For anyone who enjoys exercise, minor sports injuries can be extremely frustrating. They can hamper or prevent you from taking part in the sport that you love.

Exercise is known to help your body produce endorphins; natural chemicals which help fight stress and relieve pain.

It is easy to see how being deprived of exercise can be mood lowering. No matter why you exercise, we know that injuries can be detrimental to both your physical and psychological wellbeing.

In Safe Hands!

Our chiropractor Ben Smith, has worked with sports enthusiasts at every level from Olympians – representing Great Britain in athletics, cycling and badminton disciplines – to Tour de France cyclists.

He counts amongst satisfied clients, Premiership and Championship footballers, as well as elite cage fighters, wrestlers and national level judo competitors. At the Back Room Chiropractic Clinic, we have worked with international cricketers and we are extremely proud to work alongside Kings Heath Cricket Club.

Marathon runners, Olympic triathletes, national level golfers… the list is long!

In amongst this array of elite athletes, he will more commonly see those of us who play sport or use a gym for enjoyment and fitness.

Causes of Sport Injuries

The cause of sports injuries can be the result of trauma (from a fall or a collision) or from overuse during a particular sporting activity (sometimes known as repetitive strain). Injuries can also occur when an incorrect movement can result in a sprain or a strain.

Trauma

An impact injury can result in damage to muscles, ligaments or soft tissues. Ligaments help hold joints together whilst soft tissues connect muscles to bones.

Ben will be able to employ techniques to relieve inflammation and aid healing but, until you are able to see him, it is always useful to follow the RICE acronym:

Repetitive Strain

Sports can involve repeating the same movement often and this can result in repetitive strain. Age, unfortunately, can play a big part in this form of injury. Younger people are less likely to suffer than older people.

There can be internal (intrinsic) factors at play such as being born with certain weaknesses. External (extrinsic) factors can include inappropriate equipment (such as old running shoes) or stress to the body from factors such as inadequate warm ups and repeated stress (such as running on hard surfaces).