Back Clinic Sports Injuries Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Team. Athletes from all sports can benefit from chiropractic treatment. Adjustments can help treat injuries from high-impact sports i.e. wrestling, football, and hockey. Athletes that get routine adjustments may notice improved athletic performance, improved range of motion along with flexibility, and increased blood flow. Because spinal adjustments will reduce the irritation of the nerve roots between the vertebrae, the healing time from minor injuries can be shortened, which improves performance. Both high-impact and low-impact athletes can benefit from routine spinal adjustments.
For high-impact athletes, it increases performance and flexibility and lowers the risk for injury for low-impact athletes i.e. tennis players, bowlers, and golfers. Chiropractic is a natural way to treat and prevent different injuries and conditions that impact athletes. According to Dr. Jimenez, excessive training or improper gear, among other factors, are common causes of injury. Dr. Jimenez summarizes the various causes and effects of sports injuries on the athlete as well as explaining the types of treatments and rehabilitation methods that can help improve an athlete’s condition. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.
For individuals and athletes with a gluteal contusion with severe bruising, can a healthcare provider determine if there are any other injuries to underlying structures, including muscle or tendon tears?
Gluteal Contusion
A gluteal contusion is an injury, in this case, a bruise to the buttocks’ gluteal muscles caused by damage to muscle fibers and blood vessels. A buttock bruise is caused by direct bodily impact, typically from falls, automobile collisions, accidents, bumping into something, or being struck by an object or person. Like all bruises, a gluteal bruise most often results in pain and visible discoloration of the skin at the injury site, varying in severity from grade I to grade III, with higher-graded bruises requiring more time to heal. Most butt bruises can heal on their own with time and rest, but if bruising is severe, individuals may require physical therapy to restore full muscle function.
Symptoms
A contusion is a muscle injury that can affect the body’s skeletal muscles. A gluteal contusion can be painful, with a black and blue mark that changes color over time. Other symptoms may include: (Mount Sinai, 2024)
Tenderness to touch over the injury site
Increased pain with contraction of the glutes
Swelling
Discomfort with sitting
Causes
A contusion occurs from direct trauma and forceful impact on the gluteal muscles, causing damage to underlying blood vessels, muscle fibers, and sometimes bone, resulting in bleeding under the skin. (MedlinePlus, 2016) Direct impacts to the gluteal muscles that can cause a contusion include:
Falls
Car accidents
Direct hits to the buttocks from a piece of sports equipment or person.
Bumping into furniture, a door, or a counter.
Intramuscular injections into the gluteal muscles.
Individuals who take blood thinners or anticoagulant medication have an increased risk of bruising from direct contact injuries.
Diagnosis
A gluteal contusion is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and is generally straightforward to diagnose based on physical appearance, symptoms, and type of injury. Contusions can be graded based on the severity according to the following criteria (Fernandes, T. L. et al., 2015)
Grade I
An injury that affects only a small amount of muscle fibers, resulting in minimal pain, tenderness, and possible swelling.
Causes minimal or no loss of strength in the affected muscle or range of motion limitations.
Muscle use is typically unaffected.
Grade II
An injury that causes significant damage to muscle fibers, resulting in increased pain and impaired muscle contraction.
A small muscle defect can be felt to the touch.
Discoloration increases over the first few days after injury.
Grade III
An injury that involves extensive muscle fiber damage and bleeding across an entire area of a muscle that results in severe, and sometimes total, loss of muscle function.
Causes severe pain and significant discoloration of the skin.
When contusions are larger, deeper, and involve significant blood pooling and swelling, they are called hematomas.
If the bruising is severe, a diagnostic ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to determine whether any underlying structures are damaged.
Treatment
Contusions are generally mild injuries. Treatment typically involves rest to allow the muscles to heal from the bleeding and the bruising to dissipate.
Applying ice to the injury site can help relieve pain and inflammation.
If the bruising is severe, significant physical activity like sports, dancing, running, jumping, and weight lifting should be avoided until the muscles heal. (Mount Sinai, 2024)
With more severe bruising, contraction and stretching of the glutes are painful and can require longer healing and recovery time.
Physical therapy rehabilitation may be needed for more significant injuries to restore muscle function.
Prognosis
A mild injury usually heals on its own with time and rest. More significant injuries take longer to heal and may require physical therapy to build strength and range of motion if muscle function is affected.
Healing Time and Recovery
Healing and recovery times for gluteal contusions vary depending on the severity of the injury (Fernandes T. L. et al., 2015)
Grade I
Minor injuries that cause minimal discomfort typically heal fully in five days to two weeks.
