Whether you’re a weekend warrior, high school athlete, or a professional competitor, injuries are a common occurrence in sports. In Kansas City, athletes from all disciplines face risks of acute injuries or overuse conditions. Sports chiropractic care offers a unique approach to not just treating these injuries but also enhancing overall athletic performance. We’ll explore five common sports injuries and how Midwest Spine and Sport can help you recover and prevent future issues.
5 Common Sports Injuries: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
Runner’s knee is one of the most frequent overuse injuries in Kansas City runners and other athletes who engage in repetitive lower-body activities. It occurs when the kneecap doesn’t track properly along the femur, leading to irritation and pain in the knee.
Our Solutions:
Joint Mobilization: By improving knee mechanics and reducing tension in surrounding structures, chiropractic care addresses the underlying causes of pain.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles is essential to prevent recurrence.
Gait Analysis: Addressing improper running mechanics can significantly reduce stress on the knee.
2. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Athletes in overhead sports like swimming, volleyball, and baseball often develop shoulder impingement. This occurs when tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed between the shoulder blade and humerus.
Our Solutions:
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as Active Release Technique (ART) can reduce inflammation and restore mobility.
Shoulder Adjustments: Gentle adjustments can improve joint positioning and function.
Strengthening Programs: Strong muscles are healthy muscles. Building scapular stability and improving the strength in the shoulder girdle helps improve pain and prevents future injuries.
3. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, affects athletes who frequently use their wrists and forearms, such as tennis players and golfers. This condition is caused by repetitive strain, leading to tiny tears in the tendons.
Our Solutions:
Manual Therapy: Relieving tension in the forearm muscles and improving mobility aids recovery.
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy: Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy uses controlled pressure to reduce blood flow to the affected area, stimulating muscle strength and repair at lower exercise intensities.
Strengthening and Stretching: Restoring balance between the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm reduces stress on the tendons.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in athletes, especially those who run or engage in activities requiring prolonged weight-bearing. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed due to repetitive strain or overstretching. This inflammation leads to stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps taken in the morning or after periods of rest.
Our Solution
- Foot and Ankle Adjustments: Chiropractors may perform adjustments to improve alignment and relieve pressure on the affected area. Mobilizing the joints of the foot and ankle can help reduce inflammation, increase range of motion and prevent future injuries.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release and deep tissue massage target the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles to alleviate tightness and improve flexibility.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific stretches for the calves and Achilles tendon, combined with strengthening exercises for the foot, can improve flexibility and prevent re-injury.
5. Low Back Pain
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, and it's particularly prevalent in athletes due to repetitive movements, improper lifting techniques, or excessive stress placed on the spine during intense physical activities. LBP can result from a variety of causes, including muscle strains, herniated discs, or even poor posture, and can affect both professional and recreational athletes. It often presents as a dull ache or sharp, localized pain, and in severe cases, may radiate down the legs (sciatica).
Our Solution
- Spinal Adjustments and Manipulation: Chiropractors often perform spinal adjustments to mobilize the vertebrae, relieving pressure on nerves and improving mobility. These adjustments can help reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tightness, and promote healing.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like myofascial release, massage, and trigger point therapy target tight or strained muscles, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and helping muscles relax.
- Core and Hip Strengthening Exercises: A strong core is essential for supporting the spine and preventing low back pain. Chiropractors often prescribe exercises that target the abdominal and lower back muscles, as well as the hips, to improve overall stability and prevent future injuries.
- Posture and Movement Correction: Chiropractors provide education on improving posture, lifting techniques, and body mechanics during athletic activity. Correcting these issues can significantly reduce the likelihood of low back injuries.
Injuries like shoulder impingement, low back pain, runner's knee, and tennis elbow can significantly impact an athlete’s performance, but with the right care, recovery is possible. Chiropractic treatments, including spinal adjustments and targeted exercises, can help relieve pain, promote healing, and prevent future injuries. If you're experiencing any of these issues, scheduling a visit with Midwest Spine and Sport can get you on the path to recovery and help you get back to doing what you love, pain-free.