Sports Injuries

Sports injury keeping you on the bench? Not for much longer.
Many people believe that in order to be considered a “real” athlete, you have to be a professional. This isn’t true at all! Some athletes train for competitions, and others train to improve in their sport of choice and stay physically active.

No matter what kind of athletic category you fall into, you are at risk of receiving a sports-related injury. Many athletes get hurt every year from using improper playing and movement techniques. That’s why it’s important to see a chiropractor regularly and make sure that you’re in tip top shape! Whether you have recently sustained an injury such as a sprain or broken limb, or you just want to make sure you’re staying fit for the game.

Chiropractic adjustments may be effective when used to deal with pain caused by an injury.

Common Sports Injuries - There are several different injuries that can occur while performing an athletic activity; however, the most common forms of sports injury include:

Shin splints - The medical term for shin splints is “medial tibial stress syndrome,” referring to pain that is felt in the shin bones. This pain is typically caused by stress placed on the shinbone and the connective tissues surrounding it. Shin splints are painful and often debilitating; however, they can be avoided if you make sure to wear proper footwear, strengthen your core and leg muscles, and warm up before exercise.

Knee injuries. Your knee is the most complex joint in your body, so it’s no surprise that it is also one of the most commonly injured body parts. Knee injuries may include dull aches that run from your hip to your knee, repetitive use injuries making it difficult to move the knee, or more severe injuries such as an ACL tear.

Sprain - A sprain occurs when a ligament connecting one bone to another is stretched beyond its limits. Once a sprain occurs and a ligament is overstretched, it is more likely that it’ll occur again.

Strain or “pulled muscle”A strain is similar to a sprain, but they are not quite the same. A strain, also referred to as a “pulled muscle,” occurs when a tendon connecting your muscle to bone is stretched beyond its limits. Once the tendon is overstretched, it is more likely that it will be strained once again and cause future reinjury.

How Do Sports Injuries Occur?
The term “sports injury” is pretty inclusive. Any type of injury that occurs while performing athletic activity can fall under the term, and they can all happen by lifting heavy weights at the gym, overuse of a body part, or running in ill-fitting shoes. One of the most important aspects to rehabilitating a sports injury is treating it as soon as possible. The second you notice your pain failing to dissipate or getting worse, you should call Vitality Health Center for an assessment.

Your treatment plan and duration of recovery will vary depending on how severe the injury is, your health history, and whether or not the injury requires surgical intervention, so it’s a good idea to contact a professional for help as soon as possible!

Contact Vitality Health Center today for your sports injury. If you have recently sustained a painful sports injury, stop trying to deal with it alone at home. Icing it will only go so far!

Your treatment plan will typically include manual therapy to reduce scar tissue, and increase your range of motion, as well as stretches to improve balance and mobility. They will also most likely incorporate strengthening exercises to make the injured area stronger, as well as its surrounding areas. These are all done to help you recover after your sports injury and to prevent further injuries from happening again.

If you are dealing with sports injuries and you are looking to find long-lasting relief, talk with, John T. Toth, our dedicated chiropractor at Vitality Health Center by calling 651-773-9414.

Vitality Health Center serves patients in White Bear Lake, White Bear Township, Gem Lake, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, Oakdale, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Pine Springs, Grant and surrounding areas.