Sports Injuries and how Chiropractic can help

Athletes at all levels can benefit from the performance enhancing effects of chiropractic care. Research has demonstrated an 83% increase in training mileage in female long distance runners whilst receiving chiropractic treatment. The athlete requires all parts of their body to work in a co-ordinated, cohesive man­ner for the highest level of performance. Chiropractors recognise that faulty body mechanics stress the nervous system, upsetting normal reflex reaction time, co-ordination and balance. Chiropractors are in a unique position to assist the athlete to achieve correct body mechanics ensuring maximum performance whilst conserving energy. Chiropractic can help with increasing injury recovery and reducing injury rate.

All sporting activity has the potential for injury whether it’s playing tennis, golf, rugby, soccer, hockey, running, horse-riding or GAA

The most common sports injuries that respond well to chiropractic treatment are common injuries such as:

• Elbow pain (tennis or golfers elbow)
• Groin strain
• Hamstring muscle strain
• Knee pain with or without cartilage problems
• Calf strains
• Shin splints
• Achilles tendinitis
• Sprained Ankle
• Sprains/strains
• Cramps
• Pulled muscles
• Painful joints

In most cases recurrent sprains and strains there is an underlying joint biomechanical issue. For example with groin injury and hamstring injury and strains there is usually a pelvic rotation that results in a difference in leg length that goes on to alter the tension of those muscles attaching in the pelvis and puts them at more risk to become strained and injured.

Commonly with sports injuries a combination of chiropractic and soft tissue treatment is required and I will refer accordingly to the most appropriate therapist. By having both treatments concomitantly you will return to activity faster.

As a response to the above I am working with two other therapists to help sport enthusiasts whether amateur, semi-professional or professional to reach their full potential. ‘What’s in your kit?’ helps athletes by combining chiropractic care with acupuncture from Niamh O’Brien and nutritional therapy from nutritionist Anne Owens

Download the “What’s in your Kit?” flyer here