Many injuries with the muscles and joints can begin with athletics. High school, college, and professional athletes are sidelined with injuries that could be avoided. Some athletes sit on the bench because their injury does not respond to ordinary treatment. Still others are playing, but with limitations, simply because their muscles and joints are not working properly. Progressive coaches, athletes, and doctors are realizing that pain-killing drugs are not the answer. They merely cover up the symptoms, making the athlete at risk for further injury. Probably more than any other health profession, chiropractic’s approach to health closely relates to the needs of the athlete. Most sports involve contact, change of direction, and a high level of effort, which causes a strain to the athlete. There are numerous reasons why the athlete should seek a sports chiropractor for the treatment and rehabilitation of a sports injury. Doctors of Chiropractic consider all aspects of the athlete’s condition, giving special attention to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The first goal of treatment for a sports-related injury is to break the pain cycle and give relief. Once the pain cycle is broken, aggressive rehabilitation can begin. This includes stretching and strengthening exercises to improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength. Our office has x-ray facilities on site for immediate evaluation of sports-related injuries. We also offer nutritional supplements to aid in the reduction of pain and speed up the healing process. Here are some helpful hints if you play sports or have a sports injury:
1. Act promptly. Schedule an appointment for an evaluation immediately. A decision on the proper method of treatment must be made as soon as possible, and then carried out. Delay has been conclusively shown to be the difference between success and failure of treatment.
2. Always get current cutting edge treatment. Evaluation to the severity of the injury must be the controlling factor in the choice of treatment. Conservative methods, such as chiropractic sports medicine, have proven to be a successful choice for many athletes.
3. Achieve perfection. Make complete recovery your goal. While this may not be possible in every case, it must always be the goal. Sports chiropractic and chiropractic rehabilitation have received a considerable amount of attention in recent years. Many world class and Olympic athletes, as well as professional stars and teams, have retained sports chiropractors to provide care.
For more information about chiropractic care and sports medicine, please call Dr. Joshua P. Mitchell at 661-288-2321 or visit the office at 24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 200, Valencia, CA.