Common Injuries That Sports Medicine Doctors Treat

While sports and various physical activities are an excellent way to stay fit and gain mood-boosting endorphins, they present the risk of injury. Sports medicine doctors, like members of the team at Florida Wellness Medical Group, provide specialized care for sports injuries. Their goal is to protect your health while helping you return to the field, court, or rink faster. 

Some of the most common injuries that sports medicine doctors treat are:

Knee Injuries

Among athletes, the knees are particularly vulnerable to injuries, including:

  • ACL tears, which occur when the ligament that connects the shinbone and thigh bone is torn
  • Patellar tendinitis, occurs when the tendon in the patella, which connects the kneecap and shinbone, becomes inflamed
  • Torn meniscus, which occurs when the meniscus, a pad of cartilage in the knee is torn, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness

Sprains

Sprains are extremely common, especially among athletes. This injury develops when a ligament (the type of tissue that connects two bones in a joint) is stretched or torn. Athletes tend to experience sprains from overstretching a ligament with extreme movement and may need sports medicine treatment to help the ligament heal properly. 

Dislocated Joints

When a joint is dislocated, it means that one of the bones in the joint pops out of its normal alignment. This injury most commonly affects the shoulder, but can also impact the knees, hips, and elbows. Sometimes, the joint may immediately pop back in the joint, but proper treatment is important to address the resulting injury to the surrounding tissues. Other times, a sports medicine doctor will need to safely pop the joint back into place. 

At Florida Wellness Medical Group, we’re proud to offer top-of-the-line integrative care for sports injuries. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Why is Whiplash Pain Often Delayed?

Whiplash is a neck injury that most commonly occurs during auto accidents. It develops from a fast, vigorous back-and-forth motion of the neck. 

Pain from whiplash is often delayed for hours or even days. This can prolong patients’ recovery process and lead to worsened symptoms. 

The Reasons Behind Delayed Whiplash Pain

Adrenaline

One of the key reasons behind delayed whiplash pain is the body’s fight or flight response. In a car accident, in particular, the body releases adrenaline into the bloodstream.

Adrenaline is a type of stress hormone that prepares your body to respond to a threat. It dilates your blood vessels and airways for increased oxygen, boosts circulation to the muscles, and even reduces sensations of pain. 

The adrenaline rush that occurs during a car accident can numb the pain from whiplash. Until your adrenaline levels decrease, you may not notice whiplash symptoms.   

Delayed Inflammation

Additionally, it can take time for your immune system to trigger inflammation around the injured area. Once your body registers the inflammation, it may have been hours or days since the injury occurred. 

Short-Term Effects of The Accident

After a car accident, sports accident, major fall, or another type of physical trauma, many people don’t recognize whiplash symptoms as signs of the injury. They may write off the pain as a short-term effect of the accident, rather than an indication of a larger problem. 

Symptoms of Whiplash

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Neck and shoulder stiffness
  • Headache
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck
  • Light sensitivity
  • Nausea
  • Blurry vision
  • Irritability
  • Memory issues

Following a car accident, sports injury, or any form of physical trauma, visit a physician for a complete evaluation. Even if you’re not yet experiencing symptoms of whiplash, your physician can check for this injury and prescribe a treatment plan. 

Schedule an appointment at Florida Wellness Medical Group to speak with one of our trained physicians.  

Why You Should See a Doctor After a Car Accident Even if You Feel Fine

After being in a car accident, many people don’t experience any pain or discomfort. However, even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to see a doctor after the crash.

Certain auto accident injuries, such as whiplash and concussions, can have delayed symptoms. Additionally, the adrenaline of being in a crash can mute pain, stiffness, and other injury symptoms for hours or even days following the accident.

During a medical evaluation after an auto accident, your doctor can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and that you receive the care that you need for a fast recovery. By seeing a doctor after a car accident, you can avoid long-term symptoms from injuries that often have delayed symptoms, including: 

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common auto accident injuries. It occurs when the neck is forced to suddenly whip back and forth. This forceful motion damages the soft tissues in the cervical spine, often leading to neck pain, lost range of motion in the neck, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and numbness in the arms. 

It can take days or even weeks for whiplash to present with symptoms after an auto accident. However, any delay in treating whiplash can lead to further damage and worsened pain. So, it’s in your best interest to see a doctor after a car accident, even if you don’t have symptoms. 

