While there are countless benefits to participating in the many sports which are popular in the Northwest, chiropractors and physical massage therapy providers can offer help to avoid the injuries that can come with these activities.

This article focuses on three of the most popular activities while looking at the benefits of physical massage therapy and chiropractic treatments for sports injury treatment.

Bicycling injuries:

Though it’s a low-impact sport, the repetitive motion of cycling comes with its own set of potential problems.

Plantar Fasciitis manifests as pain in the heel. This can be worsened by the fact that specialized cycling shoes often lack arch support. You can help prevent it by doing stretches, such as wrapping a cord around the ball of your foot and pulling back. This will stretch the arch and help minimize damage.

Chondromalacia is caused by deterioration of the underside of the kneecap, and causes a dull pain in that area. Exercises that involve straightening of the leg can help prevent this.

Cyclists can benefit from physical massage therapy for Sports Massage London treatment. Cycling requires the legs to work constantly, yet leaves a large area of the back stiff. The strengthening of muscles used for cycling can lead to a buildup of excess lactic acid in the legs. Physical massage therapy can release this lactic acid, and help the balance between the upper and lower body. This promotes healing of cycling-related wear and tear.

Running injuries:

Running is a great way to get – and stay – in shape. Like all physical activity, however, injuries can arise from it.

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, or “shinsplints” manifests as pain on the inside of the lower legs. Strengthening the calf muscles can prevent this from happening.

Achilles Tendonitis is pain near the heel, in the lower calf. This can be avoided by stretching and strengthening the calf muscles.

Patellar Tendonitis causes the area between the shin and kneecap to become tender. You can help prevent this by doing squat exercises.

Physical massage therapy is helpful to runners, as it loosens tight muscles caused by running. It also raises oxygen levels in the blood. These factors help the body heal more quickly and perform better.

Urban sports league injuries:

Urban sports leagues are only gaining in popularity in the Northwest. Chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapy providers see a great deal of patients who participate in adult sports such as soccer, rugby, rowing and even roller derby.

Here are a few injuries which are common to these popular sports:

Lower back pain is commonly associated with rowing. While a definitive link may not have yet been proven, this is one of the most common complaints of rowers. This pain can be relieved by chiropractic treatments.

Groin strain happens often to soccer players. Stretching and strengthening your core muscles, adductor muscles and the muscles around the pelvis can help prevent this injury.

Bruises and scrapes are so common in roller derby that they are often considered part of the sport. While they may be nearly unavoidable, a healthy diet and applying arnica cream and ice can reduce their severity and duration.

Regardless of the sport, there are safe, natural sources available for sports injury treatment wherever you live. Chiropractors and physical massage therapy providers can ensure that your body stays flexible and in alignment to help avoid injuries and recover more quickly from them when they do happen.