Sprains, Strains, and Pains: Chiropractic Care for Soft Tissue Injuries
Summer: the season of long days, high temps, and being active outside. But what happens when all that activity leads to a problem? We talked to Dr. Chris Hanson from the Bloomington Clinic about chiropractic care for soft tissue injuries.
We all know someone who started the summer with many big plans: to play pickleball twice a week, run a marathon, or get their 10,000 steps in throughout the day. And then, something happens. They get injured, either in a split second on the court or after adding many miles over a longer period. No one wants their summer activities cut short, so what can be done?
What are Soft Tissue Injuries?
For this conversation, we’re focused on soft tissue injuries: injuries that affect muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These are common athletic injuries that can happen to competitive athletes, weekend warriors, and even people who are simply doing their “activities of daily living.”
Common conditions Dr. Hanson sees that respond well to chiropractic care for soft tissue injuries include:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- IT Band Syndrome
- Chronic/Acute Ankle Sprains
- Ligament Sprains
- Muscle Strains
- Heel Pain (Achilles Tendinitis)
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Elbow Pain (Medial or Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Common Injuries in Running, Rock-Climbing, Weightlifting and Other Sports
How do Soft Tissues Injuries Happen?
Broadly, there are two causes for soft tissues injuries: trauma, and chronic stress.
Traumatic stress involves the immediate tearing of soft tissue, like what happens when you strain a muscle on the pickleball court. Conversely, chronic injury happens when there’s repetitive tugging on the soft tissue, causing a build-up of scar tissue.
“Soft tissue should be like a rubber band—elastic,” explained Dr. Hanson. “When you have a tear or scar tissue, it becomes like saran wrap. This rigidity decreases your range of motion, weakens the power of the joint, and of course causes pain.”
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Not all chiropractors address sprains, strains, and the pains associated with soft tissue injuries. However, chiropractors at Bloomington Clinic, including Dr. Hanson, have special training.
“I offer a Soft Tissue Corrective technique that aims to break apart the scar tissue,” shared Dr. Hanson. “This technique aims to re-lengthen and restore the elasticity of the muscle, tendon, or ligament.” What does that mean for you? Returning safely to your summer activity.
If you want to know how this might help you, we asked Dr. Hanson for some examples of common summer injuries he sees:
Pickleball Falls
Pickleball is a great summer activity, but injuries from the sport are on the rise. Ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, ACL injuries, and more are quite common.
“Any sport that has rapid cutting and changing of direction has the potential for a soft tissue injury,” explained Dr. Hanson. “This includes all racket sports, pickleball being one of them.”
Pain from Increased Running (or Walking)
Many people train for races over the summer: whether that’s a 5k or an ultramarathon. This means adding mileage every week, and sometimes that can lead to injury as your body adjusts to additional stress. Commonly, this can manifest as Achilles pain, shin splints, knee pain, or IT band syndrome.
“There is nothing quite like helping a runner get back into what they love doing the most. I’ve helped many a passionate runner get back into their training after a soft tissue injury slowed them down,” shared Dr. Hanson.
How Long Does it Take to See Relief from Chiropractic care for Soft Tissue Injuries?
How quickly you can get back to doing what you love will obviously depend on your unique situation. Your chiropractor will talk with you at your first appointment to set expectations and lay out a plan. However, there is reason to feel hopeful.
“One of the things I enjoy most about treating soft tissue injuries is how fast they typically respond,” said Dr. Hanson. “I commonly say to patients that if we don’t see some substantial improvement within 3-6 visits, then I may have missed something. Most patients are reintroducing athletics within a few visits.”
How to Get Support with Your Summer Sprain, Strain, or Pain
If you’re reading this and have an injury or pain now—or know someone who does—we’re here to help! At Bloomington Clinic, Dr. Hanson and other chiropractors can support you with specialized soft tissue therapy. We also offer acupuncture and massage therapy, meaning you can get well rounded “person centered” care all in one place.
Make your appointment for chiropractic care for soft tissue injuries today!