Sports Aches and Pains

Joint and muscle pain is not the only problem for sports enthusiasts and professionals. Many find that they reach a ‘threshold’ of ability, and cannot improve further, however hard they work and however much training they put in. This is why so many serious sportspeople consult chiropractors, and one of the reasons that Dr. Winter was on the medical squad of several English professional football teams.

Dr. Winter will carry out a full examination and ask questions about your sporting life, posture, medical history and lifestyle, to discover the cause of your pain and make a diagnosis. Then your treatment will begin, often with gentle, specific manipulation. This effective treatment is generally painless, although you may feel some short term discomfort around the injured area. Treatment will normally be followed by a rehabilitation plan which may help to strengthen the affected area, improve your flexibility, and assist in preventing future flare-ups. Chiropractic treatment aims to restore normal function to your joints and muscles and may increase your control, co-ordination and muscle strength.

Like most athletes who have benefited from chiropractic treatment, you may decide to return for regular check-ups to keep your body working at its best. Indeed, many top sports teams use chiropractors as part of their medical care package.

This, of course, will depend upon the problem itself.

It is vitally important that you warm up before you start and stretch when you have finished. If you been away from your sport for a long time, your body will be less fit and supple, making pain more likely. Dr. Winter will be able to advise you in either case.

Some people think that ‘running it off’ is a good idea, but this is usually not the case. If your body is not working properly, you will continue to overload the body, prolonging the healing process and risking further problems.

Chiropractors are qualified in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions of the spine and other joints. They are highly-trained in finding the cause of your pain. Most chiropractic degrees consist of five (5) years of study, leading to either a Bachelor or Masters Degree. Importantly, chiropractors are regulated by law and must work within strict professional and ethical boundaries.

Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will do a full assessment. This will involve taking details about your condition, current health and medical history, and performing a physical examination. Sometimes it may be necessary to refer you for other tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests. It is important for your chiropractor to gather as much information about your back pain as possible so that the most precise diagnosis can be made.

Your chiropractor will then explain what is wrong, what can be done and what you can expect from chiropractic treatment.