Sports Injuries Brooklyn, NY
- Youth & Adult Athletes
- SoftWave Joint Recovery
- No Drugs or Surgery
Sports injuries can be a broad term that affects some parts of the body, but they can vary greatly. I’m Dr. Brian Donovan and when athletes visit my Nuro Chiropractic clinic in Brooklyn, I usually look beyond the pain, and I try to determine the root cause of the issue.
I want to know how the injury occurred, and I will check which tissues are involved. These findings are going to guide the kind of treatment I’m going to provide so the athlete can recover faster.
Sudden Injuries vs. Slow-Developing Ones
Some athletes can point to the exact moment their injury occurred: “I suddenly twisted my knee,” “I felt something pull while sprinting,” “I rolled my ankle,” or “My shoulder started hurting after a throw.”
Others may have developed injuries because of gradual repetitive stress. A runner can be surprised that they’re feeling knee pain, while a pickleball player may experience elbow pain. Weightlifters may also feel aches in their lower back even if they’re not involved in any injuries. Some of the questions that we ask are the following:
- Did you experience a fall while playing?
- Was there a sudden change of direction?
- Did you hear a popping sound?
- Was there an immediate swelling that developed?
- Did the joint feel unstable?
- Were you able to keep playing after an incident?
How do I Evaluate Athletes in our Brooklyn Clinic?
- 1 We start by understanding how the injury happened and the training intensity. We will also determine if it’s caused by any recent changes in your routine and make adjustments accordingly.
- 2 The next phase is to examine the injured area and see if the joints are stable and if the muscles are still responding to physical tests.
- 3 We watch how you move, and further testing like squats and other specific movements may be included.
- 4 Check other areas that may be contributing to the problem. A runner with knee pain may need their hips assessed, while those who play baseball may need their upper back checked.
It’s not necessary to request an MRI every time someone experiences a sports injury. There are digital X-rays that can identify fractures, while some diagnostic ultrasound can assess injuries in one’s ligaments and other parts of the body.
How to Choose Treatment Based on One’s Injury?
- For relatively mild cases, there are mobility exercises that the doctor can recommend, as well as IASTM to loosen up tight muscles. The appropriate chiropractic care may also be selected for better progress.
- Chronic tendon issues like golfer’s elbow, patellar tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, or other conditions may need SoftWave therapy when clinically appropriate.
- Class IV laser, PEMF, cryotherapy, and spinal or extremity decompression can be recommended when there is a specific reason to use them.
Recovery generally means gradually preparing the injured area so the athletes can keep up with the demands of the sport. Runners should be able to go back to running without feeling pain, while basketball players should be able to change direction safely without straining their bodies.
Pain-Free Does Not Mean Game Ready
“Athletes can feel dramatically better, but the injured tissues are not yet fully healed. The outcome is that these individuals may not have the necessary capacity to play their sports because returning immediately can increase the chance of reinjuring the aggravated area.”
Dr. Brian Donovan, D.C.This is why the decision to return to one’s sport doesn’t just lie on the disappearance of pain. I want to see functional movement and regained strength before I allow you to play. You should be able to move with confidence and play with less risk when you go back.
When Does an Athlete Need Medical Evaluation?
If one suspects a concussion with repeated vomiting after an injury or if they have a worsening headache along with seizures, know that these often need medical evaluation. No athlete should be forced to play because they may already be feeling okay.
This should also be the case with those who are experiencing significant trauma that’s accompanied by fractures, since these cases need orthopedic evaluation. A knee injury that’s swelling should be investigated by a medical doctor instead of a patient choosing a more conservative treatment option.
With sudden pops that are followed by weakness, such as patients who are unable to raise their arms, it can be a case of a tendon rupture that needs an orthopedic specialist. The goal is not to keep going to sessions that are not working but to achieve the right care that can help athletes go back to the sports they love.
Sports Injury FAQs
How do I know when it is safe to return to my sport?
This isn’t determined by pain alone, but the doctor will want to see a better range of motion as well as other functional movements that can hold up under the demands of the sport. I want you to trust the injured limb again and feel confident using it during demanding activities, not just when doing everyday tasks.
Can I train around an injury instead of stopping?
Yes, and we don’t recommend quitting completely. The first session will involve modifying the work that the injured tissue is doing while one keeps training. This can help them protect and adapt better and make their return faster. Some may need to rest first, and an exam will usually tell the doctor which way to go.
Why does my knee hurt if I only changed my running mileage?
Even a small increase in running mileage can put more stress on your knee than it can currently handle. Overuse injuries often develop when training volume and other factors are more than your body can adapt to. The good news is that addressing the irritated tissue can help you recover and return to running in no time.
I heard a pop. Does that mean something tore?
Not necessarily. However, a pop followed by rapid swelling could indicate a significant injury that needs prompt evaluation. If you cannot raise your arm after the injury, you should seek an orthopedic assessment before considering other alternatives.
Do you work with other providers on an athlete’s care?
Yes. I regularly coordinate care with other specialists like physical therapists, depending on the injury. If an athlete isn’t improving as expected, I refer them to the appropriate expert for further evaluation and treatment.
Schedule Your Chiropractic Consultation
At Nuro Chiropractic, Dr. Brian Donovan offers customized treatment plans for back pain, neck pain, and injuries. Your care begins with a thorough assessment, followed by a clear treatment plan tailored to your needs. Call our Brooklyn office today to set up your consultation.