About the condition: There is such a huge variety of sports injuries ranging from the minor tweak to a ligament or muscle rupture, or tear. Knees, ankles, shoulders and elbows are the most common but any joint in the body can be injured through sports. Tears may occur in ligaments (sprains), in muscles (strains), or in tendons. Tears may be graded as minimal (first-degree), moderate to severe (second-degree), or complete (third-degree). In most cases a severe injury such as full rupture, tear or fracture would normally involve a prompt trip to your local hospital. In general, as a chiropractor, I see a good deal of muscle strains, ligament sprains or mechanical joint pain.
Symptoms: Generally sprains, strains and tendon tears cause pain, tenderness, and usually swelling. Second-degree sprains are very painful when stretched. Third-degree sprains often cause joint instability because ligaments that stabilise joints may be disrupted. In third-degree tendon tears, the muscle cannot move the bone normally attached to it by the tendon.
Treatment: Before commencing treatment it is very important that the correct diagnosis is reached and this is where a chiropractor’s training, expertise and experience will be very important on your road to recovery.
Generally in minor sprain or strain injuries:
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Immobilisation and repair as indicated, based on injury location and severity
Specific stretching and strengthening regime
Severe second-degree and some third-degree sprains and tendon tears are immobilised. Many third-degree sprains and tendon tears require surgical repair.
“Again the diagnosis is crucial before any treatment and directly affects the next stage in resolving the injury. In cases of minor injuries, chiropractic techniques working on the muscles, ligaments and joints of the body can decrease the time taken to return to full activity in my experience. Combined with a specific exercise regime and supportive chiropractic care to keep your body at its optimum, we can work together to keep you at the top of your game and hopefully prevent recurrences of your problems” says Dr Alex.
