Sports activities will result in aches, pains, and injuries that need to be examined by a doctor or specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Finding the right sports injury specialist can be one of the most difficult parts of dealing with an injury. The following may help when deciding if a sports chiropractic specialist can help.
Sports Injury Specialist
Sports medicine is the study and practice of medical principles related to the science of sports:
Injury prevention
Injury diagnosis and treatment
Nutrition
Psychology
Sports medicine focuses on the medical and therapeutic aspects of sports physical activity. These individuals can be physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists, or providers who regularly work with athletes. Athletes often prefer providers with athletic treatment experience.
Doctor To See First for a Sports Injury
Individuals that belong to an HMO or PPO may find that their primary care physician is the first doctor to see for injury.
A family doctor may not be a sports medicine specialist but may have the expertise to deal with the injury.
Minor musculoskeletal injuries like acute sprains and strains respond well to immediate standard treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Individuals with complicated overuse or training injuries, chronic conditions such as tendonitis, or who require surgery will be referred to a specialist.
Family Doctor Treatment
Nearly all family practice physicians can diagnose and treat various sports-related injuries.
Other non-traditional methods to treat conditions and illnesses.
Some may have specific experience in treating sports-related injuries.
Finding the Right Specialist
It is important to find a doctor who can design a treatment plan to heal and rehabilitate the injury properly and get the athlete back to their sport quickly and safely. Medicine is science and art, and injury treatment should be personalized to specific goals of healing and performance. When selecting a healthcare provider to treat injuries or provide advice, personal recommendations from trusted sources are recommended to screen providers. As well as asking other athletes, local teams, gyms, athletic clubs, and healthcare organizations can direct individuals in the right direction. If you can’t find a confident recommendation, look for a certified sports medicine physician online or call the clinic. When calling the office, questions to think about include:
What is your treatment specialty?
What experience do you have treating athletes?
What special training do you have in sports injury care?
What degrees and certifications do you have?
How I Tore My ACL
References
Bowyer, B L et al. “Sports medicine. 2. Upper extremity injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 74,5-S (1993): S433-7.
Chang, Thomas J. “Sports Medicine.” Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery vol. 40,1 (2023): xiii-xiv. doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2022.10.001
Ellen, M I, and J Smith. “Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 2. Shoulder and upper extremity injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 80,5 Suppl 1 (1999): S50-8. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(99)90103-x
Haskell, William L et al. “Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association.” Medicine and science in sports and exercise vol. 39,8 (2007): 1423-34. doi:10.1249/mss.0b013e3180616b27
Sherman, A L, and J L Young. “Musculoskeletal rehabilitation and sports medicine. 1. Head and spine injuries.” Archives of physical medicine and Rehabilitation vol. 80,5 Suppl 1 (1999): S40-9. doi:10.1016/s0003-9993(99)90102-8
Zwolski, Christin, et al. “Resistance Training in Youth: Laying the Foundation for Injury Prevention and Physical Literacy.” Sports Health vol. 9,5 (2017): 436-443. doi:10.1177/1941738117704153
Automobile accidents and collisions can cause knee and ankle injuries in various ways. Automobile crashes are considered high-energy collisions versus slip and fall traumas which are generally low-energy. However, a 30mph or under-collision can have serious and detrimental effects on the knees and ankles. The sudden forces can cause the knees to collide with the dashboard or push the feet and legs into the body, generating intense pressure and compressing the bones, muscles, and ligaments damaging soft tissues and bone structures from the impact. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic Team can rehabilitate, realign, strengthen, and restore function to individuals with minor to severe auto collision injuries.
Knee and Ankle Injuries
Musculoskeletal motor vehicle crash/collision injuries affect the body’s movement. The impact can pull, tear, crush, and smash bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, and nerves. These injuries restrict the range of motion and can cause pain and sensation symptoms. The National Accident Sampling System reports 33% of injuries sustained during vehicle collisions are to the lower extremities.
Despite the knees and ankles having soft tissues that absorb and distribute the energy’s impact, the forces from the collision often happen instantly and unexpectedly, causing the individual to tense up, which overwhelms the structures.
Even panic stepping on the brake pedal can cause injury to the ankle and foot.
A passenger’s reflex of trying to resist forces can experience foot, ankle, and knee injuries from bracing off the vehicle’s floorboard.
Automobile collisions can cause strains, sprains, fractures, and dislocations.
Torn, Strained, or Sprained Knee
If the foot becomes planted on the floorboard while the body continues to move forward or sideways, the force can travel into the knee, causing twisting or shearing.
