Health Upp Chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment method for a variety of injuries and ailments, including everything from headaches to acute nerve pain. For individuals managing a sports-related injury, a sports injury chiropractor or physical therapy specialist can help you get back in the game sooner rather than later. Treatment methods such as adjustments, spinal manipulation, and physical therapy are all non-surgical, non-invasive methods for helping you back to optimal health.
In this article, we’ll review the basics of chiropractic care and explain some of the treatment methods your chiropractor may use to help speed up your recovery. One of the most common misconceptions about chiropractic care is that it’s only a treatment method for the back and neck. However, a full-service chiropractor can help you tackle a range of health concerns and can often prove to be a powerful supplement to other medical care.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a safe, pain-free, and non-surgical method of care that’s designed to help you recover from a variety of injuries and aches without the side effects of formal medical care or prescriptions. A full-service chiropractor often aims for holistic wellness in patients rather than only treating the affected area or concern. Sprains and strains, joint pain, pulled muscles, and dislocations are all examples of sports-related injuries that a chiropractor can help you manage and recover from.
If you’re looking into chiropractic care for a sports injury, you may be eligible to visit a chiropractic specialist who will have specific training in helping athletes and individuals with an active lifestyle. When it comes to selecting a chiropractic care provider, the more experienced, the better. If the type of injury you’re managing is more severe or involves any broken bones, you’ll need to visit a normal medical practitioner first before scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a specific form of chiropractic care, such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or spinal decompression.
Chiropractic Evaluation
At your first appointment, your chiropractor will examine and measure your existing health to get a better idea of your injuries and health concerns. This may include x-rays or other basic tests. You’ll have a chance to explain what your goals are for treatment and can ask any number of questions about how the process works. If necessary, you can also schedule a follow-up appointment.
Chiropractic Treatment Methods for Sports Injuries
Your chiropractic care plan may include a range of treatment methods, some of which may require you to make a follow-up or repeat appointment. The best chiropractors will develop a customized treatment plan for your injuries and may mix treatment methods to achieve a better result that not only helps you recover but helps ensure that the injury doesn’t become a problem again in the future.
Adjustments and Spinal Manipulation
Adjustments and spinal manipulation are the most common form of chiropractic care. These treatment options can help treat muscle pain or aches and pinched nerves. In some cases, it can supplement normal medical treatments for fractures and dislocations. Contrary to popular belief, this process is almost always painless. You may hear popping sounds as air bubbles are released around the joints, but the process can help to alleviate pain almost immediately and typically feels good.
Acupuncture and Dry Needle
Acupuncture and dry needle treatments aim to relieve pressure in and around the affected muscle groups by inserting small needles to activate trigger points. The process can vary significantly depending on what area is being treated, but just as with adjustments and spinal manipulation, the process rarely hurts. Acupuncture is derived from Eastern medicine and can operate as a stand-alone treatment program. Dry needle treatments, however, are usually only prescribe in addition to other forms of chiropractic care.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy programs help stabilize and speed up your recovery from a variety of sports injuries, from broken bones to normal sprains and strains. Programs can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury.
Guided movements and stretching help to keep the primary muscle groups around the injury active, so there’s no loss in mobility. Physical therapy is one of the most common forms of sports injury care, so much so that many professional sports teams have therapists on staff. Not all chiropractors offer physical therapy- make sure to check what services are available before booking.
Massage Therapy
Depending on the source and severity of your pain, your chiropractor may recommend massage therapy treatments. This form of care helps to relax the muscle groups and joints around the affected area, relaxing the affected individual and promoting holistic wellness. While this form of chiropractic care is somewhat less common than physical therapy and adjustments, it’s still a good option for athletes looking to get back in the game sooner rather than later.
Paying for Chiropractic Care
Many insurance plans offer coverage options for chiropractic care, making treatment significantly more affordable and accessible. However, policies vary significantly, and you may need to visit certain offices and facilities. If you’re not sure what your coverage options are, it’s usually best to contact your insurance provider rather than the chiropractic office itself.
Conclusion- How Chiropractic Care Can Help You Manage a Sports Injury
Chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive treatment option for athletes recovering from a sports injury, whether it’s a pulled muscle, a sprained ankle, or a strain. Treatment options are personalized to the nature of the injury, your level of pain, and your goals, but always make it easier to get back in the game sooner rather than later.