From Dr. Natalie Meiri’s Clinical Pearl Stories:
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Injuries in a Martial Arts “Team”
This was a husband and wife team/couple who entered martial arts competitions together. They were 40 and 32 years old respectively. Between the two of them, they had won many medals, but also had many martial arts related injuries. To be HIPAA compliant, I will call them Kirk and Josilyn instead of their real names.
Kirk had chronic right wrist and hand pain from “breaking bricks” over the years. Moreover, he had broken the same hand in the past from the constant impact. His neck and back were also chronically effected by the martial arts training. Josilyn had chronic back, left knee and right shoulder pain from her martial arts training. And worst of all was her chronic neck pain.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: History and Intake for Kirk and Josilyn
In the past, they had both had various treatments for these conditions and injuries including physical therapy and another chiropractor. Nevertheless, ultimately their conditions became chronic.
Recently, Kirk and Josilyn’s primary care doctor had prescribed Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. They iced their injuries as well. This seemed to help for a while, but then they were back to their original state of chronic pain and dysfunction.
Although martial arts was a hobby and they had “regular jobs”, it was an important part of their lives. Therefore, they needed to improve their chronic conditions in order to continue their sport. So they came to see me.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Kirk and Josilyn’s Examination at Meiri Chiropractic
Kirk and Josilyn presented to my office together. Even in their chiropractic visits they were a team! Kirk stated he had chronic pain in his neck, back and right hand/wrist. Josilyn stated she had neck, back, left knee and right shoulder pain. Additionally, they were able to help each other in their history/intake.
Upon examination, there were positive tests for Kirk’s cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back) and lumbar (low back) spine and right wrist/hand chief complaints. And Josilyn’s tests were positive for her cervical (neck), thoracic (mid back), lumbar (low back) spine, left knee, and right shoulder chief complaints.
The x-rays taken in my office showed osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) in both their spines. X-rays taken at the primary care doctor’s office showed some osteoarthritis of their extremity joints.
Finally, this current incident was yet another sprain and/or strain in their areas of chief complaints which is what brought them to my office.
What is a Sprain or a strain?
A sprain is a sudden or violent twisting injury of a joint with stretching or tearing of ligaments. A strain occurs when a muscle is overstretched or torn. This usually occurs as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. Furthermore, damage to your attached tendons can also occur with a strain.
Besides from Sprains and Strains, the sport of martial arts may lead to many more injuries such as: Bruising/cuts, Concussion, Fractures/ Joint dislocation and various muscle tears.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Kirk and Josilyn’s Treatment for Martial Arts Injuries
Firstly, the couple’s treatments consisted of chiropractic manipulation/ adjustments of the cervical , thoracic, and lumbopelvic spine, and extremity joints. Secondly, soft tissue techniques (e.g. myofascial release, pressure point and post-isometric relaxation) was performed on all their tender and spasmed muscles. Thirdly, ice/heat therapy recommendations and exercises to continue their treatment at home were given. Finally, activity modification and recommendations for prevention of further injury were given.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: the Outcomes for Kirk and Josilyn’s Treatment for Martial Arts Injuries
The couple started feeling better within a few visits. After a few months of continued care, Kirk and Josilyn functioned better and were mostly pain-free. Thereafter, they continued the chiropractic care for supportive/ preventative care. Of course, they continued the martial arts training. In fact, Kirk became a martial arts teacher.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Injuries in a Martial Arts “Team”
Are you suffering from chronic pain from a sports injury? Dr. Natalie Meiri has helped many athletes utilizing chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue techniques, cranial sacral therapy and therapeutic exercises. Contact her at 561-253-8984 for further information on Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Injuries in a Martial Arts “Team” or to make an appointment today.