Does it Help? Chiropractic Treatment for Sports Injuries

We may be fiercely opposed when it comes to which team we support, but few things bring us together like sports. Two in three Americans are self-reported fans of at least one sport, and as of 2024, about half of Americans polled play at least 1 of the 16 most common sports¹ (although we have our doubts about whether corn hole counts as a sport – but whatever gets you moving works for us!)

More than half of kids under 18 plays on a sports team (that number is even higher for kids under 12) with participation expected to exceed 63% by 2030². So, it’s no wonder we receive so many questions about chiropractic care and sports injuries: specifically, whether chiropractic treatment for sports injuries is safe and effective – for adults, and for kids.

What are the Most Common Sports Injuries?

From tackles to handstands to sliding into home, sports injuries are as ubiquitous as trophies. Here are the most common sports injuries seen in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and chiropractic clinics each year.

Sprains and Strains: No surprise here – we’ve all had them, even if we don’t play a sport. Sprains and strains are characterized by either damage to the ligaments (sprains) or to the muscles and tendons (strains). The most common, and probably familiar to most readers, are ankle sprains (who hasn’t rolled their ankle stepping off a curb or missing a step?)

Overuse Injuries:  Familiar to weekend warriors (yard work does it every time) and fitness newbies as well as dedicated athletes, overuse injuriesresult from excessive training that leads to conditions like shin splints, tendinitis, or even stress fratures. However, it isn’t always heavy activity or training that leads to overuse injuries: repetitive motions, like scrolling on your phone or using a mouse at your computer all day, can also lead to overuse injuries like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Tennis Elbow.

Knee Injuries:  ACL tears, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis) are common in athletes.

Shoulder Injuries:  The most common shoulder injuries are rotator cuff tears and dislocations, usually as a result of force or an accident, and tendinitis, which can also be categorized as an overuse injury.

Ankle Injuries:  Sprains and breaks are the most common ankle injuries, usually as a result of an accident, like a slip or fall.

Head Injuries:  While concussions can result from falls, car accidents, or other trauma, concussions can be common in contact sports and are often associated with sports injuries.

Lower Back Pain:  Most lower back pain associated with sports is a result of force (vertebral injuries, poor form (disc injuries and sprains or strains), or overuse (muscle strains.)

Can Chiropractic Care Treat Sports Injuries?

Chiropractic care can be very effective at treating sports injuries, either as the primary treatment modality (think: sprains, strains, disc injuries, misalignment) or as a complement to orthopedic care. Here’s what to expect from chiropractic treatment for sports injuries and recovery.

Reduced Stiffness & Pain. Stiff joints and muscles are common complaints after a sports injury. Chiropractic care decreases muscle spasms, loosens painful knots and tension, and increases flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to move without pain.

Reduced Scar Tissue. You may not think about scar tissue developing inside the body, but it’s part of the body’s natural healing response – inside and out. However, scar tissue can build up and over time it can limit your range of motion and cause pain and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments gently break apart scar tissue to relieve stiffness and restore mobility and function.

Faster Healing. Treatments like chiropractic adjustments,massage, and ultrasound therapy can increase blood flow to the injured area, speeding healing.

Reduced Inflammation. Like scar tissues, inflammation is a natural response to injury. However, prolonged inflammation can result in chronic pain and limited mobility. Chiropractic care helps to relieve inflammation and promote healing.

It’s Non-Invasive and Medication-Free. Chiropractic treats the source of your pain, not just your symptoms. It also acts as its own pain medicine: chiropractic adjustments increase production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, relieving pain naturally while also giving your mood a boost.

Can Chiropractic Care Prevent Sports Injuries?

While your DC can’t be on the field shielding you from injury, there is a lot that chiropractic care can do to help prevent sports injuries in adults and kids alike. An estimated 90 percent of professional and Olympic-class athletes use chiropractic care to increase performance and reduce the risk of injury. All 32 NFL teams and most MLB teams have a full-time chiropractor provider on staff.

Research from the National Institutes of Health has shown that chiropractic care has the potential to significantly improve the performance, health, and well-being of athletes. That’s because chiropractic care can help athletes (and even plenty of us regular people):

• Increase strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion
• Find relief from pain and tension
• Shorten recovery time
• Reduce wear and tear on joints and muscles

These elements all work together to reduce muscle strain and joint stiffness, correct spinal misalignment and imbalances, which can make the body less prone to injury.

Good spinal health is essential to the overall health and function of your entire body. Trauma, injury, overuse, and poor posture or form can result in misalignments that cause pain and hinder the function of your nervous system – that includes your brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and a network of nerve cells and fibers that transmit signals to different parts of the body. Chiropractic care corrects misalignments, improves posture, and relieves pain to help you prevent injury and function at your best.

How Do I Find a Sports Injury Chiropractor?

All licensed chiropractors under four years of study after completing their undergraduate education. A Doctor of Chiropractic degree focuses on the human body, including anatomy, physiology, and neurology, as well as employing chiropractic techniques to treat injuries, and promote healing and overall wellness. While some chiropractors do have specialties – treating pregnant patients, for instance – all DCs can evaluate your sports injury pain and help you determine the best course of treatment.