Grade II
During the first two to three days, contusions develop, increasing discoloration under the skin, and complete healing can take two to three weeks.
Return to sport is typically resumed after a month.
Grade III
Contusions can take up to four to six weeks to heal, often requiring rehabilitation to restore muscle strength and range of motion.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
At Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic, we passionately focus on treating patients’ injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored to the individual. We use in-person and virtual health coaching and comprehensive care plans to ensure every patient’s personalized care and wellness outcomes. Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized care plans that include Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine principles. Our goal is to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body. If he feels the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them as Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premier rehabilitation providers to provide our community with the best clinical treatments.
Fernandes, T. L., Pedrinelli, A., & Hernandez, A. J. (2015). MUSCLE INJURY – PHYSIOPATHOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION. Revista brasileira de ortopedia, 46(3), 247–255. doi.org/10.1016/S2255-4971(15)30190-7
Individuals who engage in sports and physical activities that involve lunging forward while running or jumping can sustain a plantaris muscle injury. Can understanding the anatomy of the back of the leg and the symptoms help diagnose and treat plantar muscle injuries?
Plantaris Muscle
The plantaris muscle is a long, narrow muscle in the calf that runs along the back of the leg. It’s part of the Triceps Surae, a group of muscles in the calf that, along with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, makes up the bulk of the back of the leg. It is located in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. Strains or tears of the plantaris muscle at the back of the leg can cause pain and swelling, similar to a calf strain or Achilles tendon tear. Individuals may feel immediate pain, cramping, and other symptoms.
Anatomy
The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are the major muscles, with the soleus located deeper in the leg. Together, they form the Achilles tendon, which blends into a tendon in the back of the heel and attaches to the heel bone/calcaneus. When the calf muscles contract, they point the foot downward, propelling the body forward when walking, running, and sprinting. The plantaris muscle and tendon sit more or less in the center of the calf, between the two heads of the gastrocnemius. Around 7% to 20% of the population are born without plantaris muscles. There are variations, such as having a double- or triple-headed plantaris muscle. (Olewnik Ł. et al., 2020) However, individuals that do not have the muscle or have a variation have not been shown to affect long-term or short-term mobility.
Symptoms
Plantaris muscle ruptures are the most common injury and occur often during running or jumping. (Spang C. et al., 2016) Many who sustain this injury are athletes who have to lunge forward. Common symptoms include:
Swelling and bruising in the back of the calf area.
Cramping in the calf muscle.
Spasm sensations of the calf muscle.
Symptoms of a plantaris muscle strain are less severe, with the common signs being tightness and pain during and after physical activity.
Diagnosis
Plantaris muscle tears differ from Achilles tendon tears because the foot can be pointed downward following the rupture, whereas an Achilles tear cannot. Plantaris ruptures can also be confused with a blood clot in the large veins of the calf, called deep vein thrombosis/DVT. (Rohilla S. et al., 2013) Tests like MRI or ultrasound can be performed to confirm or exclude a plantaris rupture. Both can be useful for verifying whether the injury is a strain or tear and identifying other possible causes of calf pain.
Treatment
Treatment is typically non-surgical. While the injuries can cause pain and disability, the symptoms almost always resolve with conservative treatments and therapies. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the first line used and may be all that is needed for a muscle strain. Short-term use of NSAIDs may be recommended for a strain or tear to reduce pain and inflammation. (Morelli K. M. et al., 2018) If the pain is profound or there is a tear, patients may require short-term immobilization or the use of a crutch for the pain to subside. With the assistance of a physical therapist, sports chiropractor, and athletic trainer, gradual increases in mobility and strength can be obtained. Symptoms usually gradually resolve over several weeks. Full recovery may take up to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop customized treatment programs through an integrated approach to treating injuries and chronic pain syndromes, improving flexibility, mobility, and agility, relieving pain, and helping individuals return to normal activities. If other treatments are needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
Control Foot Motion with Custom Orthotics
References
Olewnik, Ł., Zielinska, N., Karauda, P., Tubbs, R. S., & Polguj, M. (2020). A three-headed plantaris muscle: evidence that the plantaris is not a vestigial muscle?. Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA, 42(10), 1189–1193. doi.org/10.1007/s00276-020-02478-8
Spang, C., Alfredson, H., Docking, S. I., Masci, L., & Andersson, G. (2016). The plantaris tendon: a narrative review focusing on anatomical features and clinical importance. The bone & joint journal, 98-B(10), 1312–1319. doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.98B10.37939
Rohilla, S., Jain, N., & Yadav, R. (2013). Plantaris rupture: why is it important?. BMJ case reports, 2013, bcr2012007840. doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2012-007840
Morelli, K. M., Brown, L. B., & Warren, G. L. (2018). Effect of NSAIDs on Recovery From Acute Skeletal Muscle Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. The American journal of sports medicine, 46(1), 224–233. doi.org/10.1177/0363546517697957
Can athletic individuals with ACL injuries find relief through non-surgical treatments to restore knee mobility?
