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. This strain should be a balance throughout the body with proper mobility and stability. If this pattern becomes altered the athlete is at risk of injury and poor performance. A Functional Movement Screen can test the athlete for this balance. 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. This approach will restore the mobility stability complex that the athlete needs to perform. 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. Restoring the normal pattern of mobility and stability throughout the body can decrease pain, minimize future risk, and increase total performance.
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 661-288-1212 or visit the office at 24510 Town Center Drive, Suite 200 in Valencia.