Sprains, strains and bruises to muscles, tendons and ligaments respond well to prompt chiropractic care that reduces pain and restores function.
A soft-tissue injury is the result of a sprain, strain or bruise to a muscle, tendon or ligament. These injuries often occur during sport and exercise, but sometimes simple everyday activities can cause them. Whiplash is a common soft-tissue injury often treated by chiropractic.
Soft-tissue injuries fall into two basic categories:
- Acute injuries are caused by sudden trauma such as a fall, twist or blow to the body. Examples include sprains, strains and contusions.
- Overuse injuries occur gradually over time when an activity is repeated so often that areas of the body do not have enough time to heal between occurrences. Tendinitis and bursitis are common overuse injuries.
Recovery from a soft-tissue injury is greatly improved with proper treatment received immediately after the injury. Chiropractic care allows an injured person to carry on with life by reducing pain and improving motion and function, which encourages the healing process.
Treatment modalities may include
- Ice and/or heat
- Joint mobilisation
- Tissue mobilisation
- Electrotherapy and ultrasound
- Spinal and extremity adjustments
- Trigger point therapy
- Dry needling
- Supportive taping and strapping
- Exercise prescription
Soft-tissue injury is painful and it is important to rest the area and give it time to heal. Athletes are often reluctant to do this and continue to train despite pain and injury. This is unwise, as the injury can be made worse and take longer to return to optimal function.