Sports Injuries

Approach  At Manley Chiropractic we treat numerous high school, college and professional athletes. Athletic injuries are unique in the desire of the athlete to continue participating in their chosen activity. There are several considerations when determining ongoing participation in the activity but the primary concern must always be the potential for further injury. People competing at a highly competitive level generally have a great desire to continue training, practicing and competing in their activity. This can often be done with modifications of activities and tolerance of pain but will generally slow their recovery from injury.

Options  Treating sports injuries whether incurred during professional competition or during recreational activities is usually multifaceted. Rest of the injured area is almost always indicated. Rest can be as absolute as total avoidance of movement with immobilization of the area or as minor as altering certain activities. The treatment recommended will often include specific techniques performed in the office and instructions on home treatment. We have several options for treatment in the office. Restoring full motion of the affected area with assisted stretching and/or chiropractic adjustments to the involved joints is important to avoid excessive scar tissue formation and adhesions. Myofascial work to relax muscles, increase circulation, increase lymphatic drainage and improve motion is frequently utilized. Electrical stimulation can be valuable to sedate muscles, increase circulation and decrease swelling. Low intensity laser (cold laser) which increases local circulation, increased lymphatic drainage and increases cell membrane permeability can yield very good results. Ice and/or heat application is often used in the course of treatment. The type of treatment, frequency of treatment and duration of treatment are determined by proper diagnosis and response to treatment.

Assessment  The first step to proper treatment is assessing the nature and severity of the injury. Many people come to our clinic after being treated in an emergency room or by team trainers. We are careful to fully assess the injury prior to recommending treatment. Proper diagnosis involves a history of the injury including when it happened, how it happened, what makes it better, what makes it worse, the quality of pain, is the pain localized or does it radiate, the severity of the pain and how pain varies during the day. Prior treatment including at home and from other practitioners and the response to that treatment must be considered. 

Examination  The second step in diagnosing the injury is physical examination of the injured site. Orthopedic testing for the involved area can help in determining to types of tissue involved and in the stability of the joint. When indicated, imaging of the area needs to be obtained. X-rays are typically the front line imaging. They are useful in determining boney injury and alignment within the joints. If significant tearing is suspected in the muscles, tendons or ligaments an MRI is usually required to assess the extent of the injury.  Most athletic injuries involve joints and the surrounding soft tissues: therefore ultrasound imaging is usually not used. If there is uncertainty about boney injury a CT scan is the preferred study. Proper imaging when indicated is one of the most valuable tools available for an accurate diagnosis.

Strategy  The final step in obtaining a proper diagnosis of an injury and formulating a treatment plan is compiling the information from the history, physical examination and any imaging performed. We arrive at a diagnosis of the nature and extent of the injury and then discuss the objectives of treatment. Most people have a goal of resuming or continuing the activity at the same or higher level than before the injury. Realistic outcomes are discussed and a plan of to reach those goals is put in place.

Free Initial Consultation 

Contact us at 817-784-2330 or with the form below to schedule an appointment for a complimentary initial consultation.

Treating sports injuries is often a team approach. Dr. Manley has been practicing Chiropractic in Arlington Texas since 1987 and works with many Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapy clinics in the area to meet the needs of our patients. Proper treatment often involves coordinated treatment including team trainers, orthopedic specialists, physical therapists and chiropractic care. Contact us to evaluate your treatment needs.