sport injury

People of all ages engage in various forms of activities, including sports. Therefore, athletes need to familiarize themselves with different sports injuries, how they may occur, what types of treatment are available for sports injuries, and how to prevent injuries down the road. The team at Lake State Chiropractic in Byron Center, MI, wants to share some of the most common sports injury questions and answers. 

What are common sports injuries?

Regardless of the sport being played, there is always a risk of suffering an injury. Generally, sports injuries are the result of an athlete’s inadequate posture, overused joints, and repetitive motions. In addition, sports injuries may result in inflammation, chronic pain, and temporary function loss.

Some most common sports-related injuries include knee pain, rotator cuff soreness, elbow tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, stress fractures, and lower back strain. These injuries and many others can happen to athletes who play football, baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, and swimming.

What is the RICE method?

The RICE method, which refers to Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, can be helpful for sports injury treatment during the first 24 to 48 hours. RICE can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. However, if your pain persists for longer than two days, or you notice something out of the ordinary, reach out to our chiropractor for professional treatment.

What kind of sports injury treatment is available?

The best course of chiropractic treatment for a sports injury will vary based on the injury itself as well as the extent of the damage. For example, the RICE method, sometimes combined with anti-inflammatory medication, can work well for low-grade sprains and strains. However, our chiropractor will recommend adjustments, exercises, mobility stretching, massage therapy, and more for more extensive injuries, such as ligament ruptures, fractures, or high-grade sprains.

How can future injuries be prevented?

Many sports injuries result from failing to stretch, improper warm-ups, and performing too strenuous tasks. Therefore, to prevent future injuries, warm up your muscles for five minutes and test your muscles. Then, slowly increase activity levels to avoid pulling muscles, straining tendons, or causing stress fractures. Our chiropractor can work with you to create a plan that consists of nutrition counseling, chiropractic adjustments, and more to strengthen the body.

Sports Injury Treatment in Byron Center, MI

Lake State Chiropractic in Byron Center is dedicated to providing athletes with the sports injury treatment and relief they need to get back on the field, court, or track. Contact us today at (616) 277-4024 to schedule an appointment.