It is well documented that many professional athletes seek regular Chiropractic care to ensure they continue to perform at an elite level and reach their maximal athletic potential in their respective sport. Earlier this year, NBA Superstar, and Toronto Raptors forward, Serge Ibaka, presented to our clinic and saw Dr. Justin Fowler for some treatment. This post has the intent to inform you, the reader, on what injuries are common in basketball, and how regular Chiropractic care can help.
Watch out for those ‘ankle-breaker’ cross-overs
“He/she broke the defenders’ ankles with that cross-over”. A common term/phrase used when describing a quick change of direction or pace by an offensive player, shedding the defender, usually leaving them looking helpless in the meantime. While ankle fractures are rare in basketball, the most commonly seen injury is an ankle sprain.
Types of Ankle Sprains
There are two main types of ankle sprain injuries: an inversion sprain, and an eversion sprain- both of which are characterized by the direction the ankle rolls/rotates during the time of injury. The more common of the two is an inversion ankle sprain, accounting for approximately 70-85% of ankle sprains. During an inversion ankle sprain, the ankle rolls outwards (laterally) causing severe stretching of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. In particular, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) takes the brunt of the force during this type of injury, as it located on the lateral aspect of the ankle. During an eversion ankle sprain, the ankle rolls inwards, putting added stress to the medial (inside) aspect of the ankle, affecting the deltoid ligament.
After sustaining an ankle injury, it is crucial to visit your local Chiropractor and have it assessed. First and foremost, it is important to rule out any chance of fracture- the Chiropractor will perform a thorough physical exam, and develop a plan of management. If an x-ray is needed, your Chiropractor can write you a requisition for imaging. As mentioned previously, the likely scenario is sprained ankle- and yes, we do not just specialize in back problems. During the acute phase of any ankle injury, it is important to relieve pain, decrease swelling, and improve ankle mobility. This is typically achieved in the first 2-3 weeks. At Back In Balance Clinic, we have had great success in treating ankle injuries using a combination of low level laser therapy (LLLT), electro-
