Skip to content
 
ASCC, Acupuncture Science & Chiropractic Clinic, a division of Hua Health

Sports injuries

Should I see a chiropractor for a sports injury?

For muscle strains, tight tendons, and back or neck pain from sport, a chiropractor is a reasonable place to start. For a suspected fracture, dislocation, or a joint that gives way, see a medical doctor first.

We see runners, golfers, weekend soccer and pickleball players, and high school athletes from around Lisle and Naperville.

Care often uses instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, e-stim, and adjustments, with a few stretches to do at home. Dr. Hua will talk with you about when it makes sense to return to your sport.

Evidence

What the research says about sports injuries

Sources reviewed October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice.

Research on chiropractic care for sports injuries is limited. The best support is for manual therapy combined with exercise for specific problems, such as ankle and knee complaints and back pain in active people.

  1. 01

    Lower limb conditions

    A 2012 review found fair evidence for manipulative therapy, usually with exercise, for some knee and ankle problems, including ankle sprains and kneecap pain. [1]

  2. 02

    Back and neck pain in active people

    The back and neck pain guidelines on our other condition pages also apply to athletes, who are included in many of those trials. [2]

  3. 03

    Acupuncture for ongoing musculoskeletal pain

    A large 2018 data analysis found acupuncture helped chronic musculoskeletal pain more than sham acupuncture, which may be relevant to long-lasting sports injuries. [3]

Limits of the evidence

Sports injury research is small, so evidence is weaker than for back or neck pain. A suspected fracture, dislocation, or joint that gives way needs a medical doctor first.

Sources

  1. 1.Brantingham JW, et al. Manipulative therapy for lower extremity conditions: update of a literature review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2012;35(2):127-166.
  2. 2.Qaseem A, et al. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):514-530.
  3. 3.Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474.

Questions patients ask

Can I keep training while I am being treated?
Often yes, with some changes. Dr. Hua will tell you what to ease off on.
Do you see teenagers?
Yes. A parent or guardian needs to come to the first visit for patients under 18.
Call to Schedule(630) 357-7320