Depending on the injury type, the impact strength can damage different ligaments.
The ligaments resist forces that push the knee inwards/medially and outwards/laterally and slightly resist rotational forces.
When any of these ligaments are damaged, swelling, pain, and limited ranges of motion can result.
Putting weight on the affected leg can be difficult.
In some cases, the ligaments tear completely, necessitating surgical repair.
Once the individual can engage in mild activity, they can begin a rehabilitation program to restore function.
Recovery times vary based on the location and severity of the injury.
Fractured Knee or Ankle
When a fracture occurs in a joint, like the knees or ankles, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair the broken bone/s.
Broken bones can result in simultaneous damage and/or inflammation of the connective tissues that can cause the muscles to contract/tighten or atrophy during the recovery and healing phases.
Joints and bones are kept healthy with moderate movement and weight-bearing.
Fractures require immobilization of the affected area.
A physical therapy rehabilitation program can begin when the brace or cast comes off.
Targeted exercises and resistance will strengthen and stretch the joint to improve flexibility and promote healing through improved circulation.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a C-shaped area of cartilage that rests between the thigh and shin bones.
It acts as a shock absorber.
The meniscus can become torn, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
This injury can heal independently with the right rest and therapeutic exercises.
A chiropractic auto collision specialist can diagnose the severity of the tear and provide the recommendations needed to rehabilitate and strengthen the knee.
If the tear is severe enough, surgery may be required.
Strained or Sprained Ankle
Strained tendons and sprained ligaments can result from the ankle being subject to tremendous force.
Strains and sprains vary in severity.
Both indicate that the connective tissue has been damaged or stretched beyond normal limits.
They can present with pain, inflammation, and problems moving the affected area.
With proper medical attention and rehabilitation, recovery is possible.
Torn Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel and is necessary for walking, running, physical activity, and bearing weight.
If the tendon gets torn, surgery will be required to reattach the muscle and tendon.
After recovery, the individual can begin physical therapy to work the tendon and muscle, slowly building strength and range of motion.
It is critical to do this with the supervision of an expert in musculoskeletal rehabilitation to avoid re-injury or developing new injuries.
Chiropractic Treatment
Any musculoskeletal motor vehicle injuries can result in intense pain that worsens with activity, inflammation, swelling, redness, and/or heat in the affected area. This is why correctly diagnosing the injury is essential if the condition is to be properly and thoroughly treated. A physical examination will vary based on the individual’s state and can include:
Strength assessment
Range of motion
Reflexes
Other variables to determine the underlying issues.
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can help identify and clarify injuries’ extent, nature, and location and rule out problems.
A qualified healthcare professional will combine the data with medical history to develop an accurate diagnosis. Our ability to effectively treat accident individuals is based on applying clinical expertise in musculoskeletal diagnosis and care. Our medical team takes a practical approach to help individuals quickly heal from musculoskeletal injuries using the latest treatments possible. When you meet with one of our professionals, you will feel relaxed and confident that you have come to the right place.
From Injury To Recovery
References
Dischinger, P C et al. “Consequences and costs of lower extremity injuries.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 48 (2004): 339-53.
Fildes, B et al. “Lower limb injuries to passenger car occupants.” Accident; analysis and prevention vol. 29,6 (1997): 785-91. doi:10.1016/s0001-4575(97)00047-x
Gane, Elise M et al. “The impact of musculoskeletal injuries sustained in road traffic crashes on work-related outcomes: a protocol for a systematic review.” Systematic reviews vol. 7,1 202. 20 Nov. 2018, doi:10.1186/s13643-018-0869-4
Hardin, E C et al. “Foot and ankle forces during an automobile collision: the influence of muscles.” Journal of biomechanics vol. 37,5 (2004): 637-44. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2003.09.030
Li, Wen-Wei, and Cheng-Chang Lu. “Knee deformity following a motor vehicle accident.” Emergency medicine journal: EMJ vol. 38,6 (2021): 449-473. doi:10.1136/emermed-2020-210054
M, Asgari, and Keyvanian Sh S. “Crash Injury Analysis of Knee Joint Considering Pedestrian Safety.” Journal of biomedical physics & Engineering vol. 9,5 569-578. 1 Oct. 2019, doi:10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.424
Torry, Michael R et al. “Relationship of knee shear force and extensor moment on knee translations in females performing drop landings: a biplane fluoroscopy study.” Clinical biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) vol. 26,10 (2011): 1019-24. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2011.06.010
The piriformis is a large and powerful muscle beneath the gluteal/buttocks muscles. It runs from the bottom of the sacrum, where the base of the spine and pelvis converge to the top of the femur. This muscle plays a critical role in running motion; it helps externally rotate the hips and upper leg outward, provides hip flexibility and stability, and stabilizes the pelvis. The sciatic nerve passes next to, over, under, or through the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis contracts or spasms, it can irritate, become entangled and compress the nerve, resulting in painful symptoms. This can lead to various problems and is how piriformis syndrome occurs.
