Sports Injuries

Sport and injuries

Whether you play sport for pleasure or professionally, every athlete runs the risk of getting injured. Each year many people are injured while playing sport — this is painful and inconvenient for the athlete and costly for society due to the significant sick leave that results.

The body is placed under great strain during sport, and small 'irregularities' that are not noticed in daily life can cause injuries and negatively affect performance.

Prevention

Many athletes, both recreational and professional, choose to visit a chiropractor regularly to have their body checked. This preventive approach led to a dramatic reduction in injuries at top clubs such as AC Milan. Players were also able to perform at the highest level until a greater age.

Chiropractic care

Neurological chiropractors are uniquely suited to treat and prevent problems relating to muscles and joints. An optimally functioning musculoskeletal system leads to better performance and fewer injuries. Research and clinical experience show that the chiropractor's preventive approach can dramatically reduce the number of injuries. An active approach after an injury has also been shown to significantly speed up rehabilitation.

Acute and chronic

Injuries can be acute or chronic. Acute injuries arise from a sudden wrong movement; chronic injuries develop from a faulty movement pattern that may have crept in long ago. It is clearly desirable to identify and treat these functional disorders as soon as possible.

Symptoms

Reduced performance, minor aches and pains, stiffness or slow recovery from minor injuries can all point to poorly functioning muscles and joints. Recurring knee or ankle problems may even be caused by a faulty movement pattern in the lower back or hip.

Treatment for athletes

Athletes require a different approach than non-athletes because the forces acting on an athlete's body are many times greater than those experienced in everyday life. An athlete will need to rehabilitate for longer after an injury — being almost pain-free is not good enough. The goal is to return to a higher level than before the injury. A well-functioning body has the right balance of strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination, giving the athlete good control over their body and a clear understanding of both their capabilities and potential 'weak spots'.

Before treatment begins, there will be a consultation and a thorough physical examination. During treatment, the focus is on removing blockages and restoring the mobility of muscles and joints. Your chiropractor has a wide range of techniques available and can also provide advice on exercises and nutrition.