5 Common Sports Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Sport Injury treatment in Santa FeSports are a fun and exciting way to exercise and compete and an excellent way to stay fit and active. For professional athletes, sports are their profession and their choice of livelihood. The trouble with popular sports, however, is that it also increases your chance of experiencing a severe injury. The physical impact and exertion occurring in an athlete’s body can take a toll on their health and extra attention must be paid to their bodies.

Dr. Brian Short can help athletes maintain their physical well-being and prevent damage through sports injury treatments.

Below are the 5 most common sports injuries, how Dr. Short’s chiropractic care can help, and what you can do to prevent future injury:


People who engage in some sort of sports activity have experienced a sprain at some time, usually in the ankle. Sprained ankles happen when ligaments on the outside of the ankle tear or stretch when the foot turns in. To prevent this type of injury, you can work on your balance, which can help you avoid falls that lead to sprains. Additionally, you can also work on strengthening the ankle.

Groin injuries

Groin injuries are a common football injury. Popular exercises that help to prevent groin injuries are using an adduction machine or a ball workout that helps to improve groin strength. Stretching at the end of every practice can also go a long way in improving flexibility.

Shin Splints

Shin splints are usually caused by running and results in pain down the front of the shins. A myriad of factors can cause shin splints, including increasing the intensity of a workout or wearing the wrong running shoes. To reduce this sports injury, you can keep a short stride in the beginning of a run and build the intensity gradually. The best way is to listen to your body and increase the distance and speed slowly.

Shoulder dislocation

Shoulder dislocation is a fairly common sports injury that is usually caused by a tackle, a hard fall, or any collision. It occurs when your upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket. While it usually occurs in high-contact sports such as hockey, football, and soccer, it can also happen in sports such as yoga, cycling, surfing, weightlifting, etc.

You can prevent this by strengthening weak rotator cuff muscles by performing shoulder strengthening exercises such as shoulder shrugs, push-ups and resistance band routines. Those who have suffered a dislocated shoulder in the past can benefit from wearing a shoulder support or brace.

Pulled muscle

Lack of flexibility, not warming up correctly, and weakness can cause an athlete to pull a muscle. Hamstrings are the most commonly pulled muscle, especially while doing activities such as jogging, running and soccer. The best way to prevent pulling a muscle is to stretch properly before and after exercising and avoid strenuous activities when weak or fatigued.

Spinal injury treatment at Dr. Short’s Santa Fe office can stop larger problems before they begin. Regular chiropractic treatment can reduce the risk of injury and help to improve your performance on the field. Book an assessment today, and we will work together to help you get back in the game.

Get in touch to set up an appointment today.

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