Sports Injury? How our Geelong chiropractors can help.

Posted on July 7, 2018 in News

Winter Sports Injuries and why you need regular chiropractic visits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the winter months, Geelong’s love for sport does not stop. Our passion for AFL, Netball, Soccer and Extreme winter sports goes into overdrive. Not only do we love the Geelong Cats, but many of you bleed for the local teams like the Geelong West Giants.

Unfortunately our love for winter sports can often be derailed by injury. A study by the Sports Industry Prevention Taskforce 1 has shown that each year approx 545,000 Australians report long term health effects from sports related injuries. The total burden of these injuries equates to over $1.6 Billion.

Research shows these injury are in particular prevalent in May, June & July. Typical injuries include knee, ankle/Achilles, foot, wrist, back and shoulder. There are many contributing factors and in most cases these injuries can be prevented.

Deconditioning is one key factor. Many of us strap on the boots or put on the ski’s and it might be the first time in almost a year. We think we can pick up right where we left off. However, our bodies are often not conditioned and when combined with cold muscles and tendons the risk of injury can increase dramatically.

20,000 Australians each year drop out of sport due to injury 1, however it is our belief that the threat of injury should never put you off exercise. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and it’s also great for our mental health & well-being. The benefits certainly outweigh the negatives, especially when you can following our simple tips to help reduce the risk.

  • Make sure that you warm up and cool down correctly.
  • Ensure that your training program is tailored to you and your current level of fitness
  • Begin slowly and gradually build up to the challenge
  • Stay hydrated
  • Listen to your body & rest when needed
  • Rest an injury, don’t ‘work through’ the pain
  • Get regular chiropractic care

Chiropractic care offers a conservative approach to rehabilitation that can help to reduces the need for medication and surgical intervention. Many of the worlds top Athletes include chiropractic care as an integral part of their training and fitness regime, including some of the greats in Arnold Swarzenegger & Tom Brady.

Our Chiropractor Dr Matthew is able to not only treat and assess sports related injuries, but also prescribes suitable rehab exercises & stretches. We also work with you to help manage your return to your favourite winter sport after injury.

The sports injuries we typically see in our Geelong clinic are:

  • Lower back pain & disc bulges
  • Knee injuries
  • Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist injuries
  • Hip & piriformis pain
  • Neck pain
  • Foot and Ankle injuries

Please see the below video for an insight into how we treat some of our athletes.

When you begin a new sport or exercise regime, you may need to increase the frequency of chiropractic care while your body becomes accustomed to the new program. Dr Matthew can also provide stretches and exercises for at home care so that you can help be proactive in your own recovery and well-being.

  1. Sports Injury Taskforce Final Report (2013); Page 16, 2.1: http://sport.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/201704/Sports_injury_prevention_taskforce_report.pdf