Common Sports Injury Treatments
If you have a minor sports injury, you can likely treat the problem yourself. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist, our sports injury chiropractor at Capitol Hill Chiropractic in Seattle can provide top-notch treatment for gym injuries, rock climbing injuries, and more. These sports injury treatments can aid in the healing process.
Try the RICE Method
For minor sports injuries, the RICE Method can be helpful. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You can try this method during the first 24 to 36 hours of an injury to prevent bruising, reduce pain, and minimize swelling. You can also find relief from swelling and pain with prescription or over-the-counter medications. If your injury is severe, seek help from a professional. Signs of a severely injured joint include:
- Instability
- Crunching or popping sounds upon movement of the joint
- Extreme pain and swelling
- Intolerable weight on the joint
- Deformities like bumps, lumps, and others
- Weakness
Stretches and Exercises
A chiropractor can suggest specific stretches and exercises that can shorten your recovery time, increase your range of motion, and strengthen the musculature of your body. Stretches and exercises can also alleviate back or neck pain and improve mobility. Examples of these exercises include scalene stretches, scapular retractions, piriformis stretches, and core opposition.
Ways to Prevent Sports Injuries
Preventing sports injuries from occurring or recurring requires commitment and responsibility. Injuries can happen in a split second, so it's important to educate yourself on the steps you can take to prevent them. For instance, stretching and warming up properly is the best way to prevent sports injuries. Cooling down with the same stretches you started with is also important. Additionally, performing your activity or sport with the proper technique reduces your risk of injury. This can include bending your knees at the right time to avoid injury and knowing the correct postures and stances.
Consider Seeing a Chiropractor
An expert chiropractor in sports medicine can help relieve pain and facilitate faster recovery from injuries. Chiropractic treatment is beneficial for severe rock-climbing injuries or gym injuries. An experienced chiropractor can perform sports mobility work, which promote athletic health, warm up the muscles, and increase blood flow. They can also recommend various treatments such as muscle exercises, muscle stretches, spinal and manual adjustments, among others. Regular visits to a chiropractor can enhance athletic performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Contact Our Chiropractor in Seattle, WA
If you're unsure of what to do next, our sports injury chiropractor at Capitol Hill Chiropractic in Seattle can help. Call our team today at (206) 623-5202 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.