Sports Injuries: When Should You Get an Injury Checked?

Whether you run, lift weights, play golf, football or netball, cycle, or simply enjoy keeping active, the occasional ache or niggle is fairly normal.

Often, a minor irritation settles with a little time and some sensible changes to activity. But what about the pain that keeps coming back? Or the niggle that isn't bad enough to stop you exercising, but never quite disappears?

Knowing when to keep moving, when to modify your training and when to get something assessed can make a big difference.

This information is general and isn't a substitute for individual assessment.

Why do sports injuries happen?

Not every sports injury involves a dramatic moment where something suddenly goes wrong.

Some injuries happen following a clear incident — a fall, awkward landing, collision or sudden change of direction. Others develop gradually as the demands being placed on an area exceed what it is currently able to tolerate.

This can happen following:

• A sudden increase in training volume or intensity

• Returning to exercise after some time off

• Introducing a new sport or type of training

• Repetitive loading without enough recovery

• Changes in running distance, speed or terrain

• Reduced strength, mobility or control in an area

• Continuing to train around an existing problem

• Simply doing more than your body is currently accustomed to

That doesn't necessarily mean you've damaged something seriously. Pain is influenced by many factors, and assessment can help establish what is most likely contributing to your symptoms.

When should you get a sports injury checked?

Some aches settle quickly with relative rest and modification of activity.

It may be worth getting assessed if:

• Pain isn't improving as expected

• The same problem keeps returning

• Pain is starting earlier during exercise

• You're changing the way you move to avoid discomfort

• You've noticed a reduction in strength or movement

• The problem is preventing you progressing your training

• You're unsure which activities are safe to continue

• You've rested, but the symptoms return as soon as you start exercising again

Sometimes the biggest reason to have an injury assessed isn't because the pain is severe — it's because you're stuck in a cycle of stopping, feeling better, returning to sport and becoming sore again.

Should you completely rest an injury?

Not necessarily.

There are certainly injuries where a period of rest or protection is appropriate, particularly following an acute injury. But for many musculoskeletal problems, completely stopping activity isn't always necessary.

Instead, it may be more useful to temporarily adjust things such as:

• Training volume

• Exercise selection

• Running distance or pace

• Weight being lifted

• Range of movement

• Frequency of training

The aim is often to find a level of activity you can tolerate while gradually rebuilding capacity.

Why does an injury keep coming back?

If symptoms settle when you stop exercising but return whenever you restart, it can be tempting to assume you simply need more rest.

Sometimes the issue is that the gap between what the area can currently tolerate and what you're asking it to do hasn't been addressed.

For example, you might feel completely comfortable during normal daily activities but still not have rebuilt enough strength or tolerance for running, jumping, lifting or changing direction.

This is where rehabilitation becomes important.

Rather than only asking "How do we make this stop hurting?", it can be useful to ask:

"What does your body need to be able to do so you can return to your activity confidently?"

What happens during a sports injury assessment?

At Queensferry Chiropractic, I'll start by talking through what happened, what you're currently experiencing and what you want to get back to doing.

Depending on the problem, your assessment may include looking at:

• Movement and mobility

• Strength

• Joint function

• Muscle and tendon loading

• Balance and control

• Movements specific to your sport or activity

The aim is to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care and rehabilitation are appropriate.

If I think your symptoms need further investigation or assessment by another healthcare professional, I'll discuss that with you too.

Treatment isn't just about the painful area

Treatment will depend on what we find during your assessment.

Where appropriate, your plan may include a combination of hands-on treatment, mobility work, strengthening and advice about modifying your activity.

Rehabilitation is particularly important when returning to sport.

As symptoms improve, exercises can be progressed towards the demands of the activity you want to return to, whether that's running 5 km, lifting in the gym, playing a full game of football or simply exercising without worrying that the problem will flare again.

Don't wait until a niggle stops you completely

You don't necessarily need to seek treatment for every ache after exercise.

But if something keeps returning, isn't progressing or is beginning to affect the way you train, having it assessed can help you understand what may be happening and what you can do next.

Sports injury assessment in South Queensferry and Dalmeny

If a sports injury or recurring niggle is getting in the way of your training, I offer chiropractic assessment, treatment and rehabilitation from Queensferry Chiropractic in South Queensferry and Dalmeny, supporting people from Kirkliston, Winchburgh, North Queensferry and the surrounding area.

Not sure whether an appointment is right for you?

You can book a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what's been happening and whether I may be able to help.