Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care: A Game-Changer for Athletes
Lincoln Chiropractic is a proud supporter of our local sports teams. We are lucky enough to be in the midst of college teams at Jessup University and Sierra College, as well as being able to support the Lincoln Zebras football team during their homecoming kickoff games! I regularly see a lot of young people with serious chronic pain issues and sports injuries to get them back on the field. Here are some of the injuries I see most often in athletes and the methods I use to help them get back on the field.
Common Sports Injuries in Football and Basketball
Football and basketball are two of the most physically demanding sports, and they often lead to specific types of injuries.
Concussions: Football is notorious for its high-contact nature, and concussions are one of the most serious injuries players face. While chiropractic care doesn’t treat concussions directly, spinal adjustments and ART therapy can help alleviate secondary effects like headaches, neck pain, and dizziness that often accompany them.
Ankle Sprains: With all the jumping, pivoting, and fast footwork, basketball players frequently suffer from ankle sprains, which can range from mild to severe and can be treated with careful ART therapy.
Shoulder Injuries: The shoulders take a beating in football—whether it’s from tackles, blocks, or falls. I have seen many shoulder dislocation and rotator-cuff injuries in my day.
Hamstring Strains: Quick sprints and high-intensity movements can lead to pulled hamstrings, which can be quite debilitating and treated with our services.
Chiropractic Treatment for Sports Injuries
Chiropractic care practices play a critical role in helping athletes heal from sports injuries, as well as preventing future problems.
One of the most effective treatments I’ve used for sports injuries are Active Release Techniques (ART) that target soft tissue issues like muscle tightness, scar tissue, and adhesions that often result from overuse, trauma, or injuries. These techniques involve applying precise pressure to specific areas while the patient actively moves the affected muscle or joint, helping to break up scar tissue and improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
For example, I had a student-athlete suffering from hamstring strains during his rigorous, daily soccer practices. Through regular, weekly appointments we used ART techniques to help reduce their muscle tightness, increase circulation and accelerate their tissue repair. He was back on the field much sooner than their coaches thought. They delivered cookies as a thank-you. Delicious!
Traditional Chiropractic Adjustments
In addition to ART, traditional chiropractic techniques like spinal adjustments and joint mobilizations are also crucial in treating sports injuries. Chiropractic adjustments help to realign the spine, reduce nerve interference, and restore proper motion to the joints. This is especially important for athletes, as spinal misalignments can affect overall performance, lead to chronic pain, and even cause nerve irritation that can radiate into the limbs.
For example:
- For lower back pain: Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the vertebrae, relieve pressure on the nerves, and improve mobility.
- For shoulder injuries: Joint mobilization and adjustments can restore proper movement and reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint, making it easier to perform throwing or lifting motions.
- For ankle sprains: Chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment and range of motion, preventing long-term instability and promoting faster recovery.
Know an athlete who needs these treatments? Schedule an appointment with us at 916-434-6464!