From weekend warriors to elite professionals, one problem that all athletes can commiserate on is sports injuries, both significant and minor. The goal in all cases, of course, is to get back on the playing field as soon as possible, or if that is simply not possible, at least be able to relieve the pain during the recuperation period.
Because the vast majority of damage that occurs during physical exercises is to the soft tissues, chiropractic treatment of sports injuries is effective and is being used more frequently. Sports chiropractors specialize in treating all of the common soft-tissue traumas that occur during athletic games and physical fitness activities. These professionals are fully licensed in every state in the US and most other countries as well and can help athletes get back up and running as quickly as possible or even faster than treatment of pain with drugs.
In spite of of the level of your physical fitness, your dedication to warm ups and stretching prior to rigorous physical activity, or how skilled you are at your chosen sport, injuries are an all too common part of physical activity that happens to almost every athlete eventually.
Many athletes believe that in order to get the most out of every day on the playing field or in the gym, they need to push themselves and their bodies to the limit. Regretably, this is generally when the soft tissues are most at risk even in a non-contact sport. The first indication that something is wrong is, of course, when pain is felt.
Unfortunately, many athletes continue to play – occasionally turning minor pulled muscles or strains into a much more significant injury. Pain is our body’s way of telling us that something is wrong and it deserves some acknowledgement. If the pain is recurring or constant, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly.
Sports chiropractors routinely treat injuries such as lower back pain, muscle strains, Achilles tendon injuries, neck pain, joint pain, and even sciatica. When you visit your doctor, he or she will gather information and facts from you, such as your medical history and your lifestyle. Then you will be checked out physically, very likely beginning with your posture; and if necessary, you will get a full examination and x-rays.
Treatment plans are created only after a full diagnosis. Treatment will generally involve soft tissue manipulation and adjustments that relieve stiffness and spinal aggravation. One of the best things about chiropractors is that treatments are usually painless, or if there is discomfort it is generally limited and short-term, while people often experience relief from pain very quickly after treatment.
Professional sports managers are finally understanding the wisdom of chiropractic treatment for many types of injuries so many teams now employ full-time chiropractic specialists as part of their medical staff. For the weekend warrior who is not sure of the best way to treat sports related aches and pains, a visit to a sports chiropractic specialist is an excellent place to start.