Not too long ago sports injuries were mostly limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Today, men and women of all ages participate in regular sports and fitness activities. As a whole, most people are involved in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. Sadly, risk of injury is certainly possible with any sports activity.
Most injuries can be divided 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
As the name implies, this kind of injury creates the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. Nearly all traumatic injuries are to the ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone, and to body muscles, though fractures and dislocations do occur at times, particularly with contact sports. A strain is any injury to either a muscle or its tendon, and a sprain is an injury to ligaments. The most common parts of the body for these sorts 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 extremely serious.
Traumatic injuries can range from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the amount of tearing of the tissues, the area of the body, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are related to some degree of swelling and on occasion with internal bleeding, especially with injury to the ankles and knees. Strains and sprains need proper attention, particularly during the initial stages of an injury, to assure correct healing and guard against future disability. Attention from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.
If you’ve sustained an injury, the best course of action is to see a professional. Until assistance is attainable, remember the acronym, PRICE:
P Protect injury to prevent further damage
R Rest the injury
I Ice injury to lessen swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E Elevate the injury, expressly when dealing with ankles and knees
Of course it is necessary to get the injury appropriately assessed by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to determine the degree of damage. Most of these injuries can heal, though they do require knowledgeable care during the various stages of healing. If not managed correctly, 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 trained in the care of sports injuries can give the proper advice and treatment you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will recoverl 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, especially among people going out for sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that demands the same activity over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such afflictions.
Basically, overuse or repetitive stress injuries occur when an individual is performs a repetitious activity that causes a tiny strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most frequent kinds of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer allow it to function properly, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. Certain factors predispose a person to these types of injury. Some 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 frequently be changed or controlled by the individual.
Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury
Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person 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 often keep the joints or muscles from functioning normally.
Extrinsic factors for injury
Extrinsic factors are plentiful. A wrong 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. Improper technique, like an incorrect golf grip or swing, can create stress and strain injuries. An additional factor is poor conditioning. Quite a few individuals are injured because they aren’t in shape. Added frequency or prolonged duration of an activity, without building up slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Insufficient flexibility can cause injury if someone is too stiff to do an activity properly. Lack of warm-up, like stretching and suitable preparation, is a frequent factor in injuries. And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Being tired or stressed can produce tense, inflexible muscles that are too tight for most activities.
There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, therefore, within a person’s control. Before beginning a new sport, or as a way to prevent injury in a current sport, it’s a good idea to get an assessment of your overall body condition. If you’ve been injured, it is vital to seek out a qualified professional, like a chiropractor, to determine the nature of the injury and create a plan of therapy. If left untreated, sports injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and limit a favorite activity. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often necessary 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.