Sports Injuries Treatment in St. Paul, Minnesota
Get back in the game faster with expert treatment for all types of athletic injuries
Comprehensive Sports Injury Treatment
Sports injuries can happen to anyone who participates in athletic activities, from weekend warriors to professional athletes. At Twin Cities Chiropractic, Dr. Scot Sorum specializes in treating sports injuries with a focus on rapid recovery and safe return to activity. With 25 years of experience and personal understanding of athletic injuries (having experienced a wrestling injury in high school that led him to chiropractic), Dr. Sorum knows how important it is to get athletes back to their sport quickly and safely.
What Are Sports Injuries and How Do They Occur?
Sports injuries are physical injuries that occur during athletic activities or exercise:
Types of Sports Injuries
Acute Injuries
Sudden injuries from trauma or impact
Overuse Injuries
Gradual injuries from repetitive stress
Contact Injuries
From collision with other players or objects
Non-Contact Injuries
From sudden movements or overexertion
Common Mechanisms
Direct Impact
Collisions, falls, or being struck by equipment
Sudden Movements
Quick direction changes, jumping, landing
Overuse
Repetitive motions causing gradual tissue damage
Poor Conditioning
Inadequate preparation for athletic demands
Improper Technique
Incorrect form leading to injury
Equipment Failure
Faulty or inappropriate gear
Risk Factors
Previous Injuries
Higher risk of re-injury
Poor Conditioning
Inadequate fitness for sport demands
Muscle Imbalances
Weakness or tightness in opposing muscles
Fatigue
Increased injury risk when tired
Environmental Factors
Playing surface, weather conditions
Age Factors
Different injury patterns in youth vs. adults
Athletic Injuries We Specialize In
Acute Sports Injuries
Muscle Strains
Hamstring, quadriceps, calf, groin pulls
Ligament Sprains
Ankle, knee, wrist, and shoulder sprains
Joint Dislocations
Shoulder, finger, and other joint injuries
Contusions
Bruises from direct impact
Fractures
Stress fractures and acute breaks
Overuse Injuries
Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis from racquet sports
Golfer's Elbow
Medial epicondylitis from golf and throwing
Runners Knee
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Shin Splints
Medial tibial stress syndrome
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Shoulder impingement and tears
IT Band Syndrome
Hip and knee pain from tight IT band
Spinal Sports Injuries
Back Strains
Lower back muscle and ligament injuries
Neck Injuries
Cervical spine trauma from contact sports
Disc Problems
Herniated discs from impact or lifting
Rib Injuries
Intercostal muscle strains & rib dysfunction
Facet Joint Injuries
Spinal joint dysfunction from sports
Sport-Specific Injuries
Baseball/Soft Ball
Rotator cuff, elbow, back injuries
Football
Concussions, neck, knee, shoulder injuries
Basket Ball
Ankle sprains, knee injuries, back pain
Soccer
Ankle sprains, knee injuries, muscle strains
Hockey
Shoulder, back, hip injuries
Track & Field
Overuse injuries, muscle strains
Recognizing Sports Injury Symptoms
Acute Injury Symptoms
Sudden Severe Pain
Sharp pain at time of injury
Swelling
Immediate or rapid swelling around injury site
Loss of Function
Unable to use injured body part normally
Visible Deformity
Obvious change in appearance
Instability
Joint feels loose or unstable
Numbness or Tingling
Nerve involvement symptoms
Overuse Injury Symptoms
Gradual Pain Onset
Pain that develops over time
Activity-related Pain
Pain during or after specific activities
Morning Stiffness
Stiffness after periods of rest
Decreased Performance
Reduced athletic ability
Persistent Aching
Constant low-level discomfort
Pain Progression
Symptoms gradually worsening
Warning Signs
Pain that doesn't Improve
After 48-72 hours of rest
Inability to bear Weight
On injured leg or foot
Significant Swelling
That doesn't respond to ice and elevation
Numbness or Weakness
In injured area
Joint Instability
Feeling of joint giving way
Recurring Injuries
Same area injured repeatedly
Comprehensive Athletic Injury Recovery
Immediate Injury Assessment
Detailed injury history and mechanism with Dr. Sorum
Physical examination of injured area
Functional testing and movement analysis
Severity assessment and injury classification
Treatment plan development based on sport and goals
Return-to-play timeline discussion
Treatment Methods
Chiropractic Care
Joint Adjustments
Restore proper alignment and function
Spinal Manipulation
Address compensatory patterns
Extremity Adjustments
Treat arms, legs, hands, and feet
Advanced Therapies
Spinal Decompression
For disc-related sports injuries
