Sports Injuries

A "sports injury" can mean anything from a mild ankle roll to a torn ACL. The framework for handling them well is the same: identify the tissue, protect it, then progressively load it back to full function.

Sprain vs strain — know the difference

• Sprain: Injury to a ligament (bone to bone). Ankles and knees are common.
• Strain: Injury to a muscle or tendon. Hamstrings and calves lead the list.

Both grade I–III, from micro-tears to complete rupture.

The updated acute care model: PEACE & LOVE

Old-school RICE is out. Current evidence favors:

• Protect (avoid painful activity 1–3 days)
• Elevate
• Avoid anti-inflammatory meds early (inflammation is part of healing)
• Compress
• Educate

And after the acute phase:

• Load progressively
• Optimism
• Vascularization (aerobic activity)
• Exercise

Return-to-play thinking

Before returning to sport, you should be able to:

1. Move the joint through full pain-free range
2. Perform sport-specific movements at 80%+ intensity
3. Complete a single-leg hop or comparable functional test on the injured side within 90% of the uninjured

Where chiropractic fits

Chiropractors trained in sports care handle joint mobilization, soft-tissue work (IASTM, ART), taping, and progressive rehab planning. Adjustments to adjacent segments (hip for knee, thoracic for shoulder) often accelerate recovery of the injured joint.

Persistent pain past 2–3 weeks or any suspected ligament rupture deserves imaging and a specialist opinion.

Educational information only — not medical advice. Consult a licensed chiropractor or physician for care.