Introduction
The body’s lower extremities help the individuals to be mobile but also help stabilize the body’s upper weight. From the hips to the feet, many people are on their feet and using every muscle group to allow functionality. Athletic individuals use their lower extremities to do various physical activities and are susceptible to injuries. An ACL injury is one of the most common and feared injuries that can impact an athletic person’s performance. These types of injuries affect the knees of the individual and can make a person feel miserable. However, numerous surgical and non-surgical treatments can help the recovery process of an ACL injury while helping the individual restore their motion to their lower extremities. Today’s article looks at what an ACL injury is, how it affects the knees, and how non-surgical treatments can help restore knee mobility from ACL injuries. We discuss with certified associated medical providers who consolidate our patients’ information to assess ACL injuries affecting their mobility. We also inform and guide patients while asking their associated medical provider intricate questions to integrate and provide them with numerous non-surgical treatments to be incorporated into their personalized treatment plan. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., includes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
What Is An ACL Injury?
Do you feel aches or pains around your knees after a long exercise regime? Do you feel or hear a loud popping sensation in your knees? Or do you experience pain and swelling affecting your ability to be mobile? Many of these pain-like scenarios are correlated with ACL injuries, that is amongst the most common and feared injuries for athletic individuals and non-athletic individuals. However, we must look at the ACL itself to better understand ACL injuries. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) plays an important role as it helps with knee joint stabilization, prevents excessive forward movements from the tibia (shin bone), and limits rotational knee movements. (Yoo & Marappa-Ganeshan, 2024) This ligament is one of the most injured structures affecting athletic performance. ACL injuries and tears can lead to many individuals having knee instability and an increased risk of future knee osteoarthritis. (Atik, 2024) This is because ACL injuries typically occur during physical activities involving sudden stops, jumps, or directional impacts to the knees.
How Does It Affect The Knees?
So, how do ACL injuries affect the knees of the individual? As stated earlier, the ACL is a crucial ligament that stabilizes the knee joint during movement. When that ligament is injured, it can cause pain-like symptoms like:
Pain
Limited range of motion
Knee instability
Altered biomechanics
This causes many people to have reduced physical activity levels, which can become a great economic burden to their daily routine. (Wang et al., 2020) When dealing with ACL injuries, it can also affect the meniscus in the knees as cartilage erosion often accelerates and can potentially lead to early osteoarthritis, which correlates with ACL injuries. (Key et al., 2022) However, when a person is dealing with ACL injuries, there are numerous treatments to reduce the pain-like symptoms caused by ACL injuries and help restore knee mobility.
Overcoming An ACL Injury-Video
Non-Surgical Treatments For ACL Injuries
When finding the right treatment for ACL injuries, many individuals can incorporate non-surgical treatments as part of their customized treatment plan. Non-surgical treatments can vary and may be suitable for individuals with partial ACL tears and knee instability and who have been involved in low-impact sports. When athletic individuals are dealing with ACL injuries, by incorporating non-surgical treatments, they can address the impairments, achieve functional stability, and safely return to their physical activities while improving the neuromuscular system to achieve functional knee stability. (Diermeier et al., 2020) Non-surgical treatments can positively impact many individuals by relieving the overlapping pain-like issues affecting the knees and the severity of ACL injuries.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is one of the many non-surgical treatments that can benefit individuals dealing with ACL injuries. Chiropractic care incorporates mechanical and manual manipulation to diagnose and treat any musculoskeletal issues associated with ACL injuries and emphasizes the body’s natural ability to heal itself. For many athletic and non-athletic individuals with ACL injuries, chiropractic care can offer several benefits:
Pain management
Enhancing mobility and flexibility
Improving balance
Strengthening supporting muscles
Chiropractic care can help individuals by stretching and strengthening weak muscles and soft tissues that can help break down scar tissues that may have surrounded the knee while improving blood flow to the injured area. Chiropractors can also incorporate specific rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy for the individual, focusing on strength, flexibility, and stability in the knees and surrounding muscles.