Physical Therapy
Sport-specific rehabilitation and conditioning
Massage Therapy
Joy Vang's therapeutic massage for muscle recovery
Performance Enhancement
Biomechanical Analysis
Identify and correct movement flaws
Strength & Conditioning
Build resilience against injury
Flexibility Training
Maintain and improve range of motion
Sports-specific Training
Prepare for athletic demands
Systematic Recovery Program
Phase 1: Acute Care (Days 1-7)
Goals: Control pain and inflammation, protect injured tissues
Rice Protocol
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Pain Management
Natural methods to control acute symptoms
Gentle Mobilization
Prevent stiffness and adhesions
Activity Modifications
Protect healing tissues
Anti-inflammatory Protocols
Natural approaches to reduce swelling
Phase 2: Early Recovery (Weeks 1-3)
Goals: Restore range of motion and begin strengthening
Progressive Mobilization
Gradually increase movement
Gentle Strengthening
Begin rebuilding muscle strength
Flexibility Training
Restore normal range of motion
Balance Training
Improve proprioception and stability
Pain Monitoring
Ensure healing is progressing
Phase 3: Advanced Rehabilitation (Weeks 3-8)
Goals: Build strength, power, and sport-specific skills
Progressive Strengthening
Increase resistance and complexity
Plyometric Training
Explosive movement preparation
Agility Training
Sport-specific movement patterns
Endurance Building
Prepare for sustained athletic activity
Technique Refinement
Correct any movement flaws
Phase 4: Return to Sport (Weeks 6-12)
Goals: Safe return to full athletic participation
Sport-specific Drill
Practice actual sport movements
Full-speed Activity
Prepare for game intensity
Psychological Readiness
Build confidence in injured area
Injury Prevention
Strategies to avoid re-injury
Performance Optimization
Return better than before
Specialized Care for Different Sports
Running Sports
Biomechanical Analysis
Gait evaluation and correction
Overuse Injury Management
Shin splints, IT band syndrome
Training Load Modification
Prevent overuse injuries
Footwear Assessment
Proper shoe selection and fit
Contact Sports
Concussion Management
Baseline testing and return protocols
Joint Injury Rehabilitation
Shoulder, knee, ankle injuries
Protective Equipment
Proper fitting and usage
Collision Injury Recovery
Comprehensive trauma care
Overhead Sports
Shoulder Injury Specialization
Rotator cuff, impingement
Throwing Mechanics
Biomechanical analysis and correction
Elbow Injury Treatment
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow
Core Strengthening
Power generation from center
Court Sports
Ankle Injury Prevention
Strengthening and proprioception
Knee Injury Prevention
ACL, meniscus, patellofemoral
Quick Movement Training
Agility and direction change
Jumping Mechanics
Landing technique and injury prevention
Staying Injury-Free in Your Sport
Pre-Season Preparation
Comprehensive Fitness Assessment
Identify weaknesses and imbalances
Gradual Conditioning
Build fitness progressively
Sport-specific Training
Prepare for athletic demands
Flexibility & Mobility
Maintain full range of motion
Injury Risk Screening
Identify and address risk factors
In-Season Maintenance
Regular Check-ups
Monitor for developing problems
Maintenance Treatment
Keep body functioning optimally
Recovery Protocols
Proper rest and recovery between activities
Nutrition & Hydration
Fuel performance and recovery
Sleep Optimization
Quality rest for tissue repair
Injury Prevention Strategies
Proper Warm-up
Prepare body for athletic activity
Cool-down Routines
Help body recover after activity
Strength Training
Build resilience against injury
Cross-training
Reduce overuse and improve overall fitness
Technique Coaching
Proper form reduces injury risk
Don't Play Through Pain
Seek Immediate Treatment If
Sudden, severe pain during athletic activity
Inability to continue playing or competing
Visible swelling or deformity
Joint instability or feeling of "giving way"
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Pain that doesn't improve with rest
Benefits of Prompt Treatment
Faster Recovery
Early intervention speeds healing
Prevent Chronicity
Avoid long-term problems
Reduce Complications
Prevent secondary injuries
Maintain Fitness
Stay in shape during recovery
Safe Return
Proper rehabilitation prevents re-injury
25 Years of Athletic Injury Treatment Expertise
Dr. Scot Sorum brings a quarter-century of experience treating sports injuries to Twin Cities Chiropractic. Having personally experienced a wrestling injury in high school that led him to chiropractic care, Dr. Sorum understands the athlete’s mindset and the importance of getting back to peak performance quickly and safely.
