Sports Injuries

Presented by:  Health First Chiropractic

Introduction

Sports injuries, like most other traumas, nearly always jar and misalign the spinal column; any impact to the body radiates to its center:  the spine. Immediate medical attention may be needed when an athlete is injured, however, most victims of trauma leave the hospital with incomplete healing because medical doctors are not trained to locate and correct spinal subluxations.

That's why anyone who has been in an accident should see a chiropractor immediately. A chiropractor can make the difference between life and death, between life with pain, disability and sickness and between a life of true recovery, activity and accomplishment.1

The Chiropractic Sports Edge

Why is it that many amateur and professional athletes wouldn't dream of entering competition without a chiropractic check-up first? They've discovered the chiropractic sports edge: chiropractic improves athletic ability!

In one study a group of athletes under chiropractic care were compared to a control group that received no chiropractic care. After six weeks the control group had an overall 4.5% improvement in athletic ability, while the chiropractic group had a 10.7% improvement and after 12 weeks it improved to 16.7%.

The chiropractic athletes also reacted faster, coordinated better and executed fine movements with improved accuracy and precision- all amounting to an overall better athlete. Equally thought-provoking was the following statement from the authors:  “How many professional and world-class athletes have been performing well below their true potential due to existing asymptomatic subluxations...one can only speculate the rewriting of the record books should all world-class and professional athletes undergo a program of chiropractic care.”2

Now you know why you'll find chiropractors caring for Olympic and professional athletes and as “team doctor” for professional, college, elementary and high school football, basketball, baseball, softball, ice-hockey, racquetball, rugby, soccer and weightlifting teams.

Chiropractic is used by world class boxers, tennis players, ballet stars, dancers, runners, sprinters, golfers, and athletes of all kinds. Also there are those who do aerobics as well as weekend athletes- who are more prone to injury and who need chiropractic to help them get in shape and stay in shape.

Common Running Injuries

Running or jogging is one of the most common outdoor activities. While it is a great form of cardiovascular exercise it is also a common source of injuries. Most running injuries are caused by overtraining or under stretching. The following are 4 of the most common running injuries:

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation on the bottom of your feet caused by tight calves, excessive pronation- a condition that occurs when the ankle rolls inward giving the arch of the foot more contact with the ground. This causes muscles to be stressed and unable to properly absorb the shock from the foot hitting the ground.

Shin splints is a condition affecting the muscles of the lower leg usually caused by repeated trauma to the connective muscle tissue surrounding the tibia leg bone. Pain is usually felt along the inside of the lower leg between the knee and the ankle where muscles attach to the shin bone.

Runner's knee is a painful condition caused by poor alignment at the knee joint creating abnormal wear and tear of the cartilage under the knee cap or irritation to the surrounding bursas, tendons and ligaments. It can be common in almost any sport that requires constant movement of the knee. However, runner's knee is often caused by imbalances in the hips or the feet and chiropractors are trained to correct pelvic imbalances.


Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is caused by a tight IT band. The ITB is a thick band of tissue extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee and inserting just below the knee. This band stabilizes the knee during running and is in a continual running motion which may cause the area to become inflamed. Pain is usually felt when the foot strikes the ground and may persist after activity.

Before starting any exercise program or becoming involved in any sport, make sure you have a chiropractic check-up. If you are unlucky enough to have any injury during your activities- have yourself checked out immediately for any alignment problems. The quicker you look after any injury, the quicker you will heal and just maybe, the more agile you will become in your chosen sport or activity.

Disclaimer:  Information contained in The Wellness Express newsletter is for educational and general purposes only and is designed to assist you in making informed decisions about your health. Any information contained herein is not intended to substitute advice from your physician or other healthcare professional.  References and Sources:  1. Hadley, L.A. Intervertebral joint subluxation, bony impingement and foramen encroachment with nerve root change. American Journal of Roentgenology and Radiological Therapeutics. 65: 387-402.  2. Lauro A., Mouch B. Chiropractic Effects on Athletic Ability. Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation. Vol. 6, No. 4. Jan 1991  Writer:  Tedd Koren, D.C.

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