Heal Sprains and Strains Properly with Dr. Ressler’s Quality Chiropractic Treatment Plan
The Mayo Clinic states that, “the difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.” (Source:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938)
Tendons are bands of soft tissue that connect the muscle to the bone. Ligaments are fibers that hold the bones in a joint together. A “strain” occurs when a muscle or tendon becomes overextended. When the ligaments become over-stretched and/or tear, it is referred to as a “sprain.”
The ankle is the most common location on the body for a sprain to occur. Typically, this is done by rolling or twisting the foot past the normal range of motion in the joint. You could sprain your ankle from walking, running or jogging.
A strain injury does not have a common location or such an obvious cause. Strains may occur for a wide range of reasons. Some common causes for a strain could be from playing sports, repetitive motions, lifting heavy items, improper ergonomics or poor posture.
Sprains and strains are different injuries, but they have similar symptoms. They both produce pain and swelling in the injured region. The usual indications of strains are muscle cramping, spasms or weakness. Sprains generally cause swelling, stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected joint. Bruising is also an indication of a sprain injury.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited ability to move the affected joint
- Hearing or feeling a "pop" in your joint at the time of injury”
(Source:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938)
Sprains and strains have three grades with symptoms ranging from minor to severe. Grade one sprain/strain is a mild injury with minor pain or discomfort. Grade two is considered a moderate sprain/strain injury. In a grade two sprain/strain the soft tissue is partially torn causing limited function in the joint with significant pain and swelling. Grade three is a severe sprain or strain that completely tears the ligament, muscle or tendon. This will cause the joint to feel loose, producing immense pain and inflammation.
As an experienced Oviedo chiropractor, Dr. Ressler advises patients to never self-diagnose their sprain/strain injury. Additionally, he tells patients not to ignore their pain or try to work through it. If you are experiencing pain, it is important that you call our chiropractic Oviedo office ASAP so you can be properly evaluated. If you continue to go about your daily activities and just “deal” with your discomfort, you could cause your injury to become worse. Delaying proper treatment or leaving injuries untreated all-together often leads to chronic pain and life-long conditions. The faster you receive proper treatment for your sprain or strain the faster it will heal. For optimal recovery you need to implement three components. Return the joint to proper position/alignment, address the muscle issues with medical massage and strengthen/stretch the joint back to its normal stability.
The first component is to gradually return the joint back to its normal position and enable the muscles to heal around the proper alignment. Without proper alignment the muscles will have to compensate for the joint’s integrity. This leads to muscle imbalance, scar tissue and permanent damage. There are many Oviedo chiropractors that use different adjusting methods and techniques. Dr. Ressler uses an adjusting instrument called the "activator". The activator is a spring-loaded device that corrects the specific joint out of alignment. By delivering a soft impulse into the misalignment the activator gently moves it back into the proper position. This makes the activator method extremely precise as it does not involve any forceful cracking or twisting. The activator method is ideal for treating not only the spine, but the extremities (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, etc.) as well. It is a highly effective technique providing quick results without the risk of further aggravating the injury.
The second component in addition to Dr. Ressler’s chiropractic technique, our Oviedo chiropractic office offers medical massage therapy. Medical massage can address the scar tissue and muscle spasms related to the sprain/strain injury. Medical massage relaxes soft tissues, increases blood flow, and improves flexibility to restore full range of motion. Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center’s medical massage therapists are board certified and have advanced training. OIWC medical massage therapists have many years of experience and work directly with our expert Oviedo chiropractor, Dr. Ressler. Together they use their extensive experience and advanced techniques to ensure a quick and optimal recovery.
The third aspect of sprain/strain recovery is support and strengthening the injured area. Dr. Ressler is a chiropractor in Oviedo that provides only the best quality of care. All Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center patients receive a personalized exercise and stretching routine in Dr. Ressler’s chiropractic treatment protocol. Your customized routine is designed to strengthen the muscles around the injury, giving support to the damaged joint. These exercises and stretches can be done in the comfort of your home and will assist in the healing process.
Dr. Ressler tailors each treatment plan to a patient’s specific needs, injuries, and concerns. Using the three components returns the patient back to their normal routines and lifestyle. Conservative treatment is always the best way to start before trying surgery or invasive procedures. If your injuries do not respond to conservative care or are too extensive, Dr. Ressler will refer you to a specialist. He has a full range of orthopedics, neurologist to choose from based on your specific conditions. OIWC’s priority is your recovery! This is the Ressler chiropractic promise given to all patients seen in our chiropractic office in Oviedo, FL.
Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center offers FREE consultations!
Why suffer through a painful sprain or strain injury? There is NO reason to leave your injuries untreated and risk having permanent damage! You can expect the highest level of care from Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center. Our Oviedo chiropractic office is open late (office hours) and has same day appointments available so you can get the proper care you need now. Call 407-977-5005 or click here to schedule your appointment today!