Sidelined by a sprain, strain or nagging ache?
Whether you play on a team, run before work or lift after it, an injury can take away something that matters to you. Rest helps, but it may not tell the whole story. Whatever your sport, we look at how you move, how you are lined up and where the upper neck fits in, then shape gentle care around your goals.
What are sports injuries?
A sports injury is any harm to the body that happens while playing, training or exercising. Some are sudden, such as a sprained ankle or a pulled hamstring. Others build from repeated stress, like sore tendons, shin splints or a tight shoulder. They can affect weekend players and serious athletes alike.
After a hard hit to the head, with confusion, vomiting or a worsening headache, or after a possible broken bone, get medical care first.
Common signs include:
- Pain, swelling or bruising after a hard play
- Stiffness that lingers after a workout
- A joint that feels weak or unstable
- An ache that returns each time you train
- Less range of motion than before
- Tightness in the neck, back or hips
- Sudden twists, falls or collisions
- Doing too much, too soon
- Training without enough rest between sessions
- Muscle imbalances and poor movement habits
- Old injuries that never fully settled
What causes sports injuries?
Most come from forces the body was not ready for, or from small strains repeated again and again. Common causes include:
Every sport sends force through the neck and spine, and the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) guide how the head moves on top of it all. Upper cervical chiropractors look at whether a misalignment there may be changing how the rest of your body moves and recovers.
How upper cervical care can help
Our first step is to learn how you play, train and recover. Your exam may include a posture evaluation with software, muscle assessments, neurological testing and 3D imaging of the neck, which together give the doctor a clear picture of how you are moving and where the strain may be coming from.
When an upper cervical misalignment is part of the picture, gentle adjustments aim to help your body move with better balance, which may support your recovery and make training feel smoother. Care can include hands-on or instrument-assisted adjustments, and full-spine care where it fits. Your plan is built around your sport and your goals.
Built around your sport
A swimmer, a runner and a lifter load the body in different ways. We ask about your sport, schedule and goals before we plan care.
Muscle and movement checks
Muscle assessments and a posture evaluation help show tight or weak links that may keep an injury coming back.
Light on a hurting body
Adjustments are precise and gentle, with no twisting, cracking or popping, so an injured body is not asked to take on more than it can.
Teamwork on the way back
Your coach, athletic trainer or physical therapist stays a key part of your recovery, and we are glad to work alongside them as you return to play.
What to expect
Day 1
Your first visit
A consultation with the doctor at the office you choose, a thorough exam, and 3D imaging of your cervical spine with our CBCT scanner. We also do a detailed posture evaluation with advanced software, neurological testing and muscle assessments.
Day 2
Your report of findings
The doctor goes over your history, your exam and posture results, your neurological findings and your 3D images with you, and explains a care plan made for you.
Ongoing
Gentle care, checked as you go
Gentle upper cervical adjustments with no twisting, cracking or popping, and regular progress checks so your plan follows how you are doing.
Why choose Apollo?
Specialized care
We focus on upper cervical chiropractic, a highly targeted and refined approach.
A plan made for you
Every patient is different. Your care plan is built around your own exam and your 3D imaging.
Gentle, with no cracking
Our methods are very gentle: no twisting, cracking or popping.
An experienced doctor
Dr. Kosta Tsakalos brings deep clinical experience and a caring, detail-oriented approach to every visit.
Every person is different, and results vary. Read what our patients say on our testimonials page.
Let us help you get started
If you are dealing with a sports injury, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosta Tsakalos and find out whether upper cervical chiropractic care is right for you.
Related conditions we help with
- Whiplash
- Carpal Tunnel
- Shoulder Pain
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Numbness & Tingling
- Auto Accident Injuries
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- See every condition
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If your symptoms are sudden or severe, please seek medical care right away.