Physical Therapy
Another form of non-surgical treatment is through physical therapy. Physical therapy can help many individuals with ACL injuries through strength training, balance, and range of motion exercises that are catered to strengthen the surrounding muscles and help maintain the knee’s stability, flexibility, and mobility. Stretching exercises like Pilates and Tai Chi are favorable for ACL rehabilitation as they are important for functional outcomes and ACL stability. (Giummarra et al., 2022) Additionally, many individuals can utilize a functional knee brace to provide additional support to the knees when doing any physical therapy, as they can help stabilize the knee and prevent unwanted movements that could exacerbate the ACL injury. While ACL injuries are serious, non-surgical treatments offer viable alternatives for many athletes. Individuals can effectively manage their injuries and lead active, fulfilling lives by focusing on physical therapy, utilizing supportive braces, and adopting lifestyle modifications.
References
Atik, O. S. (2024). The risk factors for second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear after ACL reconstruction. Jt Dis Relat Surg, 35(2), 255-256. doi.org/10.52312/jdrs.2024.57920
Diermeier, T., Rothrauff, B. B., Engebretsen, L., Lynch, A. D., Ayeni, O. R., Paterno, M. V., Xerogeanes, J. W., Fu, F. H., Karlsson, J., Musahl, V., Svantesson, E., Hamrin Senorski, E., Rauer, T., Meredith, S. J., & Panther Symposium, A. C. L. T. C. G. (2020). Treatment after anterior cruciate ligament injury: Panther Symposium ACL Treatment Consensus Group. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc, 28(8), 2390-2402. doi.org/10.1007/s00167-020-06012-6
Giummarra, M., Vocale, L., & King, M. (2022). Efficacy of non-surgical management and functional outcomes of partial ACL tears. A systematic review of randomised trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 23(1), 332. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05278-w
Key, S., Baygin, M., Demir, S., Dogan, S., & Tuncer, T. (2022). Meniscal Tear and ACL Injury Detection Model Based on AlexNet and Iterative ReliefF. J Digit Imaging, 35(2), 200-212. doi.org/10.1007/s10278-022-00581-3
Wang, L. J., Zeng, N., Yan, Z. P., Li, J. T., & Ni, G. X. (2020). Post-traumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury. Arthritis Res Ther, 22(1), 57. doi.org/10.1186/s13075-020-02156-5
Yoo, H., & Marappa-Ganeshan, R. (2024). Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament. In StatPearls. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32644659
For wrestling athletes or those thinking about getting into the sport, can knowing about common injuries help in rehabilitation and prevention?
Wrestling Injuries
Wrestling is an intense and demanding sport. Studies have found that football and wrestling are the two high school sports with the highest risk of serious injury to athletes (Center for Injury Research and Policy, 2009). The injury rate for college wrestlers is 9 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures. (Kroshus, E. et al., 2018) While most wrestling injuries include strains and sprains, there can also be serious traumatic and unusual injuries. Using proper safety gear and learning correct techniques can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. The majority occur during competition.
Common
The most common wrestling injuries are similar to those in other sports and include:
Muscle Soreness
Muscle soreness that is experienced 12 to 48 hours after an intense workout or competition.
Resting is often all that is needed to recover.
Bruises and Contusions
Sparring, take-downs, and hard landings can result in various bruises and contusions.
Sprains and Strains
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are recommended to treat sprains and strains immediately.
Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains occur when surrounding ligaments stretch and tear around the joint.
Wrist Sprains
Typically, it occurs when stretching or tearing the ligaments.
Falling or landing on the hands is a common cause.
Overtraining Syndrome
Frequently occurs in athletes who train beyond the body’s ability to recover.
Dehydration
When trying to make weight, dehydration can be a serious health problem that many wrestlers experience.
Other Injuries
Other injuries common in wrestling:
Wrist tendinitis
Finger fractures
Iliotibial band syndrome
Meniscus tears
Groin pull
Hamstring pull or tear
Pulled calf muscle
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Clavicle/Collarbone fracture
Concussion
Serious
The forcing of a joint beyond its normal range of motion is the most common cause of serious injuries. The most serious wrestling injuries affect the neck, shoulder, elbow, and knee and include:
Neck
The cervical vertebrae are often forced into vulnerable positions during various techniques and movements, which can result in a neck injury. Common types include:
Neck Strain
Whiplash
Cervical Fracture
Shoulder
A combination of leverage and twisting causes most upper body and shoulder injuries during competition. Types of shoulder injuries include:
Rotator cuff injury
Shoulder separation
Shoulder dislocation
Elbow Dislocation
Elbows are under tremendous strain when maneuvering.
Dislocations of the radial head are often related to the athlete bracing for a fall on an outstretched arm during take-downs.
Knee
Most knee injuries occur to the ligaments of the knee joint.
