Sidelined by a Sports Injury? See a Chiropractor

Whether you work out every day of the week or only find time on the weekend, an injury can put you out of the game. It doesn’t matter how you hurt yourself, your body will need time to heal. There are steps you can take at home that are helpful, but if the pain persists then you should see a chiropractor for treatment to relieve discomfort and promote healing. 

Home Treatment for a Sports Injury

Immediately after an injury happens, you can expect some pain, swelling and possibly bruising. The area may sensitive to touch and you may not be able to move it comfortably. 

To treat a sports injury on your own, remember the acronym R.I.C.E. 

Rest. If you’ve injured a muscle, try to rest it for a few hours. The muscle is more vulnerable to further injury now, so rest is important. 

Ice. An ice pack, a bag of ice or even a bag of frozen vegetables will work to relieve the pain and swelling. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel or cloth and apply 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. 

Compress.  To minimize swelling and prevent fluid buildup, wrap an elastic bandage around the injury. Don’t wrap the bandage too tightly. All that’s needed is gentle compression. 

Elevate. Keep the injured area above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling by draining fluid away from the injury. 

Chiropractic Treatment for Sports Injuries

Most sports injuries happen as the result of forceful impact. Of course, they could also occur when you’re running or stretching, too. No matter how your injury happens, a chiropractor can relieve the pain of a sports injury and help you feel better faster. 

For patients that need a gentle approach, there is spinal mobilization. Tools or basic stretching may also be added to a treatment program in order to release pressure in joints. In addition to chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation, ice, heat and electric stimulation may also be used to promote healing. 

When Should I See a Chiropractor?

If you have a sports injury, then you should see a chiropractor as soon as possible. But the best plan is prevention. With regular adjustments, you spine will be in alignment and balanced. This way, your body can function better and injuries are less likely to occur. 

When you exercise or play sports, your body may move in unusual ways. Consequently, sprains, strains, tears, stiffness and pain are more likely. Chiropractic treatment helps alleviate the discomfort these cause and can even help prevent injuries that cause neck and back pain, as well as injury to you shoulders, knees and ankles. 

If you have experienced any kind of sports injury, schedule a consultationwith a chiropractor. And to help prevent sports injury, maintain routine visits.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Wills provides chiropractic care in Naples, FL. For pain management, he offers chiropractic treatments, therapeutic exercise, weight loss and management, soft tissue therapy and strengthening and rehabilitation. To get in contact with Dr. Wills, click here.