Sports Injury and Chiropractic Care
Sports Injury and The Musculoskeletal System
A sports injury is the result of immense stress on the musculoskeletal system during athletic activities. Common areas of concern for athletes and sports injuries include back, neck, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, wrists, and ankles, though symptoms may present themselves anywhere in the body. Chiropractors are specially trained and educated to address these specific systems and are experts in the entire musculoskeletal system. Many choose chiropractic care first seeking an alternative to surgery. Others may be referred by their general practitioner or other doctor, or a friend or a family member.
Sports Injury and Rehabilitation with Chiropractic Care
Sports injuries can present themselves in many forms. Chiropractic care is laser-focused long term care that can provide immediate benefits for rehabilitation after a fracture, strain, spasm, tear, and other injuries. Chiropractic care will align the bones and joints to allow the muscle to support the tissues while paving the way for the body to recover on its own. This is done by a chiropractor using a procedure called a chiropractic adjustment, also known as manual manipulation or manipulation of the spine.This procedure should not be performed as therapy by anyone other than a chiropractor, a trained, certified, licensed physician educated in post-graduate studies.
Sports Injury and Physical Rehabilitation
To support the healing process while under Chiropractic Care, Core Physical Medicine partners with expert physical therapists to see you through your entire care. With routine physical rehabilitation centered on proper function of the muscles and joints, the body builds the necessary muscular support. Physical rehabilitation is a commonly prescribed treatment for many sports related injuries.
Sports Injury Why Chiropractic Care with Physical Rehabilitation vs Surgery
For sports injuries, surgery is not always unavoidable, however treating sports injuries with chiropractic care and rehabilitation can have some distinct advantages when compared with surgery. While both can be successful treatments, each person’s needs are best left to themselves and their doctors. Where they differ greatly is in their process and approach. Chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation will strive to provide relief for a sports injury through correcting and strengthening the musculoskeletal system. This has long-term benefits to the patient and their body. On the other hand, surgery may alter the physical structure of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, etc in ways that limit or inhibit their function or range of mobility in order to relieve pain or prevent further stress. Of course there are costs involved in both, however surgery’s cost is usually incurred in one large lump sum, while the costs of chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation are incurred per visit. Time considerations are also important for patients, and some surgery may incapacitate a patient for days to months or more. Some even impact the patient for the rest of their life. Chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation does have its own time commitments. Fortunately, it is usually through a couple of visits a week at a convenient time for the patient, with visits lasting minutes to an hour depending on each individual patient’s needs at that particular point in their care. Occasionally, your chiropractor or physical therapist will prescribe other things as well, such as exercises to perform at home or assistive devices such as braces, orthotics, etc.
Sports Injuries and Chiropractic Care : What to Expect
Treating sports injuries with chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation has a process similar to most other managed therapies. Expect a complete evaluation during your first chiropractor visit. This will include a self-assessment survey and questionnaire. Expect to provide a thorough medical history as well. You should receive a thorough visual inspection and a full reflex and strength assessment. Your vitals including body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure should also be checked. You may be asked to provide medical records including x-rays. It’s likely that your appointment may also include a chiropractic adjustment or manual manipulation. Depending on symptoms, you might also be treated with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, massage, or other forms of rehabilitation. Patients often, though not always, feel some amount of relief from symptoms during their first visit. Expect a follow up visit to be scheduled. At the follow-up visit, you should receive a reassessment as well as additional rehabilitation. Expect your caregiver to be direct and honest while giving you the best possible care. They will have more information about the rest of the process and how it’s tailored to your individual needs, so be sure to ask them all questions and talk to them frankly and candidly about your recovery process.