Over half of youths aged 6-17 play organized sports within a given year and countless adults also hit the field or court on a regular basis. Playing sports can improve health and help folks maintain their desired weight, among other things. Yet sports injuries are common and often fail to heal on their own as quickly or completely as one might like. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help. If you need assistance with sports injuries in Polk City, IA, contact Dr. Justin Sands.
Let’s take a look at some of the techniques a chiropractor can use to address sports injuries.
Spinal Manipulation and Massage Therapy
If you or a loved one have suffered a sports injury, it’s possible that the spinal column has become misaligned. Unfortunately, this often results in lasting pain that can linger even after lots of rest. A chiropractor can gently realign the spine, which could reduce muscle tension and strain. By addressing the underlying cause of strain, it may be possible to deliver lasting pain relief.
Chiropractors can also provide hands-on massage therapy and active release technique to reduce muscle tension. Often, this delivers immediate pain relief without a need to rely on medication. Encouraging healthy blood flow via massage therapy may also stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Want hands-on help with addressing sports injuries in Polk City, IA? Contact Dr. Sands right away.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medical treatment that’s still widely used today. Needles are inserted at specific points, which seems to stimulate blood flow and other biological processes. It’s also believed that this treatment can encourage the release of endorphins, thus reducing pain and inflammation.
Cold Laser Therapy
Another way to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes is to use cold laser therapy. With this treatment method, cold lasers are applied at points of concern. The energy emitted can penetrate the skin and muscles, stimulating cells. This may speed up recovery and reduce inflammation, among other things.
Ultrasound Therapy
This treatment method is somewhat similar to cold laser therapy in that advanced tools are used to penetrate the muscles and skin in order to stimulate natural healing. Ultrasonic therapy may encourage healthy blood flow as well, which could reduce inflammation and help with recovery.
Strengthening Exercises
A chiropractor can teach patients how to perform various stretches and exercises to increase muscle strength and reduce tension. Often, these stretches can be performed at home or even in the locker room. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re performing the exercises correctly or you could exacerbate your injury.
Looking to address sports injuries in Polk City, IA? You can reach Dr. Sands by dialing 515-984-6484. He has helped countless patients resolve pain and improve sports performance.