His comprehensive approach includes
Athlete Focus Care
Understanding the competitive mindset
Performance Optimization
Not just injury treatment, but enhancement
Injury Prevention Expertise
Helping athletes avoid future problems
Return-to-Sport Protocols
Ensuring safe return to competition
The Athletic Advantage
Experienced Doctor
Dr. Sorum
25 years treating athletic injuries
Personal Athletic Experience
Understands the athlete's perspective
Thousands
of successful sports injury recoveries
Performance Enhancement Focus
Getting athletes better than before
Comprehensive Treatment
Multiple Treatment Approaches
Tailored to specific sports and injuries
Integrated Care
Combining chiropractic, massage, and rehabilitation
Advanced Techniques
Modern approaches to sports medicine
Joy Vang's Massage Therapy
Specialized sports recovery techniques
Proven Results
Faster Return to Sport
Efficient rehabilitation protocols
Reduced Re-injury Rates
Comprehensive prevention strategies
Enhanced Performance
Athletes returning better than before
High Satisfaction
Athletes trust us with their careers
Common Sports Injury Treatment Questions
Recovery time varies by injury type and severity. Dr. Sorum will provide a realistic timeline and ensure you’re truly ready before clearing you for full activity.
No. Playing through pain often leads to more serious injuries. It’s better to address minor issues before they become major problems.
Absolutely! Injury prevention is a major focus through movement analysis, strengthening, technique optimization, and education.
Yes, we treat athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to competitive performers, with care tailored to each individual’s goals.
Our goal is to not only heal your injury but enhance your overall athletic performance through improved movement patterns and strength.
Yes, we often collaborate with coaches, trainers, and other members of your athletic support team.
Injured During Competition? We Can Help
Same-Day Appointments Available
Acute Sports Injuries
from practice or competition
Game Day Injuries
requiring immediate assessment
Tournament Injuries
Get back in action quickly
Training Injuries
from workouts or conditioning
Emergency Situations - Seek Immediate Medical Care
Suspected fractures or dislocations
Head injuries or suspected concussions
Severe joint instability
Loss of consciousness
Severe pain with inability to move
Comprehensive Sports Injury Treatment
Dr. Sorum’s sports injury treatment is enhanced by our integrated approach:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Restore proper alignment and joint function
Spinal Decompression
For disc-related sports injuries
Physical Therapy
Sport-specific rehabilitation and conditioning
Massage Therapy
Joy Vang's therapeutic massage accelerates recovery
Performance Training
Return better and stronger than before
Complete Athletic Healthcare
Performance Enhancement
Optimize athletic ability and prevent injuries
Biomechanical Analysis
Identify and correct movement flaws
Concussion Management
Baseline testing and return-to-play protocols
Nutrition Counseling
Fuel performance and recovery
Strength & Conditioning
Build resilience against injury
Mental Performance
Psychological aspects of injury recovery
Special Care for Young Athletes
Unique Aspects of Youth Sports Injuries
Growth Plate Considerations
Special care for developing bones
Overuse Injury Prevention
Avoiding too much too soon
Multi-sports Benefits
Reducing specialization injuries
Parent Education
Helping families make informed decisions
Long-term Development
Protecting future athletic potential
Common Youth Sports Issues
Little League Elbow
Overuse injuries in young pitchers
Osgood Schlatter Disease
Knee pain during growth spurts
Sever's Disease
Heel pain in growing athletes
Growth-related Injuries
Problems during rapid growth phases