These include anterior and posterior cruciate ligament or ACL/PCL injuries.
Safety
Wrestling requires flexibility, strength, and proper technique to prevent injury, combined with thorough instruction and coaching and following basic safety precautions. Some tips include.
Safety Gear
Wear appropriate headgear and mouthguards during practices, meets, and tournaments.
Improving Joint Flexibility
Wrestlers with a high degree of shoulder flexibility have fewer injuries.
The flexibility of the lower back, hamstrings, elbows, and cervical spine should also be worked on.
Gain or Lose Weight Safely
Avoid dramatic weight loss and weight-gaining strategies by maintaining healthy nutrition and hydration during the season.
Avoiding Dangerous Holds and Slam Moves
Safe wrestling techniques need to be followed as these can generate severe injuries.
Regardless of how common or seemingly not serious an injury or medical condition is, it’s important to rest and recover and tell a coach and health care professional, as some injuries and conditions can become serious if left untreated. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized care plans for each patient, including Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine principles. Our goal is to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body. If other treatment is needed, Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and rehabilitation providers to provide the most effective treatments.
Kroshus, E., Utter, A. C., Pierpoint, L. A., Currie, D. W., Knowles, S. B., Wasserman, E. B., Dompier, T. P., Marshall, S. W., Comstock, R. D., & Kerr, Z. Y. (2018). The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in US High School Boys’ Wrestling (2005-2006 Through 2013-2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Wrestling (2004-2005 Through 2013-2014). Journal of athletic training, 53(12), 1143–1155. doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-154-17
What are the healing times of common sports injuries for athletes and individuals who engage in recreational sports activities?
A young, happy sportswoman is getting tens-electrotherapy treatments at a medical clinic.
Healing Times for Sports Injuries
Healing time from sports injuries depends on various factors, such as the location and extent of the injury and the health of the skin, joints, tendons, muscles, and bones. It is also important to take the time to recuperate or not rush back into physical sports activities before the bones or tissues have fully healed. To prevent re-injury, ensure the doctor clears health before returning to sports or strenuous physical activity.
According to CDC research, an average of 8.6 million sports and recreation-related injuries occur annually. (Sheu, Y., Chen, L. H., and Hedegaard, H. 2016) However, most sports injuries are superficial or caused by low-grade strains or sprains; at least 20% of injuries result from bone fractures or more serious injuries. Bone fractures take longer than sprains or strains, and complete tendon or muscle ruptures can take months before one can fully return to activities. Individuals in decent physical shape with no underlying illness or impairment, here is what they can expect when recovering from the following sports injuries:
Bone Fractures
In sports, the highest rate of bone fractures occurs with football and contact sports. Most are centered around the lower extremities but can involve the neck and shoulder blades, arms, and ribs.
Simple Fractures
Depends on the individual’s age, health, type, and location.
Generally, takes at least six weeks to heal.
Compound Fractures
In this case, a bone is broken in several places.
It may require surgery to stabilize the bone.
Healing time can take up to eight months.
Fractured Clavicle/Collarbone
It may require the immobilization of the shoulder and upper arm.
It can take five to ten weeks to heal fully.
Fractured fingers or toes can heal in three to five weeks.
Fractured Ribs
Part of the treatment plan includes breathing exercises.
Painkillers may be needed short term.
Usually, it takes around six weeks to heal.
Neck Fractures
It may involve any one of the seven neck vertebrae.
A neck brace or a halo device that is screwed into the skull for stability may be used.
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments or the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones at a joint.
A strain is the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons.
Sprained Ankles
It can heal in five days if there are no complications.
Severe sprains involving torn or ruptured tendons can take three to six weeks to heal.
Calf Strains
Classified as grade 1 – a mild strain can heal in two weeks.
A grade 3 – severe strain may require three months or more to heal completely.
The use of calf suppression sleeves can expedite the recovery of strains and sprains in the lower leg.
Acute Neck Strain
A tackle, impact, fall, quick shifting, or whipping motion can cause a whiplash injury.
Healing time can take a couple of weeks to six weeks.
Other Injuries
ACL Tears
Involving the anterior cruciate ligament.
Usually, it requires months of recuperation and rehabilitation, depending on several factors, including the type of sports activity.
Full recovery from surgery takes six to 12 months.
Without surgery, there is no specific timeline for rehabilitation.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures
It is a serious injury.
These occur when the tendon is either partially or completely torn.
Individuals will more than likely require surgery.
Recovery time is four to six months.
Cuts and Lacerations
Depends on the depth and location of the injury.
It can take anywhere from a week to a month to heal.
If there are no accompanying injuries, stitches can be removed within two to three weeks.