Running Piriformis Syndrome
The proper function of the piriformis muscle is essential for athletes who participate in running sports. Repetitive activities, like running, can fatigue the muscle and irritate and inflame the nerve.
Symptoms
Piriformis syndrome can be challenging to diagnose because it can be confused for a herniated disc, sciatica, a proximal hamstring strain/high hamstring tendinitis, or lower back problems. A few symptoms that can help determine whether the piriformis is the cause include:
Sitting, Stairs, Squatting Discomfort or Pain
Individuals don’t always experience discomfort while running.
Instead, it’s sitting, climbing stairs, and squatting where pain symptoms present.
Pain while running, specifically an overstretched sensation when going up a hill or increasing speed, is more associated with a proximal hamstring strain.
Tenderness
The area around the piriformis is tender.
Applying pressure can cause discomfort or pain around the area and radiate down the leg.
Centered Pain
Piriformis syndrome is usually felt in the middle of the glutes.
A proximal hamstring strain typically causes non-radiating pain at the bottom of the glutes, where the hamstrings connect to the pelvis.
Causes
Pelvic misalignment.
Pelvic misalignments created by other conditions, like a tilted pelvis, functional leg-length discrepancy, or practicing unhealthy posture, make the piriformis work harder to compensate, which leads to tightness and/or spasms.
Sudden increases in distance or workout intensity can worsen any weakness in the piriformis and other gluteal muscles.
Continuing to run, which is possible, can worsen and prolong the condition.
When running, the muscle’s signal transmissions are interrupted by inflammation and/or compression and cannot synchronize with each other.
The result is the inability to withstand the repetitive strain of running.
Resting may not be enough to alleviate piriformis syndrome. This is especially true if the problem involves spine and pelvic misalignment. Chiropractic can provide significant relief from running piriformis syndrome. A combination of spinal, pelvic, and extremity adjustments, therapeutic massage, MET, decompression, stretches, and anti-inflammatory nutrition will take the pressure off overly tight areas, realign the body, and maintain nervous system function.
Running form could be evaluated and checked for leg-length discrepancies and muscle-strength imbalances.
Running can continue if the individual can do so without pain or symptoms.
But it is recommended to avoid slanted surfaces, which increase the risk of pelvic misalignment.
Avoid long runs, which increase the chance of overload and fatigue.
The goal is to relax and release the piriformis.
If it’s impinging on the sciatic nerve, loosening and releasing the muscle will significantly lessen radiating pain.
Orthotics may be recommended for excessive overpronation or inward movement of the foot when landing.
Other treatments to stop piriformis spasms.
Ice and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can be used during acute phases when the area is tender.
Work out tight spots using a foam roller or percussive massager.
Stretching and loosening the muscle before and after runs can help it relax and increase blood flow.
Ahmad Siraj, Sidra, and Ragini Dadgal. “Physiotherapy for Piriformis Syndrome Using Sciatic Nerve Mobilization and Piriformis Release.” Cureus vol. 14,12 e32952. 26 Dec. 2022, doi:10.7759/cureus.32952
Chang A, Ly N, Varacallo M. Piriformis Injection. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
Heiderscheit, Bryan, and Shane McClinton. “Evaluation and Management of Hip and Pelvis Injuries.” Physical Medicine and rehabilitation clinics of North America vol. 27,1 (2016): 1-29. doi:10.1016/j.pmr.2015.08.003
Julsrud, M E. “Piriformis syndrome.” Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association vol. 79,3 (1989): 128-31. doi:10.7547/87507315-79-3-128
Kraus, Emily, et al. “Piriformis Syndrome With Variant Sciatic Nerve Anatomy: A Case Report.” PM & R: the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 8,2 (2016): 176-9. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.09.005
Lenhart, Rachel, et al. “Hip muscle loads during running at various step rates.” The Journal of Orthopedic and sports physical therapy vol. 44,10 (2014): 766-74, A1-4. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.5575
Sulowska-Daszyk, Iwona, and Agnieszka Skiba. “The Influence of Self-Myofascial Release on Muscle Flexibility in Long-Distance Runners.” International Journal of environmental research and public health vol. 19,1 457. Jan 1, 2022, doi:10.3390/ijerph19010457
Gymnastics is a demanding and challenging sport. Gymnasts train to be powerful and graceful. Today’s moves have become increasingly technical acrobatic moves with a much higher degree of risk and difficulty. All the stretching, bending, twisting, jumping, flipping, etc., increases the risk of neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Gymnastics injuries are inevitable. Bruises, cuts, and scrapes are common, as are overuse strains and sprains, but severe and traumatic injuries can occur. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can treat and rehabilitate injuries and help to strengthen and prevent injuries. The therapy team will thoroughly evaluate the individual to determine the injury/s severity, identify any weaknesses or limitations, and develop a personalized plan for optimal recovery, stability, and strength.
