Sports Injury Treatment in Chicago
There are a wide variety of sports related injuries and they can affect many areas of the body. Most injuries occur from a single event (sprained ankle) or high repetition (ITB pain from running). When these injuries affect the joints, ligaments, tendons or muscles, chiropractic care and physiotherapy are great treatment choices.Running is a fantastic form of cardiovascular exercise that is enjoyed by many people, young and old. Whatever the goal or training schedule, many runners struggle with musculoskeletal complaints. Common issues are plantar fasciitis, shin splints, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, and knee pain. The repetitive nature of running predisposes runners to “overuse injuries.” Several factors such as running on hard surfaces, poorly fitting running shoes, wearing old and worn out shoes, increasing mileage too quickly, and abnormal biomechanics all predispose runners to injury.
The most damaging force placed on a runner is the “shock” caused by the foot striking the ground. Many of the lower extremity joints function to reduce this shock, especially the foot and ankle. When these joints are inflexible it can predispose one to developing plantar fasciitis, knee issues, hip, and low back pain. When the joints of the foot and ankle do not act to absorb the shock of running, the muscles of the legs, hips, pelvis, and lower back have to work overtime to help to absorb these forces. This leads to chronic muscle damage, which leads to pain and a reduction in performance.
Adjustments to the lower extremity act to restore proper function and motion to the area allowing for proper joint function. Proper stretching and strength training techniques are also vital to preventing the recurrence of injury.
A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders studied a group of male athletes with a history of hamstring injury. The participants of the study were split into two groups with both groups receiving the current best practice medical and sports science management. Also, the intervention group received a sports chiropractic adjustment as well as mobilization and/or soft tissue therapies to the spine and extremity. The results of the study found that the difference for primary lower-limb muscle strains was significant and there was also a significant difference in weeks missed due to non-contact knee injury. The authors concluded that there is a trend towards lower limb injury prevention with a significant reduction in primary lower limb muscle strains and weeks missed due to non-contact knee injuries through the addition of a sports chiropractic intervention to the current best practice management.
--Hoskins, W., & Pollard, H. (2010). The effect of a sports chiropractic manual therapy intervention on the prevention of back pain, hamstring and lower limb injuries in semi-elite Austrian Rules footballers: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 11(64).
A runner and triathlete himself, Dr. Lazarowich has a great interest in running technique and preventing/resolving running injuries. He has helped many athletes participate and compete in races from 5K to 26.2 miles. Call us today and we’ll help get you meet your running goals.
Testimonials about sports injury relief