If a deep cut requires stitches, more time is necessary.
Mild Contusions/Bruises
Are caused by a trauma to the skin, causing blood vessels to break.
In most cases, a contusion will take five to seven days to heal.
Shoulder Separations
When treated properly, it usually takes around two weeks of rest and recovery before the patient returns to activity.
Multidisciplinary Treatment
After the initial inflammation and swelling have subsided, a doctor will recommend a treatment plan that usually involves physical therapy, self-performed physical rehabilitation, or supervision by a physical therapist or team. Fortunately, athletes and individuals who regularly exercise tend to have a faster healing time because they are in top physical shape, and their cardiovascular system provides a stronger blood supply that speeds up the healing process. At El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately focus on treating patients’ injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs tailored to the individual. We use in-person and virtual health coaching and comprehensive care plans to ensure every patient’s personalized care and wellness outcomes.
Our providers use an integrated approach to create personalized care plans that include Functional Medicine, Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, and Sports Medicine principles. Our goal is to relieve pain naturally by restoring health and function to the body.
If the chiropractor feels the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with the top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, and premier rehabilitation providers to provide the top clinical treatments for our community. Providing highly noninvasive protocols is our priority, and our personalized patient-based clinical insight is what we provide.
Lumbar Spine Injuries in Sports: Chiropractic Healing
References
Sheu, Y., Chen, L. H., & Hedegaard, H. (2016). Sports- and Recreation-related Injury Episodes in the United States, 2011-2014. National health statistics reports, (99), 1–12.
For individuals who lift weights, are there ways to protect the wrists and prevent injuries when lifting weights?
Wrist Protection
The wrists are complex joints. The wrists significantly contribute to stability and mobility when performing tasks or lifting weights. They provide mobility for movements using the hands and stability to carry and lift objects securely and safely (National Library of Medicine, 2024). Lifting weights is commonly performed to strengthen and stabilize the wrists; however, these movements can cause wrist pain and lead to injuries if not performed correctly. Wrist protection can keep wrists strong and healthy and is key to avoiding strains and injuries.
Wrist Strength
The wrist joints are set between the hand and forearm bones. Wrists are aligned in two rows of eight or nine total small bones/carpal bones and are connected to the arm and hand bones by ligaments, while tendons connect the surrounding muscles to the bones. Wrist joints are condyloid or modified ball and socket joints that assist with flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction movements. (National Library of Medicine. 2024) This means the wrists can move in all planes of motion:
Side to side
Up and down
Rotate
This provides a wide range of motion but can also cause excessive wear and tear and increase the risk of strain and injury. The muscles in the forearm and hand control finger movement necessary for gripping. These muscles and the tendons and ligaments involved run through the wrist. Strengthening the wrists will keep them mobile, help prevent injuries, and increase and maintain grip strength. In a review on weightlifters and powerlifters that examined the types of injuries they sustain, wrist injuries were common, with muscle and tendon injuries being the most common among weightlifters. (Ulrika Aasa et al., 2017)
Protecting the Wrists
Wrist protection can use a multi-approach, which includes consistently increasing strength, mobility, and flexibility to improve health and prevent injuries. Before lifting or engaging in any new exercise, individuals should consult their primary healthcare provider, physical therapist, trainer, medical specialist, or sports chiropractor to see which exercises are safe and provide benefits based on injury history and current level of health.
Increase Mobility
Mobility allows the wrists to have a full range of motion while retaining the stability necessary for strength and durability. Lack of mobility in the wrist joint can cause stiffness and pain. Flexibility is connected to mobility, but being overly flexible and lacking stability can lead to injuries. To increase wrist mobility, perform exercises at least two to three times a week to improve range of motion with control and stability. Also, taking regular breaks throughout the day to rotate and circle the wrists and gently pull back on the fingers to stretch them will help relieve tension and stiffness that can cause mobility problems.
Warm-Up
Before working out, warm up the wrists and the rest of the body before working out. Start with light cardiovascular to get the synovial fluid in the joints circulating to lubricate the joints, allowing for smoother movement. For example, individuals can make fists, rotate their wrists, perform mobility exercises, flex and extend the wrists, and use one hand to pull back the fingers gently. Around 25% of sports injuries involve the hand or wrist. These include hyperextension injury, ligament tears, front-inside or thumb-side wrist pain from overuse injuries, extensor injuries, and others. (Daniel M. Avery 3rd et al., 2016)
Strengthening Exercises
Strong wrists are more stable, and strengthening them can provide wrist protection. Exercises that improve wrist strength include pull-ups, deadlifts, loaded carries, and Zottman curls. Grip strength is vital for performing daily tasks, healthy aging, and continued success with weightlifting. (Richard W. Bohannon 2019) For example, individuals who have difficulty increasing the weight on their deadlifts because the bar slips from their hands could have insufficient wrist and grip strength.
