For some people, winter means outdoor fun. Snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, snowmobiling, hockey, ice-skating, or other cold-weather activity dominates their leisure time.
Still, various injuries can occur from outdoor sports, and the recovery can be lengthy. Here are some of the more common problems that tend to take place.
- Rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A tear or impingement can result in significant pain, limited range of motion, swelling, and sleeping difficulties. A chiropractor often addresses this type of injury with ice, massage, short-term immobilization, stretching, exercise, and/or adjustments. Naturally, the stage of the recovery will determine the appropriate treatment.
- Knee injury. Knees take a lot of grief because they are crucial weight bearing joints. In fact, they rely heavily on surrounding tendons and muscles for strength and steadiness. Following a thorough analysis to determine the nature of the injury, a chiropractor will typically approach pain and inflammation by leg bracing, icing, cold laser treatment, massage, exercise, and/or adjustments. A common result? Stronger knees!
- Whiplash. Some people think whiplash occurs only in a car, but any fast-paced situation can whip the head back and forth. Naturally, the neck can sustain harm from this type of motion. The effects of whiplash may be felt immediately, but sometimes it takes days for the problem to surface. Whiplash severity varies from one individual to another; consequently, treatment is personalized to individual findings. Nonetheless, therapy often includes spinal manipulation, massage, and/or adjustments.
- Head injury. Head injuries are always considered serious and should be addressed immediately by emergency personnel. It is imperative to carry out the proper tests to rule out life-threatening conditions like fractures, swelling of the brain, and concussion. Once it has been determined the situation is treatable outside a hospital setting, a chiropractor can evaluate the injury and propose a course of therapy.
Yes, winter spells p-l-e-a-s-u-r-e for certain individuals. Even so, it is important to keep in mind that cold-weather sports can result in injury, especially when muscles are insufficiently prepared to engage in the activity.
Dr. Cao successfully treats many sports injuries, but she also teaches important strengthening techniques to help prevent future problems. So, call 508-752-5150 today and start feeling stronger!