Concussions

A concussion is a brain injury that can occur when you receive a blow to the head. It causes brain cell damage that can inhibit the cells’ function and communication. Headache, nausea, vomiting, light/noise sensitivity, confusion, fatigue, and balance problems are all possible symptoms of a concussion. 

Concussion symptoms aren’t always apparent after an auto accident. However, it’s essential to get checked for a concussion by a doctor after a crash to avoid worsened brain damage. 

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the exterior of the spinal disc cracks or tears. The soft interior of the disc can press out through this crack and irritate nearby nerves. 

Along with other spinal injuries, a herniated disc may not cause obvious symptoms after a car accident. If you sustain a spinal injury in an auto accident but don’t receive a medical evaluation promptly after the crash, the injury could become much worse. Possible complications from an untreated herniated disc include chronic pain and permanent nerve damage. 

At Florida Wellness Medical Group, we provide medical evaluations and specialized care for auto accident injuries, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Injuries Caused by Heavy Lifting and How To Treat Those Injuries

Lifting heavy items, whether at work, at the gym, or during a move, can pose a risk to your physical health. Heavy lifting can strain the back muscles, spine, wrists, and shoulders, potentially leading to injury. 

Below, you’ll find the most common injuries caused by heavy lifting, as well as the treatments available to help you make a full recovery. 

The Main Injuries Caused by Heavy Lifting

Back and Spinal Injuries

The back and spine are highly susceptible to injury when you’re lifting heavy objects. Excessive pressure may be put on the spine while lifting, potentially straining or tearing the back muscles. Lifting extremely heavy objects could also lead to herniated spinal discs or pinched spinal nerves, which may require a more lengthy recovery process. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and can be particularly effective in treating these types of injuries.  Continue reading

Why It’s Important To Visit Florida Wellness Vs. an Emergency Room for Your Injury

If you’re injured, your first instinct may be to visit the emergency room. People often think of the ER as the fundamental care option when they need care for a sudden injury; but, in truth, visiting one of Florida Wellness Medical Group’s four office locations is the superior option for most injuries when compared to the ER. 

Avoid Sky-High ER Costs

The ER is the most expensive option for injury treatment. A single ER visit could easily cost over $1,000, with costs added for any treatment you receive, whether it be stitches or an X-ray. You can avoid these exorbitant costs by going to Florida Wellness Medical Group for injury treatment instead. Continue reading

Whiplash After An Auto Accident

Whiplash is a common injury sustained by victims of automobile accidents. As an injury that often becomes apparent later on after the accident, not immediately, it’s important for whiplash victims to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s wise to schedule an appointment with a motor vehicle injury care specialist, such as the staff at Florida Wellness Medical Group, to identify possible injuries. 

Let’s learn more about whiplash and the treatment options available for this prevalent auto accident injury. Continue reading

5 Sports Injury Treatments That Help You Come Back Even Stronger

sports injuries treatmentSports injury treatments are widely needed when you consider that there are more than 8.6 million sports-related injuries each year, and 20% of those injuries are bone fractures or other serious injuries, according to the CDC

A sports injury can take you off the field for a few days or it can end your season. Most athletes are eager to play again, whether they want to compete in high-level competitions or simply enjoy the camaraderie and exercise on the field. However, if you don’t take enough time to heal your injury, you could reinjure it or permanently damage your body. 

These sports injury treatments can’t promise an immediate recovery, but that can help you work to get healthier. If you recently suffered a sports injury, consider these options to help you heal.  

#1) Physical Therapy

One of the most common ways to treat sports injuries is with physical therapy. Your therapist will walk you through a series of exercises to stretch your muscles, improve your range of motion, and build back your strength. Physical therapy is often used after serious injuries where the athlete needs to get back to the same competitive level as before the break or tear. However, it can be valuable in all sporting levels. 

#2) Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is a popular treatment amongst athletes to help a variety of problems. Chiropractors can help with multiple types of injuries, not just back problems. For example, they can work to reduce pain in knee problems, sprains, strains, dislocations, and even fractures. Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach to healing, making it one of the top sports injury treatments on this list.   

For more information on how chiropractic care can help athletes, watch this interview featuring Florida Wellness on Daytime on WFLA News Channel 8.

Related: What Can Chiropractic Care Do for Sports Injuries?

#3) Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is another option for sports injury treatments. This practice does more than help the body relax and reduce muscle tension. It can also help with pain relief, improve your range of motion, and improve circulation. At Florida Wellness, we offer a specific sports massage that targets muscle-tendon junctions subject to repetitive movements. We can also focus on the injured muscle group to help with recovery. 