Wraps
Wrist wraps or grip-assisting products are worth considering for those with wrist issues or concerns. They can provide added external stability while lifting, reducing grip fatigue and strain on the ligaments and tendons. However, it is recommended not to rely on wraps as a cure-all measure and to focus on improving individual strength, mobility, and stability. A study on athletes with wrist injuries revealed that the injuries still occurred despite wraps being worn 34% of the time prior to the injury. Because most injured athletes did not use wraps, this pointed to potential preventative measures, but the experts agreed more research is needed. (Amr Tawfik et al., 2021)
Preventing Overuse Injuries
When an area of the body undergoes too many repetitive motions without proper rest, it becomes worn, strained, or inflamed faster, causing overuse injury. The reasons for overuse injuries are varied but include not varying workouts enough to rest the muscles and prevent strain. A research review on the prevalence of injuries in weightlifters found that 25% were due to overuse tendon injuries. (Ulrika Aasa et al., 2017) Preventing overuse can help avoid potential wrist problems.
Proper Form
Knowing how to perform movements correctly and using proper form during each workout/training session is essential for preventing injuries. A personal trainer, sports physiotherapist, or physical therapist can teach how to adjust grip or maintain correct form.
Be sure to see your provider for clearance before lifting or starting an exercise program. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can advise on training and prehabilitation or make a referral if one is needed.
Aasa, U., Svartholm, I., Andersson, F., & Berglund, L. (2017). Injuries among weightlifters and powerlifters: a systematic review. British journal of sports medicine, 51(4), 211–219. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096037
Avery, D. M., 3rd, Rodner, C. M., & Edgar, C. M. (2016). Sports-related wrist and hand injuries: a review. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 11(1), 99. doi.org/10.1186/s13018-016-0432-8
Bohannon R. W. (2019). Grip Strength: An Indispensable Biomarker For Older Adults. Clinical interventions in aging, 14, 1681–1691. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S194543
Tawfik, A., Katt, B. M., Sirch, F., Simon, M. E., Padua, F., Fletcher, D., Beredjiklian, P., & Nakashian, M. (2021). A Study on the Incidence of Hand or Wrist Injuries in CrossFit Athletes. Cureus, 13(3), e13818. doi.org/10.7759/cureus.13818
For athletes and sports enthusiasts, a torn triceps can be a serious injury. Can knowing their symptoms, causes, risk factors, and potential complications help healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan?
Torn Triceps Injury
The triceps is the muscle on the back of the upper arm that allows the elbow to straighten. Fortunately, triceps tears are uncommon, but they can be serious. The injury affects men more often than women and usually occurs from trauma, sports, and/or exercise activities. Depending on the extent and severity of the injury, a torn triceps injury can require splinting, physical therapy, and possibly surgery to regain movement and strength. Recovery after a triceps tear typically lasts around six months. (The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 2021)
Anatomy
The triceps brachii muscle, or triceps, runs along the back of the upper arm. It is named tri- because it has three heads – the long, medial, and lateral head. (Sendic G. 2023) The triceps originates at the shoulder and attaches to the shoulder blade/scapula and upper arm bone/humerus. At the bottom, it attaches to the point of the elbow. This is the bone on the pinky side of the forearm, known as the ulna. The triceps cause movement at the shoulder and the elbow joint. At the shoulder, it performs extension or backward movement of the arm and adduction or moving the arm toward the body. The main function of this muscle is at the elbow, where it performs extension or straightening of the elbow. The triceps work the opposite of the biceps muscle on the front of the upper arm, which conducts flexion or bending of the elbow.
Triceps Tear
Tears can occur anywhere along the length of a muscle or tendon, which is the structure that attaches the muscle to the bones. Triceps tears commonly occur in the tendon connecting the triceps to the back of the elbow. Muscle and tendon tears are graded from 1 to 3 based on severity. (Alberto Grassi et al., 2016)
Grade 1 Mild
These small tears cause pain that worsens with movement.
There is some swelling, bruising, and minimal loss of function.
Grade 2 Moderate
These tears are larger and have moderate swelling and bruising.
The fibers are partially torn and stretched.
Up to 50% loss of function.
Grade 3 Severe
This is the worst type of tear, where the muscle or tendon is completely torn.
These injuries cause severe pain and disability.