Gymnastic Injuries
One of the main reasons injuries are more prevalent is because today’s athletes start earlier, spend more time practicing, perform more complex skill sets, and have higher levels of competition. Gymnasts learn to perfect a skill and then train to make their bodies look elegant while executing the routine. These moves require precision, timing, and hours of practice.
Injury Types
Sports injuries are classified as:
Chronic Overuse injuries: These cumulative aches and pains occur over time.
They can be treated with chiropractic and physical therapy and prevented with targeted training and recovery.
Acute Traumatic injuries: These are typically accidents that happen suddenly without warning.
These require immediate first aid.
Most Common Injuries
Gymnasts are taught how to fall and land to lessen the impact on the spine, head, neck, knees, ankles, and wrists.
Back
Common back injuries include muscle strains and spondylolysis.
Bruises and Contusions
Tumbling, twisting, and flipping can result in various bruises and contusions.
Muscle Soreness
This is the sort of muscle soreness experienced 12 to 48 hours after a workout or competition.
Proper rest is necessary for the body to recover fully.
Overtraining Syndrome
Overtraining syndrome happens when individuals train beyond the body’s ability to recover.
Strength and/or flexibility imbalances – one side is stronger.
Chiropractic Care
Our therapists will start with an evaluation and a biomechanical assessment to identify all the factors contributing to the injury. This will consist of a thorough medical history to understand overall health status, training schedule, and the physical demands on the body. The chiropractor will develop a comprehensive program that includes manual and tool-assisted pain relief techniques, mobilization work, MET, core strengthening, targeted exercises, and injury prevention strategies.
Facet Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment
References
Armstrong, Ross, and Nicola Relph. “Screening Tools as a Predictor of Injury in Gymnastics: Systematic Literature Review.” Sports medicine – open vol. 7,1 73. 11 Oct. 2021, doi:10.1186/s40798-021-00361-3
Farì, Giacomo, et al. “Musculoskeletal Pain in Gymnasts: A Retrospective Analysis on a Cohort of Professional Athletes.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,10 5460. 20 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18105460
Kreher, Jeffrey B, and Jennifer B Schwartz. “Overtraining syndrome: a practical guide.” Sports Health vol. 4,2 (2012): 128-38. doi:10.1177/1941738111434406
Meeusen, R, and J Borms. “Gymnastic injuries.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 13,5 (1992): 337-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-199213050-00004
Sweeney, Emily A et al. “Returning to Sport After Gymnastics Injuries.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 17,11 (2018): 376-390. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000533
Westermann, Robert W et al. “Evaluation of Men’s and Women’s Gymnastics Injuries: A 10-Year Observational Study.” Sports Health vol. 7,2 (2015): 161-5. doi:10.1177/1941738114559705
Automobile accidents are emotionally and physically traumatic events. After an accident, individuals assume that they are okay if they don’t have any broken bones or gashing cuts. However, even minor accidents can lead to significant damage, but the individual doesn’t know it. An invisible/delayed injury is any injury that is not immediately obvious or is not experienced by the individual until hours, days, or weeks later. The most common are soft tissue injuries, back injuries, whiplash, concussions, and internal bleeding. This is why it is imperative to see a doctor or chiropractic accident specialist as soon as possible after an accident.
Invisible Injuries Auto Accidents
The body goes into a fight or flight mode in a vehicle accident. That means a massive adrenaline surge makes anything happening to the body go unnoticed and unfelt. The individual does not feel pain and discomfort symptoms until later or much later.
Soft Tissue
A soft tissue injury affects muscles, tendons, ligaments, and body parts other than bone.
Even at low speeds, accidents, and collisions generate a significant force on the body.
