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 3–5 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 orthopaedic 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.

 

 

Our Sports Injury Treatment Model

Effective sports injury care isn't a single treatment — it's a co-ordinated process from injury to full return to sport. At Saanichton Chiropractic Group, this is how we approach it:

• Accurate diagnosis first — we don't start treatment without knowing what structure is injured and why it happened

• Manual therapy — chiropractic adjustment, mobilisation, and soft tissue work to restore joint movement and address tissue injury

• Shockwave therapy (ESWT) — for tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and calcific conditions that need more than manual care

• Registered massage therapy — sports massage, deep tissue, and myofascial release for soft tissue recovery and performance

• Athletic therapy rehabilitation — structured progressive loading, movement re-training, and functional return-to-sport testing

• Sport chiropractor oversight — Dr. Mike Hadbavny RCCSS(C) FICS provides sport-specific expertise across the full scope of assessment and treatment

• Return-to-sport programming — we don't clear patients based on symptom absence alone. We test functional capacity and ensure you're genuinely ready to return at full intensity

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions — Sports Injuries in Saanichton

How long does a sports injury take to heal with chiropractic care?

It depends entirely on the injury type, severity, and how long it's been present. A Grade 1 ankle sprain might resolve in 2–3 weeks. Chronic Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis might take 6–10 weeks of combined shockwave and rehabilitation. We'll give you a realistic timeline at your first assessment based on what we find — not a generic estimate.

 

Should I rest completely from sport while being treated?

Rarely. Complete rest is appropriate for Grade 3 injuries and the very acute phase of severe Grade 2 injuries. For most sports injuries, modified activity — continuing training at a level that doesn't aggravate the injury — produces better outcomes than complete rest and prevents the fitness deconditioning that makes return to full activity harder. Our athletic therapist will guide what you can and can't do during recovery.

 

Can shockwave therapy help my tendon injury if I've had it for years?

Yes — shockwave therapy is specifically designed for chronic tendinopathy where other treatments haven't worked. Chronic tendon pain often involves degeneration (tendinosis) rather than inflammation, and shockwave stimulates the cellular repair process. We've had excellent results with chronic Achilles, patellar, and rotator cuff tendinopathy patients who'd been symptomatic for years. See our shockwave therapy page for more detail.

 

Is sports injury care covered by extended health?

Chiropractic and registered massage therapy components of your care are covered by most BC extended health plans. Athletic therapy may have separate coverage depending on your plan. We direct-bill all major plans. See our fees page or call us to check your specific coverage.

 

What if my sports injury happened at work?

Workplace injuries — including sports and fitness industry workers, trades, and healthcare workers — may be eligible for WorkSafeBC (WSBC) coverage. We handle WSBC billing directly. Report your injury to WorkSafeBC first, then call us with your claim number.

 

 

Book Your Sports Injury Assessment — Saanichton

Accepting new patients from Saanichton, Brentwood Bay, Central Saanich, Sidney, Victoria, and the Saanich Peninsula. Athletes at every level and age welcome.

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📞 250-223-0200

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Book online — 24 hours a day | Open 7 days, 8am–6pm.

Address: #203 - 6981 E Saanich Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1X7

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Also explore: Sport chiropractor & performance care | Shockwave therapy | Athletic therapy | Massage therapy