Sports injuries, today are not just limited to professional athletes or kids who participate in school sports programs. Today, many people of both sexes and all ages are regularly involved in sports and fitness activities. There are women playing traditionally men’s sports such as soccer, basketball, and kick-boxing. A large percentage of people participate in sports like golf and tennis, and/or other healthy activities like running, aerobic classes, and weight training. No matter what the activity, however, there is constantly the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be categorized into two basic types: injury from trauma such as a slip, fall or collision, and injury as the result of overuse or repetitive stress.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this kind of injury creates the type of incapacitation and debilitation most frequently associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most common, however the trauma of fractures and dislocations frequently occurs in contact sports. Damage to a ligament is called a sprain, while trauma to a muscle or its tendon is a strain.  The most characteristic areas 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 harmed, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

A traumatic injury may be relatively benign, such as a “muscle pull” or ankle twist. But, some can be extremely serious and require surgery. It is based upon the severity of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Almost all sprains and strains are identified with some degree of swelling and frequently with internal bleeding, particularly with injury to the ankles and knees. With all strains and sprains appropriate management is very important, particularly during the initial stages of the injury to insure proper healing and guard against future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly recommended.

The following is an acronym for the post-injury management of sprains and strains expressly if no professional assistance is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury to prevent additional damage
R    Rest the injured area
I     Ice injury to reduce swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specialized support or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees

Naturally it is necessary to get the injury professionally assessed by a chiropractor, or other competent health professional, to determine the extent of damage. When appropriate care is provided during the various stages of healing, the majority those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not cared for 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 management of sports injuries can offer expert advice and treatment you’ll want to have to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. Call your Santa Barbara chiropractor if you have sustained a traumatic injury.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

Sports such as golf, tennis, and bowling, as well as any other activity that necessitates the same actions over and over are prevalent reasons for repetitive stress injuries. Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can produce such afflictions.

Repetitious activity can often cause a very slight strain to tissues, especially tendons and muscles. But, it is the accumulative effects of the repetition that creates the more serious problem.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most common types of overuse injuries. Over time the muscle or other affected tissue develops changes that no longer permit it to function normally, resulting in pain, stiffness and disability. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can generally be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most widespread intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostwell-established intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that person to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, finally, previous injuries are a factor as they often keep the joints or muscles from functioning normally.

Extrinsic factors for injury

Extrinsic factors are numerous.  For instance, sports equipment can insufficient–an inappropriate grip size of tennis racket or worn-out running shoes are prime examples, even a playing surface can be a factor, e.g., a too-hard surface for soccer or an uneven treadmill. Inept technique in any sport, such as an unsuitable golf grip is, as they say, an injury waiting to happen All sports activities require some pre-conditioning, which is why people who are deconditioned who continue to increase the duration of an activity without developing slowly, as well as those who lack flexibility, are injured more frequently. Warming up is very important before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a widespread cause of injury.  And, finally, and maybe surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible because of stress are too tight and, hence, unprepared for most sports activities.

It is encouraging to remember that the majority of factors are extrinsic and, hence, they are factors that can be individually managed. But, most people must have assessment by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the type of injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit a person from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is often needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is your best 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.