Drivers and passengers often come to a sudden stop along with the vehicle or get thrown around.
This places intense stress on joints and other areas of the body.
Whiplash
The most common invisible soft-tissue injury is whiplash.
Where the neck muscles are suddenly and forcefully thrown forward and then back, causing the muscles and ligaments to stretch beyond their normal range of motion.
The injury typically results in pain, swelling, reduced mobility, and headaches.
Symptoms may not present right away.
Left untreated, whiplash can lead to long-term chronic pain.
Head Injuries
Head injuries are another common invisible injury.
Even if the head did not hit/impact anything, the force and momentum can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
This can lead to a concussion or even more serious brain injuries.
Concussion
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Individuals can have a concussion without losing consciousness, depending on the accident’s severity. Symptoms may be delayed or not experienced, but delayed treatment can lead to a longer recovery. Symptoms can include:
Fatigue.
Headache.
Confusion.
Inability to remember the accident.
Nausea.
Ringing in the ears.
Dizziness.
Back Muscles or Spine Injuries
Back muscles and spinal cord injuries are invisible injuries that can happen after an automobile accident. Signs of a back injury include:
The back muscles can be strained due to the impact and tension build-up.
Sore muscles or pain may not present until a day or two later.
Body stiffness.
Reduced mobility.
Muscle spasms.
Trouble walking, standing, or sitting.
Headaches.
Numbness and tingling.
Injuries to the spine, even serious ones, may not be apparent immediately.
The impact can cause the spine to shift out of alignment profoundly.
Swelling and bleeding in or around the spinal cord can cause numbness or paralysis that can gradually progress.
This invisible injury can have long-term consequences, including paralysis.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal injuries. The chiropractor will assess the damage and its severity to determine the best treatment for the individual. It relieves pain and discomfort symptoms, loosens and relaxes the muscles, and restores alignment, mobility, and a full range of motion. Chiropractic uses several tools and techniques to restore the spine and body balance. Results include:
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Softball and baseball require running, jumping, throwing, and swinging movements. Even for the fittest athletes and weekend warriors, the body and the neuromusculoskeletal system will go through overuse injuries, throwing-related injuries, sliding injuries, falls, collisions, and getting hit by the ball. Chiropractic and physical therapy can assist athletes by integrating strength training, body realignment, and rehabilitation injury recovery.
Softball and Baseball Injuries
Baseball and softball injuries are generally defined as either acute/traumatic or cumulative/overuse injuries. Both types can occur in various body areas, for example, a knee injury caused by a fall or quick repositioning shift.
Acute/Traumatic
Injuries occur from traumatic force or impact.
Overuse/Cumulative
These occur over time from repeated stress on the muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
Often athletes return too soon to play, not giving the injury enough time to heal fully.
They begin as small aches and pains that can progress into chronic conditions if not treated.
Shoulder
Shoulder overuse injuries are very common. Constantly performing the throwing movements and high-speed throwing strains the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
In softball, bicep injuries are more common than shoulder injuries.
In baseball, the overhead throwing position leads to shoulder problems.
Frozen Shoulder
Characterized by a restricted range of motion and pain.
Athletes with frequent shoulder injuries have an increased risk.
Shoulder Instability
Softball and baseball players are more susceptible to injury from overhead throwing, which stretches the shoulder capsule and ligaments.
Shoulder instability can lead to loose joints and dislocation.
Shoulder Separation
This is the tearing of the ligaments that connect the shoulder blade to the collarbone.
This is often a traumatic injury that occurs during a collision or fall with outstretched hands.
Shoulder Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Impingement Syndrome
These are overuse injuries in which the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, restricting movement.
This is an injury to the growth plate on the inside of the elbow.
It can be caused by the wrist flexors pulling on the inside.
It is typically attributed to overuse and improper mechanics when throwing.
Tennis Elbow
This overuse injury on the outside of the elbow makes it difficult to lift or grasp objects.
Hand and Wrist
Softball and baseball can cause hand and wrist injuries from catching, colliding, falling, and overuse. Damage to a hand or wrist is typically caused by repetitive stress and/or a sudden impact.
Finger Fractures
These can be caused by impact on the ball or falls.
This can happen during contact with another player or diving for a ball and hitting the ground hard or at an awkward angle.
Sprains
A fall or impact from the ball or another player can cause these.
Tendinitis
This is an overuse injury, often from pitching and/or throwing.
Back
Catchers are especially prone to back injury because of the crouched position and overhead throwing.
Softball pitchers also experience back strain from the windmill pitching action.