#4) Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is an up-and-coming option for sports injury treatments. This is the process of applying cold air or mist in order to reduce swelling or inflammation. Depending on the method, cryotherapy can be used to treat acute injuries that are in the process of healing or chronic problems (like arthritis) to reduce long-term pain. Many NFL and NBA players, including LeBron James, have tried cryotherapy.    

#5) Rest 

This is the treatment that athletes need the most, but few have the patience for. Resting your injured body can help it recover faster. Even if you want to get back in the game, waiting a few days can help you come back completely and reduce the chances of reinjury. Your team needs you playing at 100%, not fighting through at 50%. 

Work With Specialists on Sports Injury Treatments

If you recently suffered a sports injury, seek out medical help – no matter how superficial it may seem. There may be underlying problems or sensitivity that is more serious than you first think. 

Request an appointment with Florida Wellness Medical Group and tell us your preferred time and location to see a medical specialist. Let us know that you have a sports injury that needs to be treated and we will find a way to help you. 

How to Treat Neck and Back Pain After a Car Accident

Neck and Back Pain After a Car AccidentThe hours and days after an auto accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Along with contacting the insurance company and working to repair your car, you also need to focus on your physical and mental health. By caring for your body and getting the care you need, you can potentially prevent long-term pain and healing complications. 

Follow these steps to treat neck and back pain after a car accident so you can fully recover. 

#1) Get Checked Out Immediately

Minor issues could be symptoms of bigger problems. While you might just think you’re dizzy or confused, you could actually have a severe concussion or whiplash. Take the extra time to see a doctor and have them record your current health status. 

Recording any problems with your health (including any mild symptoms) can make it easier to diagnose problems in the future. These records can also help you build a case for your insurance company to cover your medical care.  

#2) Follow the Advice of Your Doctor

After you visit the doctor, follow their care directions carefully even if you feel better in the wake of the accident. For example, if they tell you to treat neck and back pain after a car accident with ice and heat, make sure you apply the right items at the right times. Follow their pain medication guidelines and seek out therapeutic massages if needed.  

Following these medically-recommended guidelines can help you heal faster. Even if you are feeling better, your body isn’t completely healed. Complete the course of treatment to make sure that you don’t re-injure yourself and have to start the process over. 

#3) Let Your Employer Know About Your Limits

Talk to your manager and let them know about the sensitive nature of your neck and back. Share the concerns from your doctor and the steps you need to care for yourself. 

Your employer may allow you to work from home where you are more comfortable or put you on light work to reduce your pain. Don’t try to work through the pain, as you could make the injury worse. 

#4) Seek Out Chiropractic Care

While you will immediately notice bruises, scrapes, and other surface-level problems after an accident, there may be some less-noticeable issues that cause you pain. You may suddenly experience back pain after sitting for long periods of time or feel like your neck has limited movement options. This is where a chiropractor steps in. 

A chiropractor can help treat neck and back pain after a car accident to limit long-term and short-term problems. These professionals will focus on your range of motion and pain management, so you can do everything you love without worrying about your pain holding you back. 

To learn more about how chiropractic care can help you after a car accident, check out this interview between Dr. Edward Leonard and Great Day Live Tampa Bay

Invest in Your Health After an Accident

Even if you think you are “just shaken up,” take time to treat neck and back pain after a car accident. Taking small steps for your treatment can help you prevent injuries from getting worse or re-injuries from cropping up. Invest in your health for long-term happiness. 

Learn more about chiropractic care and contact us to schedule an appointment. 

What Can Chiropractic Care Do for Sports Injuries?

Chiropractic care for sports injuriesA bad sports injury can leave an athlete stranded, with their season and even their careers on the line, as they try to figure out what is next. Many athletes undergo complicated surgeries that require months of medication and therapy to recover.

However, some people are turning to more holistic alternatives or complementary additions to injury treatment, including chiropractic care. Here are the benefits of chiropractic care for sports injuries and how you can make the most of this treatment plan.

Chiropractic Care Heals More Than Just Back Problems

Chiropractic therapy is not limited to back and spinal care.

Many people make the mistake of assuming that they don’t need chiropractic care unless they have back problems. However, the goal of chiropractic care is also to improve joint function while reducing inflammation and pain.

