There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. However, most people must have assessment by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the nature of an injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prevent an individual from participating in a favorite activity, but can greatly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally needed 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.