Pain happens for a reason, and seeking out help when you have an acute injury or have pain from repetitive motion or overuse can help prevent long term problems. Addressing an injury promptly is a must if you want to prevent permanent damage. Learning more about the types of injuries you could sustain on the playing field – or at home – can help you address the core problem and get back in the game quickly – and enjoy living pain free.

Strains and Sprains

Both amateur and pro athletes can suffer from sprains and strains, painful injuries caused by sudden motion and impact — while these injuries vary by degree they are generally painful but temporary if treated properly. While they sound very similar, sprains and strains are actually two different types of injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

• Strain: An injury to the muscle itself, or to the tendon that connects a muscle to your bones. A strain can be caused by overtraining or repetitive motion; it can also be caused by impact or overstretching as well. Rest, anti-inflammatories and compression may aid in healing and reduce pain.
• Sprain: Overextension or even a tear in a ligament, the connective tissue that holds your joints together. A sprain is often caused by impact – sliding into a base, swiveling quickly on the tennis court or colliding with another player on the field.  A sprain can range from mild to severe and treatment may be as simple as rest, pain relievers and elevation or more comprehensive, including rehabilitative care and exercise or even surgery. If you have sustained a sprain or strain, chiropractor can help determine the extent of your injury, treat the immediate condition and help you avoid this type of injury in the future by suggesting lifestyle changes and stretching techniques.

Tendinitis/Tendonitis

A repetitive use injury, tendinitis can impact the shoulder, elbow and other moving joints. This type of injury is often seen in athletes who play baseball, tennis or golf but can be caused by common household tasks, too, from raking leaves to painting the interior or exterior of a home. While anyone can get tendonitis, it is commonly seen in adults over the age of 30 and in people of all ages who participate in a sport. Prompt treatment is essential for proper healing – and may include rest, pain relievers and avoiding the troublesome activity; your chiropractor can diagnose the problem and come up with a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Knee and Thigh Pain

Many hip, knee and thigh pain problems are actually cause by improper posture and movement. When you walk or move about, your muscles are supposed to work together; if you have an area of weakness, the muscles in the surrounding areas have to compensate, resulting in overuse and pain. Visiting your chiropractor can help alleviate your pain by addressing your movement, alignment and postural issues that are causing stress and pain. While NSAID pain relievers may work in the short term, determining and correcting the root cause will help alleviate your pain and allow you to live pain free.

Shoulder and Elbow Problems

Instability and repetitive movement can cause shoulder and elbow pain and weakness; people who have had a shoulder dislocation may be at a greater risk of further pain. Activities that engage the shoulder and elbow, like tennis, volleyball and even swimming can cause or aggravate shoulder pain. NSAIDS and rest can help alleviate the pain, and chiropractic care can help you come up with a treatment plan that addresses the cause of the injury. From strength training to massage, your chiropractor can help alleviate your shoulder pain and allow you to resume doing the sports and activities you enjoy.

Sports Chiropractic Care Troy, Michigan

If you’ve been injured or have chronic pain, the sports chiropractic experts at Advanced Chiropractic Care in Troy, MI can help. From diagnosing the problem to coming up with a treatment plan tailored to meet your needs, our team is here to help you get back on the court or field.