SPORTS CHIROPRACTIC

 
 

Chiropractic care is an amazing asset for recovering from injuries, preventing injuries, and increasing performance.  Did you know that every NFL team, the US Olympic team, and countless other professional sports organizations have Chiropractors on staff for their athletes?  In fact, Dr. Mat here at Eastridge is the official Chiropractor for the Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse team!

As long as there isn’t an open wound, a very obvious broken bone, you can bear weight and move the limb freely, we are a good first choice in helping with sports injuries.  Let’s take a look at how our office can help athletes of all ages.

Evaluations

Anytime an injury happens, a detailed examination and diagnosis is crucial to determine the severity of the injury and how best to recover from it.  Our office uses the most recent evidence-based approaches in orthopedic and neurologic testing to find out what the injury is and how to set up an appropriate treatment plan. We can order x-rays or MRI if needed, and also help coordinate care with other medical professionals. We are also certified to perform Pre-Participation Sports Physicals for student athletes.

Treating injuries

Studies have shown that the sooner treatment is started, the quicker an injury will recover and the chance of re-injury is much lower.  When first starting treatment, the focus is on decreasing inflammation and pain, and guiding our patients on how to prevent further injury to the area.  The next step is focusing on regaining function back to normal.  This may include dry needling, shockwave therapy, manipulations, as well as specific stretches and exercises.  Once the injury has healed, we will transition into strengthening and activating the muscles around the area of injury to provide support and reduce the likelihood of reinjury in the future.  

Prevention and performance

If you are prone to injury or have a specific problem area that seems to “come and go”, consistent/periodic treatment will likely help prevent that area from flaring up as much or as intensely. Many of our patients choose to come in for treatment once every 4-6 weeks in order to do all of the activities they love to do without worry of an old injury plaguing them.  Preventative care is also helpful in the event a flare up does occur, it likely will improve much quicker and require less care and treatment to feel back to normal. 

There have been several studies done measuring the effects of Chiropractic treatment as it relates to sports. Chiropractic care improves reaction times, balance, and coordination. Not only can we help to improve those areas of performance, but we are well versed in identifying potential weaknesses or asymmetries in movement and work to balance things out so our patients are functioning at their peak.

Common conditions we treat in athletes:

  • Sprains/strains

  • Rolled ankles

  • Pulled muscles

  • Shoulder pain

  • Wrist pain

  • Knee pain

  • Low back pain

  • Neck pain

  • Tendonitis

  • Concussion recovery