The most common types of sports injuries are classified as sprain-strains. This classification of injury is actually two separate conditions… sprains typically occur when ligaments get stretched too far; strains commonly occur when a similar event affects a muscle or tendon. Due to the proximity and interconnectedness of these tissues, sprains and strains frequently occur in tandem.

A blanket-term often used to describe a sprain-strain injury is soft tissue injury, but don’t be misled by the terminology; soft tissue injuries invariably affect the hard tissues associated with the injury as well.

The bones and joints are considered the hard tissues. Joints are held together by ligaments; the bones serve as levers and anchors for the muscles and tendons.

It’s not uncommon for sprain-strain type sports injuries to alter or restrict the movement patterns associated with the bones and joints. These biomechanical alterations and joint restrictions can oftentimes cause irritation to the cartilaginous surfaces within the joints and impede the circulation of fluids and nutrients into the associated tissues.

As with any injury, there can be bruising or swelling around the site of a sprain-strain injury. It’s fairly common to experience pain and discomfort when attempting to move the associated joint(s). Common areas of the body that are subjected to these symptoms include the spine, shoulder, wrist, knee and ankle.

With most injuries you’ll be given a specific diagnosis, but hopefully you’ll understand that trauma typically doesn’t target a single tissue or structure of your body; it invariably effects the joints and tissues in the surrounding area. This includes the localized inflammatory reaction and pain sensation which is controlled by a centralized coordination of activities from the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. Recall the nostalgic childhood jingle, Dem Bones… the thigh bone is connected to the hip bone; its takeaway, that everything is connected, is fairly accurate!

Our Newark Delaware Chiropractic Office is a great place to determine the nature and severity of your injury; and if warranted, get the proper care. Schedule an Evaluation

Muscle swelling is usually referred to as myositis. There are a myriad of conditions that can cause myositis.

One common cause of muscle swelling amongst athletes is overuse. Vigorous activity can irritate muscle fibers and result in swelling. Repetitive occurrences of myositis and the resulting inflammation/healing cycles have the potential to cause scar tissue. Both swelling and scar tissue formation can lead to irritation of the local nerves and oftentimes impede microcirculation resulting in pain, soreness and weakness in the associated muscles and joints. Although the symptoms are similar, a traumatic myositis is considered to be an acute condition while scar tissue formation often contributes to a chronic classification of injury.

Targeting your pre- and post-activity routine can optimize recovery and help prevent acute conditions from becoming chronic. This strategy can help you sidestep most of the longterm consequences associated with vigorous athletic play.

Chiropractors have been providing relief from the symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries for over 100 years. Our Newark Delaware Chiropractic Office is a great place to start your recovery. Get Relief Now

chiropractors often treat knee injuries… and educate to prevent them!

Knee injuries are common occurrences for many athletes as well as those participating in casual recreational activities. 

One type of knee injury that is commonly experienced by runners is appropriately labeled “runner’s knee”; this usually presents with tenderness around the knee cap. Although runner’s knee is fairly common, its not the only knee injury athletes should be considering. Other types of knee injuries can cause pain and/or swelling on the side(s) or behind the knee.

Over time, aggressive or high-impact sports activities can contribute to a host of discomforting knee symptoms and/or wear-and-tear syndromes. If left unchecked, knee problems can often lead to foot, hip and/or lower back syndromes.

The good news… these issues are not inevitable. There are a host of conservative measures that can be utilized to strengthen the tissues that support and move your knee both before and after injury. Simple precautions and strategies can be applied to ensure that your adhering to proper joint mechanics and strengthening the supporting tissues.

Contact our Newark Delaware Chiropractic Office to determine if your knee injury can benefit from a program of spinal adjustments, joint manipulation and healing therapeutics. Get Relief Now

elbow injury… or any joint related injury, seek out a chiropractor

Golfer's elbow is a painful condition that affects the tendons of your forearm muscles, specifically on the inside (medial aspect) of your elbow. The symptoms typically radiate into your forearm and can affect the wrist.

Tennis elbow (a.k.a., lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition that occurs when tendons on the outside of your elbow are irritated, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm… and although named as such, it’s not just a result of playing tennis.

Supports and braces tend to be a common addition when the above conditions strike, and although they’re often helpful, they don’t always get to the root cause of the issue. A chiropractic evaluation of your elbow and the structures above and below the joint (kinetic chain) can often reveal the true cause of your condition.

In the event that you do injure your elbow, your Newark Delaware Chiropractor can help. Dr. Anthony Giantinoto provides short-term chiropractic care programs for relief of most joint injuries. Get Relief Now

Tendinitis is defined as an inflammation of the tendon. It is probably the most common repetitive-action sports injury.

Most people have heard of bicipital tendinitis, a condition that affects the upper arm near the shoulder; achilles tendinitis affects the achilles tendon, the tendon that anchors the calf muscle to the heel or calcaneus. This tendon is commonly injured when it’s overstretched or burdened by repetitive motions during sports activities.

Tendons often stretch over irregular shaped bony areas or course through specialized grooves in the adjacent bones. This makes the tendon susceptible to inflammation caused when it’s overstretched or irritated. Imbalances that alter the normal orientation of the surrounding structure (joint alignment) can also contribute.

In addition to providing therapeutic relief at the site of the irritation, chiropractors will evaluate muscle function and joint mechanics to determine if there are any underlying imbalances that can be contributing to your outward symptoms.

Don’t hesitate to seek the proper care; a thorough physical evaluation combined with the appropriate treatment can often prevent further injury, or help an injured person avoid chronic scar tissue formation. Your Newark Delaware Chiropractor, Dr. Anthony Giantinoto, is ready to help. Get Relief Now

This term describes pain along the shin bone (a.k.a., the tibia); part of this bone can be felt as the prominent ridge on the front of the lower leg.

Shin splints can occur when an athlete (usually runners) fails to adequately warm-up or stretch. Shin splints can also occur when participating in activities on hard surfaces or from wearing unsupportive shoes.

However they may arise, anyone who has had them knows they’re quite painful and have the potential to disrupt the simplest of activities. Chiropractic care can often help alleviate your current symptoms, as well as suggest the mechanical adaptations that are often required for a future resolution. Get Relief Now