A rise in sports injuries is no surprise as the autumn sports season approaches. Any sportsperson is aware of the risk of physical injury. A sudden, awkward jump, a fast sprint, a punch or a heavy tackle can all lead to muscle or joint injury. The good news is that, with the help of our chiropractors, all of these injuries are treatable. At the Absolute Health Sunshine Coast clinic, our skilled sports chiropractors aim to get you back to the sport you love as quickly as possible, even after a significant injury.

Five common sports injuries a chiropractor can treat

1. Strains and sprains

A sprain results from overstretching or tearing a ligament. Because ligaments connect bone to bone, joint sprains are common, with sprained ankles and wrists being the most frequent. Along with bruising and swelling, you may be unable to use the injured joint for a while. Strains, on the other hand, are caused by torn or overstretched muscles or tendons. Back and hamstring strains are among the most common, as tendons attach muscle to bone. You may experience muscle swelling, spasms or temporary loss of movement.

How a chiropractor can help

A chiropractor can help relieve pain from strains and sprains without surgery. They use stretching techniques to help heal sports injuries more quickly without compromising your performance. Other approaches used in sports chiropractic care include massage, pain relief and muscle strengthening. Treatment not only helps the affected area heal but also builds strength to help prevent these injuries in the future. Chiropractors often use the following techniques to help relieve pain and support healing:

Following a treatment plan from a trusted clinic can help you return to your regular routine in fewer days.

2. Muscle inflammation

Muscles are wrapped in a strong membrane known as fascia, which can come under pressure as they swell. A fall during training can compress the blood vessels and nerves around the knee. This pressure can damage your muscles and is known as compartment syndrome.

Distance runners are more prone to compartment syndrome. The good news is that it is treatable with chiropractic care.

How swollen muscles are treated by a chiropractor

Myofascial release: A chiropractor uses techniques to release tension and tightness in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. Myofascial release improves mobility and reduces muscular discomfort.

Active Release Technique (ART): Our chiropractors are trained in advanced techniques such as ART, which helps boost blood flow, break down scar tissue and restore normal muscle movement.

Chiropractic massage: These specialised massage techniques help relieve pain, relax muscles and improve blood flow, showing the strong link between sport and chiropractic care.

3. Runner's knee (knee injury)

Patellofemoral syndrome, or runner's knee, is a common knee injury among regular runners. It is a repetitive overuse injury in which the tendon beneath the kneecap becomes irritated and inflamed. This can result in significant knee pain.

Treatment plan by a chiropractor

Runner's knee is very treatable with chiropractic therapies.

Manual manipulation: Hands-on treatment from a chiropractor can deliver positive results for pain relief, better posture and improved mobility.

Traction: This method gently stretches the knee to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.

Ultrasound: The massaging action of sound waves can help reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation.

Electrotherapy: Many sports injuries can be treated using TENS. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit delivers tiny electrical pulses to improve blood flow, reduce swelling and relieve tension.

4. Shin splints

Another common injury among athletes is shin splints, marked by pain along the tibia or shin bone. As with many injuries, poor stretching or warming up increases your risk of developing them. Shin splints are also common in people with flat feet who wear unsupportive footwear.

Treating shin splints with a chiropractor

For people with shin splint discomfort, chiropractic adjustments can be a very helpful treatment. A chiropractor can help diagnose the problem and rule out other causes, then provide pain-free treatment. They can also teach you how to strengthen and stretch your leg muscles.

5. Tennis elbow

Sharp pain around the elbow can point to tennis elbow in athletes and sportspeople. Golfers and racquet-sport players frequently experience it. It involves overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons near the elbow joint. Pain on the outside of the elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, can be made worse by gripping small objects, opening jars or turning door knobs.

Chiropractic treatments for tennis elbow

Conclusion

Common sports injuries are often part and parcel of an active life. Chiropractic care is here to support you and keep you doing what you love. Strains, knee injuries and soft tissue injuries are common among runners but are usually treatable within days or weeks with the help of our chiropractors. If you are dealing with a sports injury, our team can help.