Sports Injuries & Recovery: Who Should You See?
If you’re an active person or an athlete, chances are you’ve experienced a sports-related injury at some point. Whether it’s a strained muscle, a sprained ankle, or persistent back pain, getting the right treatment is crucial for a speedy and effective recovery. But who should you see—a physiotherapist or a chiropractor?
Both professionals can help with sports injuries, but they approach treatment differently. Understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your condition.
When to See a Physiotherapist 🏋️♂️
Physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation, strength-building, and injury prevention. They use exercise-based therapy, manual therapy, and movement analysis to restore function and mobility after an injury.
✅ Physiotherapy is best for:
- Muscle strains & ligament sprains (e.g., pulled hamstrings, ankle sprains)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., ACL surgery, rotator cuff repairs)
- Overuse injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, runner’s knee)
- Joint pain & stiffness (e.g., arthritis-related movement issues)
- Strength & mobility training (preventing re-injury and improving performance)
🛠 Common Physiotherapy Techniques: ✔️ Targeted rehabilitation exercises
✔️ Soft tissue therapy & stretching
✔️ Joint mobilisation & manual therapy
✔️ Taping & bracing for injury support
✔️ Biomechanical assessments for posture & movement correction
A physio is ideal if you need a structured rehabilitation plan that helps restore function, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries.
When to See a Chiropractor 💆♂️
Chiropractors focus on the spine, nervous system, and joint alignment to help with pain relief and mobility issues. They specialise in manual adjustments that realign the spine and other joints to improve function and reduce discomfort.
✅ Chiropractic is best for:
- Back & neck pain from sports (e.g., impact injuries, repetitive stress)
- Spinal misalignment & joint dysfunction (e.g., poor posture affecting performance)
- Nerve-related issues (e.g., sciatica, pinched nerves, radiating pain)
- Headaches & migraines linked to neck tension
- Improving range of motion & flexibility
🛠 Common Chiropractic Techniques: ✔️ Spinal & joint adjustments
✔️ Posture correction
✔️ Soft tissue release
✔️ Nerve decompression techniques
✔️ Injury prevention through alignment work
A chiropractor is ideal if your sports injury involves the spine, nerves, or joint misalignment, and you’re looking for pain relief and mobility improvements through manual therapy.
Physio vs. Chiro: Which One is Right for You? 🤔
Still not sure whether to see a physio or a chiropractor? Here’s a simple guide:
| If you have… | See a Physiotherapist | See a Chiropractor |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle strains & soft tissue injuries | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Spinal misalignment & back pain | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Post-surgical recovery | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Nerve pain (e.g., sciatica) | 🚫 | ✅ |
| Rehabilitation & strength training | ✅ | 🚫 |
| Joint stiffness & alignment issues | ✅ | ✅ (for spinal adjustments) |
🔹 Good news! You don’t always have to choose—many patients benefit from a combined approach, using both physiotherapy and chiropractic care for optimal recovery and performance.
Falcon Health Can Help! 🏥
At Falcon Health, we offer both physiotherapy and chiropractic care, meaning you get the best of both worlds when it comes to treating and preventing sports injuries.
📍 Located in Burgess Hill – book your consultation today and let our expert team help you recover, move better, and perform at your best!