Symptoms
Triceps tears cause immediate pain in the back of the elbow and upper arm that worsens when trying to move the elbow. Individuals might also feel and/or hear a popping or tearing sensation. There will be swelling, and the skin will likely be red and/or bruised. With a partial tear, the arm will feel weak. If there is a complete tear, there will be significant weakness when straightening the elbow. Individuals may also notice a lump on the back of their arm where the muscles have contracted and knotted together.
Causes
Triceps tears usually occur during trauma, when the muscle is contracted and an external force pushes the elbow into a bent position. (Kyle Casadei et al., 2020) One of the most common causes is by falling on an outstretched arm. Triceps tears also occur during sports activities like:
Throwing a baseball
Blocking in a football game
Gymnastics
Boxing
When a player falls and lands on their arm.
Tears can also happen when using heavy weights during triceps-targeted exercises, such as the bench press.
Tears can also occur from direct trauma to the muscle, like a motor vehicle accident, but are less common.
Long-Term
Triceps tears can develop over time as a result of tendonitis. This condition usually occurs from repetitive use of the triceps muscle during activities like manual labor or exercise. Triceps tendonitis is sometimes referred to as weightlifter’s elbow. (Orthopedic & Spine Center. N.D.) The strain on tendons causes tiny tears that the body typically heals. However, if more strain is placed on the tendon than it can keep up with, the tiny tears can begin to grow.
Risk Factors
Risk factors can increase the risk of a triceps tear. Underlying medical conditions can weaken tendons, increasing the risk of injury, and can include: (Tony Mangano et al., 2015)
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hyperparathyroidism
Lupus
Xanthoma – fatty deposits of cholesterol under the skin.
Hemangioendothelioma – cancerous or noncancerous tumors caused by abnormal growth of blood vessel cells.
Chronic kidney failure
Chronic tendonitis or bursitis in the elbow.
Individuals who have had cortisone shots in the tendon.
Individuals using anabolic steroids.
Triceps tears tend to occur more commonly in males between 30 and 50. (Ortho Bullets. 2022) This comes from participating in activities like football, weightlifting, bodybuilding, and manual labor, which also increases the risk of injury.
Treatment
Treatment depends on which part of the triceps is affected and the extent of the damage. It may only need resting for a few weeks, physical therapy, or require surgery.
Nonsurgical
Partial tears in the triceps that involve less than 50% of the tendon can often be treated without surgery. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016) Initial treatment includes:
Splinting the elbow with a slight bend for four to six weeks allows the injured tissue to heal. (Ortho Bullets. 2022)
During this time, ice can be applied to the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times daily to help decrease pain and swelling.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs – Aleve, Advil, and Bayer can help reduce inflammation.
Other over-the-counter medications like Tylenol can help decrease the pain.
Once the splint is removed, physical therapy will help restore movement and strength in the elbow.
Full movement is expected to return within 12 weeks, but full strength will not return until six to nine months after the injury. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)
Surgery
Triceps tendon tears that involve more than 50% of the tendon require surgery. In some cases, however, surgery may still be recommended for tears smaller than 50% if the individual has a physically demanding job or plans to resume playing sports at a high level. Tears in the muscle belly or area where the muscle and tendon join are typically sewn back together. If the tendon is no longer attached to the bone, it is screwed back on. Recovery and physical therapy after surgery depend on the specific surgeon’s protocols. In general, individuals will spend a couple of weeks in a brace. Around four weeks after surgery, individuals will be able to start moving the elbow again. However, they won’t be able to start doing heavy lifting for four to six months. (Ortho Bullets. 2022) (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)
Complications
Complications can occur after triceps repair, whether there was surgery or not. For example, individuals may have problems regaining full elbow extension or straightening. They are also at a higher risk of re-rupture if they try to use the arm before it’s fully healed. (Mehmet Demirhan, Ali Ersen 2016)
Grassi, A., Quaglia, A., Canata, G. L., & Zaffagnini, S. (2016). An update on the grading of muscle injuries: a narrative review from clinical to comprehensive systems. Joints, 4(1), 39–46. doi.org/10.11138/jts/2016.4.1.039
Casadei, K., Kiel, J., & Freidl, M. (2020). Triceps Tendon Injuries. Current sports medicine reports, 19(9), 367–372. doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000749
Mangano, T., Cerruti, P., Repetto, I., Trentini, R., Giovale, M., & Franchin, F. (2015). Chronic Tendonopathy as a Unique Cause of Non Traumatic Triceps Tendon Rupture in a (Risk Factors Free) Bodybuilder: A Case Report. Journal of orthopaedic case reports, 5(1), 58–61. doi.org/10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.257
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