Problems that athletes encounter across all different playing fields for all different body parts can benefit from targeted chiropractic therapy. A few common sports injuries that athletes treat with chirotherapy include:

  • Knee problems
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Dislocations
  • Fractures

From pitchers in baseball to tight ends in football, athletes can use chiropractic care to make sure they are pain-free when they take the field. It can be used in conjunction with physical therapy or on its own as a treatment method.

Chiropractic Therapy Takes a Whole-Body Approach

Chiropractic care for sports injuries is effective because the body works as a singular unit. When one part of your body is misaligned, other parts have to compensate to make up for it.

For example, if spinal misalignment changes how you walk, you could end up building muscles in different, unexpected places. This can reduce your performance on the field or court and make you more susceptible to injury.

It is not uncommon to see knee and hip injuries because of poor spinal health.  

Chiropractic professionals take a holistic, whole-body approach to the problem. They understand that treating one area will only help you so much. Effective chiropractors will review your entire bodily performance and look for ways to help you reduce pain and maintain your flexibility so you can focus on training your hardest.

Chiropractic Care Improves Performance

Chiropractic therapy isn’t just meant to treat sports injuries, it can also be used to improve performance.

Chiropractic sessions will make you more flexible, loose, and nimble, making you better prepared for any opponent you face.

If you don’t have existing back or body problems, chiropractic care can work as a preventative treatment to keep you at peak performance levels. However, if your spine has been misaligned for several years, this form of holistic treatment can get back on track to reach your full potential.

Discover Chiropractic Care for Sports Injuries

If you are looking for a non-medicated, non-surgical approach to treating or preventing your sports injuries, consider working with a chiropractor who specializes in working with athletes.

Request an appointment with the chiropractic specialists at the Florida Wellness Medical Group. We can review your needs and recommend a treatment plan for chiropractic care for sports injuries so you can play your best on the field knowing there are medical professionals who have got you covered.

Call us at 844-935-5669 or request an appointment today.

What Can Cause Neck Pain & How a Chiropractor Can Help

The developments in technology are often viewed as wonderful things. However, with good things come bad. If you are a frequent user of your mobile device, you are probably aware of the occasional neck pain you feel if you use it for extended periods of time. Research agrees, indicating your spinal wellbeing is put at risk if you regularly use mobile devices. It’s important for you to understand why this is the case and how you can avoid injuring your spine.

 

What is text neck?

You could be a victim of text neck if you spend extended periods of time bending down looking at an object. This has become increasingly widespread as more and more people use smartphones. When you look down, pressure is put on your spine. The constant pressure can very well bring about neck strain and muscle injuries.

There are four main symptoms of text neck: neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and overall pain at the end of the day.

Neck pain is probably the most common symptom of text neck. It could be when you are peering down at your phone, though it could also be throughout other times of the day.

Shoulder pain is often experienced along with neck pain, and sometimes even extends to the upper part of your back.

The pain can also go up to your head, resulting in headaches.

Finally, at the end of the day, most sufferers of text neck experienced overall pain in their muscles, whether their neck, shoulder, back, or head. They feel sore and uncomfortable.

 

How can I avoid text neck?

Of course, the best way to steer clear of text neck is to keep from peering down at your smartphone or other mobile devices. If you are looking down, try to keep your neck neutral. Spend some time doing stretches and moving your back and neck before you settle down to use your laptop or your phone.

If you are on a computer throughout the day, you may want to think about getting a sitting/standing desk. This way, your back can get constant movement and your spine can stay in a neutral position.

 

How can I treat text neck?

If text neck is your constant companion, you may need a little bit more help. Try chiropractic care. This type of treatment will address your problem at the root, helping your spine to heal and function in good condition. You could be treated with any or all of the following methods:

 

Spinal Adjustment

An experienced chiropractor will gently maneuver your vertebrae back into alignment so your spine can function at its best. It will also reduce the pressure on your spine and discs so that

your entire body functions better. This will also help you heal faster after injury.

 

Exercises

Your chiropractor will also take you through a series of stretches and exercises that will release and relieve your sore muscles. You are often also recommended to do these at home.

 

Advice

Finally, you will be given advice and tips to prevent text neck from occuring again in the future. This way, you won’t experience pain and your spine will be healthy and strong.

 

CONTACT FLORIDA WELLNESS GROUP

Here, we pride ourselves on the natural techniques we use to aid you in relieving your pain. Methods like spinal adjustment, exercises, and professional advice can help you lead a better quality of life and recover from injuries that you may have incurred. If you’re looking for a Tampa Chiropractor, get in touch today to see how we can help!