Kids return from holidays out of routine, and adults often head back to training after weeks of less structured movement. Add cold mornings, a packed fixture list and a return to more demanding activity, and minor aches or niggles can sometimes develop into more significant injuries.
One contributing factor can be the gap between recent activity levels and the demands of training or competition. Returning too quickly may increase the likelihood of injury, particularly if strength, flexibility or conditioning have changed over the break.
Common Injuries and Where Chiropractic Fits In
Ankle sprains, knee sprains and lower back tightness are common at this time of year, along with the occasional shoulder or neck complaint from contact sports. According to the Australian Chiropractors Association, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and manage conditions involving the spine, muscles, joints and nervous system.
During an assessment, your chiropractor may consider whether movement in the hip, thoracic spine or other regions could be contributing to your symptoms or movement patterns. An assessment can help determine whether movement elsewhere may be contributing to recurring symptoms.
Here at Dalkeith Chiropractic, our chiropractors’ approach is to assess what may be contributing to the symptoms, explain the findings clearly and discuss management options based on the individual’s presentation and sporting demands.
Warm-Up Habits Worth Building
A 2022 systematic review found that structured warm-up programs reduced injury rates by around 36% in children and adolescents participating in sport. Incorporating a structured warm-up that includes dynamic movements before training or competition is one practical step that may help reduce injury risk. Maintaining a consistent level of activity throughout the week may also help make the transition back into sport more gradual.
If an ache or niggle is lingering, affecting movement or making it harder to return to sport, book an assessment with one of our Perth chiropractors to discuss what may be contributing to your symptoms.
References
Australian Chiropractors Association:
https://www.chiro.org.au/about-chiropractic/chiropractic-and-you/
Warm-up injury prevention meta-analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9140806/