If you're an athlete who has been injured, you are likely concerned about pain and the long-term impact of your injury. Rehab and recovery alone can be taxing, and concern following a sports injury takes a mental and emotional toll. At Lake Marion Chiropractic Center, we have provided residents of St Paul and Lakeville, MN, with sports injury treatment for many years. Our experienced chiropractors can help you get back on the field while also granting you some peace of mind. Following are the answers to several questions our chiropractor frequently receives regarding sports injuries.
What causes a sports injury?
There is no single cause for sports injuries. Often, they result from poor form or overuse. This can occur in muscles, bones, joints, or ligaments and range in severity. Acute injuries, like broken bones or torn muscles, are caused by an isolated event. This damage is present immediately following a hit or fall. In contrast, chronic injuries manifest after extended periods of overuse or repetitive motions.
What can I do to treat my injury at home?
Less severe injuries may not require specialized treatment. The "RICE" method is usually sufficient. Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation to relieve pain and reduce inflammation within the first 48 hours. If these symptoms do not get better after this time, consult with a chiropractor.
What types of treatment does a chiropractor offer?
Although every sports injury is unique, a chiropractor serving St Paul & Lakeville, MN can recommend multiple treatment options. Chiropractic adjustments are the most common. Restoring your body’s natural alignment will reduce your pain and restore your range of motion. Deep tissue massages and physical therapy can build strength and flexibility. Our chiropractor will also pair you with a nutritionist as part of a treatment plan to ensure you are fueling correctly.
Can a chiropractor help heal an old injury?
In short, yes. It's never too late to restore your body. Decades of wear and tear can leave behind scar tissue. Through the procedures mentioned above, our chiropractor can effectively break down this scar tissue and restore your range of motion.
What can I do to prevent future sports injuries?
Stretching and warming up are critical and should be incorporated before any sporting event. As you start an exercise routine, build slowly. Rapid increases in activity level can trigger strains and pulls. Finally, wear proper safety gear. All of these greatly reduce the risk of injury.
Sports Injury Treatment in St Paul and Lakeville, MN
Call Lake Marion Chiropractic today at (952) 469-8385 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor.