Athletics provide an outlet for fitness and for fun, but sports injuries can leave you sidelined. A wide range of chiropractic methods is available for helping you prevent injuries, as well as heal from them when they do occur. Dr. Steven Wachs, the experienced chiropractor at Wachs Chiropractic Health Center in Chula Vista, can help with sports injury prevention and treatment.

Common Sports Injuries

It is not uncommon for recreational or competitive athletes to sustain an injury while participating in sports or other athletic endeavors. Some types of injuries are common in specific activities. For example, bicycling is associated with an increased risk for developing back injuries, while muscle sprains and strains are typical in golf. Foot, ankle, or leg injuries can result from running, but back injuries are also possible. Running puts a lot of stress on the back, which can result in injuries to the joints, discs, and vertebrae.

Weight lifting or bodybuilding can increase your risk of sustaining an injury to the back, shoulders, neck, or knees. Lower back injuries are common among swimmers, while skiers can be at risk of spraining or straining various muscles. Minor spinal fractures are also a possibility while skiing. Finally, tennis elbow, which involves a torn or ruptured tendon, is a common sports injury among tennis players. In general, anyone participating in sports or athletics could sustain an injury to the back of one of the joints, such as the elbows, knees, shoulders, ankles, or elbows.

Sports Injury Prevention

It is possible to prevent sports injuries or at least reduce your risk of sustaining one by taking certain preventive measures. One way to prevent injuries is to increase flexibility through stretching exercises. Performing strength-building exercises, such as movements to strengthen the back, can also prevent certain types of injuries. Wearing protective gear, such as padding or helmets, is another way to reduce the risk of injury.

Visiting the chiropractor regularly can also help with injury prevention. A properly aligned spine helps the muscles relax and promotes more flexible joints, which can make you less prone to being injured during athletic activities. The skilled chiropractic team at our facility in Chula Vista can assist with the prevention of sports injuries by teaching you exercises for increasing strength and flexibility.

Chiropractic Treatments for Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can still occur even when you take steps to prevent them. Fortunately, there are many effective chiropractic services for helping you heal and recover from an injury. A wide range of methods is available for providing relief from pain, reducing inflammation and swelling, improving mobility, and promoting healing. Some chiropractic techniques can help minimize the risk of subsequent injuries by strengthening the affected area so it is less susceptible to injury down the road.

Playing sports, whether competitively or for fun, is an excellent way to have fun while staying fit. Unfortunately, injuries can happen, but we are here to help.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wachs for help with your sports injuries by calling Wachs Chiropractic Health Center in Chula Vista at (619) 427-4747. We also have satellite offices in Oceanside and Escondido that can be reached at the same phone number.