Common conditions include chronic muscle strains, herniated discs, low back issues, sciatica symptoms, and pain.
Knee
Softball and baseball players quickly twist or rotate their knees, making them more susceptible to injuries. Sprains, meniscus tears, ACL tears, and hamstring strains are common.
Aggressive twisting and pivoting can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain.
Running and sudden changes in direction can result in acute knee injuries and overuse injuries.
Knee issues require examination for proper diagnosis.
Other common injuries include ankle sprains, stress fractures, and tendonitis in the foot and ankle.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors work with a massage therapy team to treat various musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic specializes in spinal adjustments and other treatments, including joint manipulation, myofascial release, MET techniques, trigger point therapy, and electrical stimulation. It encourages expedited recovery for sports-related injuries because instead of focusing on just the injuries, chiropractic assesses the mechanics of the whole body through proper alignment and release of constricted tissues. Adjustments of the spine and extremities allow the body to realign for better overall functionality, reduce pressure, improve blood circulation, and reduce inflammation to promote increased and thorough healing.
Improving Athletic Performance Through Chiropractic
References
Greiner, Justin J et al. “Pitching Behaviors in Youth Fast-Pitched Softball: High Pitching Volumes With Unequal Pitch Counts Among Pitchers are Common.” Journal of pediatric orthopedics vol. 42,7 (2022): e747-e752. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000002182
Janda, David H. “The prevention of baseball and softball injuries.” Clinical orthopedics and related research,409 (2003): 20-8. doi:10.1097/01.blo.0000057789.10364.e3
Shanley, Ellen, and Chuck Thigpen. “Throwing injuries in the adolescent athlete.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 8,5 (2013): 630-40.
Shanley, Ellen, et al. “Incidence of injuries in high school softball and baseball players.” Journal of athletic training vol. 46,6 (2011): 648-54. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-46.6.648
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Wang, Quincy. “Baseball and softball injuries.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 5,3 (2006): 115-9. doi:10.1097/01.csmr.0000306299.95448.cd
Zaremski, Jason L et al. “Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.” Journal of athletic training vol. 54,10 (2019): 1030-1039. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-333-18
Resistance band exercises can be very useful for injury rehabilitation. As a part of a chiropractic neuromusculoskeletal treatment plan, personalized rehabilitation exercises using resistance bands can be prescribed to strengthen targeted areas of the body that require retraining due to an injury or condition. Resistance band training can effectively rehabilitate neck, shoulder, back, leg, knee, and ankle conditions and offer several advantages, from improving strength and posture to increasing mobility and improving joint health.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are rehabilitation and exercise equipment that provide consistent resistance throughout a specific exercise. They are rubberized bands or elastic cables that can be color-coded (different brands may vary in color progressions) to signify the amount of resistance they provide. These bands are great for all types of injuries to the joints or muscles and have been found to be effective in the following types:
Weakened neck muscles from injury.
Shoulder dislocation
Tennis elbow
Hip bursitis
Knee injuries
IT band syndrome
Ankle sprains
Improve flexibility for arthritis.
The body does need time to heal before engaging in exercise, especially after major muscle, ligament, or tendon tears. A chiropractor or physical therapist will inform the patient when they can begin. However, some areas can be worked out three days after an injury.
Benefits
Resistance bands can isolate strength training and stretching to specific muscles affected by surgery or a non-surgical injury/condition in chiropractic and physical therapy. They can help in the following:
Increased circulation.
Increased range of motion and flexibility.
Increased muscular strength.
Improved posture.
Increased joint stability.
Improved balance.
Added benefits:
They are small, lightweight, and portable making them perfect for those that travel frequently.
They are simple to use.
They are cost-effective.
They provide a whole-body workout.
They come in different resistance levels to progress gradually.
Safe for every fitness level.
Exercises
Exercises with bands can be used in standing, sitting, or lying down positions. Some may consist of movements with resistance coming from body weight. Other activities may require additional resistance. Lunges are an example of a simple exercise to help rehabilitate certain back conditions.
Injury Stages
Strength and resistance training is essential for healing from neuromusculoskeletal injuries and overall health.
Early/Acute Stage
This stage entails light, gentle exercising that will allow damaged tissues to begin healing with simple movements to get circulation moving through the areas.
This gradually increases the weight on the injured bone, ligament, or muscle so the tissue can develop the ability to withstand strains from daily activities.
Late/Functional Stage
This is the final step, in which the tissues are stressed through functional exercises to be fit enough to return to work, sports, and activities.
Exercises For Lower Back
References
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