SPORTS INJURIES

Sports injuries are not uncommon, and athletes of all levels experience them at some point in their career.

These injuries can range from minor strains to more severe damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries, including those related to sports.

They play a critical role in the recovery process of athletes and help them get back to their game as soon as possible.

a man grimacing sitting on the floor on an athletics track, holding his calf in pain

At My Complete Health in St John’s, Woking, we see everyone from gym goers to runners training for races, helping with problems such as calf muscle strains, hamstring injuries, runner’s knee and back injuries linked to sport.

WHAT TYPE OF SPORTS INJURIES ARE THERE AND HOW DO WE DEAL WITH THEM?

ANKLE SPRAIN

Ankle sprains are prevalent in sports that involve quick changes in direction and jumping, such as basketball and soccer. They occur when the ligaments surrounding the ankle are stretched too far or torn. Chiropractors can treat ankle sprains by using techniques such as manipulation, mobilisation, and soft tissue therapy to reduce pain, swelling, and improve joint function. They may also suggest exercises to strengthen the ankle and prevent future sprains.

a runner on the floor with their shoe taken off gripping their ankle with both hands. The ankle is highlighted in red to show the pain
a female tennis player holding her racket in her right hand but gripping her right elbow with her left hand in pain

TENNIS/GOLFER’S ELBOW

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the inside. Both conditions are typically caused by repetitive motions and overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. Chiropractors may employ adjustments to the elbow, wrist, and upper spine to alleviate pain and promote healing. They may also recommend stretches and exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles.

START YOUR RECOVERY TODAY…

KNEE INJURIES

Knee injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscal tears and patellofemoral pain, are common in sports that involve running, twisting and quick changes of direction. Chiropractors can use joint mobilisation, bracing and soft tissue therapy to help relieve pain and improve how the knee moves, alongside rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and reduce the risk of re‑injury.

We also see many runners with runner’s knee and sprained knee problems, and can guide you on the right exercises as well as when knee supports for running or knee braces may be helpful as part of your recovery.

a padel player on court gripping his left knee with both hands. The knee is highlighted in red
A male in the gym sitting down showing a lot of pain in his face gripping his right shoulder

SHOULDER INJURIES

Shoulder injuries, such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, and dislocations, are prevalent in sports that require repetitive throwing or lifting motions. Chiropractors can use a variety of techniques, including chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to relieve pain, restore range of motion, and improve shoulder stability. They may also recommend lifestyle modifications and ergonomic changes to prevent future injuries.

BACK INJURIES

Back injuries are common in sports, particularly those that involve high-impact movements or repetitive bending and twisting motions. Conditions like muscle strains, herniated discs, and sciatica can cause severe pain and limit an athlete’s performance. Chiropractors can employ spinal adjustments, spinal decompression, electrical stimulation, and other therapies to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote healing. They may also provide advice on rest and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the core muscles and prevent further injury.

A female runner in the park holding her lower back with both hands, in pain

SHIN SPLINTS

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, describe pain along the shinbone (tibia) and are often linked to overuse or rapid increases in training load. Chiropractors can recommend rest, ice and supportive taping to help reduce inflammation and pain, and may use techniques such as instrument‑assisted soft tissue mobilisation to ease tight tissues and promote healing.

Shin splints and calf pain when running often go hand in hand, so we may also assess your calf muscles, hamstrings and running gait to reduce strain and help prevent injuries from coming back. In some cases, analysing your gait and advising on orthotics or footwear changes can also help address underlying biomechanical issues.


A runner crouched down holding her left shin and calf in pain. Both hands are on the area and it's highlighted in red showing pain
a man with his left wrist highlighted in red, his right hand is gripping the area. Showing that he is in pain

SPRAINED WRIST

Sprained wrists are common in sports that involve catching, gripping, or falling, such as gymnastics or football. Chiropractors can use adjustments and soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and inflammation. They may also advise immobilisation with a brace or splint to help stabilise the wrist during the healing process. Once the initial pain and swelling subside, chiropractors can recommend exercises to regain strength and mobility in the wrist joint.

GET HELP WITH YOUR SPORTS INJURIES!

Where to find us

St Johns, Woking

6 St Johns Road

GU21 7SE

Contact

Mycompletehealth1@gmail.com

coachkatpt@gmail.com

Phone

07442714526

Location in St Johns of my complete health map