Sports Injury Treatment in Saanichton, BC

Sports Injuries We Treat

Tendinopathies — Achilles, Patellar, Rotator Cuff, Tennis Elbow

Tendinopathy is one of the most common — and most undertreated — sports injuries. Traditional approaches (rest, ice, anti-inflammatories) address symptoms but don't address the underlying tendon degeneration. Our approach combines manual therapy with shockwave therapy (ESWT), which is clinically proven to stimulate tendon remodelling. Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and lateral epicondylosis (tennis elbow) all respond well to this combined model. Most patients see significant improvement in 3–6 shockwave sessions combined with progressive loading.

Ligament Sprains — Ankle, Knee (MCL/LCL), Shoulder (AC Joint)

Ligament sprains are graded 1–3 based on severity. Grade 1 and 2 sprains — which account for the vast majority of sports sprains — respond very well to manual therapy, bracing, and progressive rehabilitation. Our athletic therapist manages the rehabilitation component while the chiropractic team addresses any associated joint dysfunction that affects healing and return to sport.

Muscle Strains — Hamstring, Quadriceps, Calf, Groin

Muscle strains range from minor micro-tears to complete ruptures. For Grade 1 and 2 strains — the most common presentation in recreational athletes — early active care significantly outperforms rest alone. Massage therapy addresses the soft tissue component while targeted rehabilitation through our athletic therapist restores full function and reduces re-injury risk.

Patellofemoral Pain (Runner's Knee)

Patellofemoral pain is the most common running injury we see — particularly among the large recreational running and cycling community on the Saanich Peninsula. It's caused by abnormal patellar tracking rather than structural damage, which means it's entirely addressable with the right biomechanical intervention. Chiropractic assessment identifies whether the driver is hip weakness, foot mechanics, quadriceps imbalance, or technique-related — and treatment targets the actual cause, not just the knee.

IT Band Syndrome

IT band syndrome (lateral knee pain) is another signature runner's and cyclist's complaint. It's caused by repetitive friction of the iliotibial band over the lateral femoral condyle, driven by hip abductor weakness and poor running mechanics. Our approach combines deep soft tissue release of the TFL/IT band complex, hip strengthening, and — for persistent cases — shockwave therapy over the lateral knee.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain from plantar fasciitis is one of the most stubborn sports injuries, particularly in runners and court sport athletes. Conventional treatment (stretching, orthotics, rest) helps early presentations but frequently fails in chronic cases. Shockwave therapy has the strongest evidence base of any intervention for chronic plantar fasciitis — typically 3–6 sessions produce significant and lasting improvement where months of other treatment haven't.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Shoulder Pain

From swimmers and throwers to recreational golfers and volleyball players — shoulder injuries are common across a wide range of sports. Our assessment distinguishes between rotator cuff tendinopathy, impingement, labral involvement, and AC joint injury, each requiring a different treatment approach. We manage the majority of rotator cuff presentations conservatively and refer for orthopedic opinion when surgical assessment is warranted.

Back and Neck Pain in Athletes

Athletes develop back pain and neck pain from the specific loading patterns of their sport — cyclists from sustained flexion, rowers from repetitive lumbar loading, gymnasts from extension overload. Sport-specific chiropractic care addresses these patterns at the biomechanical level rather than treating the spine in isolation.