Chiropractor Chandler AZ

Recovering From Hoverboard Injuries

Hoverboards, the self-balancing two wheeled scooters, are all the rage these days. These high tech, skateboard-like devices came seemingly out of nowhere and instantly became a must-have item. Popularized by celebrities like Mike Tyson and Kendall Jenner, it wasn't long before online sales skyrocketed; during "Cyber Monday" in 2015, a hoverboard was purchased every 12 seconds! It is not uncommon to see someone traversing the long corridors of an airport on one of these devices, and then throwing it into a carry-on bag once at the gate. More often than not, though, people use these devices in their homes and on sidewalks just to have fun. There is one downside to hoverboards, though: injuries.

The small wheels and low base of these devices leave hoverboard users prone to sudden stops and nasty falls; in Christmas 2015 alone, thousands of people across the country swamped emergency rooms seeking treatment after biting it on their new hoverboards. While there were quite a few serious injuries, more often than not doctors were dealing with sprains, twisted ankles, and tendonitis from sudden falls on these devices. While protective equipment and practice can alleviate some injuries, falls are inevitable for hardcore hoverboard fans. So if you do suffer a spill and are dealing with aches and pains, all is not lost. There are several innovative therapies available to help to heal you more rapidly when twists and sprains occur. So there is no reason you can't get get off the couch and back on the board in no time!

The Graston Technique: Great for Sprains

One of the newer treatments to help recover from a painful hoverboard spill is the Graston Technique (GT). GT is a form of soft tissue mobilization. GT involves a trained practitioner using a specially designed set of stainless steel instruments to manipulate afflicted soft tissue. The GT instruments allow clinicians to identify injured tissue, and then are used to break down scar tissue and other restrictors. The technique facilitates increased blood flow to problem areas, alleviates pain, and can speed up the recovery process. While still a relatively new medical innovation, several clinical trials have affirmed the Graston Technique's effectiveness at addressing soft tissue injuries.

GT therapy is great news for anyone suffering knee, leg or shoulder pain after a bad hoverboard spill. These types of injuries, often called adhesions, can keep muscles painfully tight and limit range of motion. GT is particularly effective at addressing these conditions. Additionally, GT can immediately address the buildup of scar tissue, alleviate lingering pain, and promote soft tissue healing. The Graston technique can be especially effective at addressing injuries before they become serious and debilitating, so it is worth checking with your physical therapist to get treatment as soon as your aches and pains start adding up.

Active Release Treatment Therapy (ART)

Active Release Therapy, or ART, is another relatively new non-invasive technique to treat injuries commonly seen in hoverboard mishaps. ART is a patented technique that involves hand manipulation of soft tissue by a trained practitioner. ART's 500-move treatment protocol is exceptionally effective at identifying damaged soft tissue, and then treating it. These carefully designed, precision movements, like GT, can help increase blood flow, alleviate pain, and restore range of motion. All of this, again, is great news for sidelined hoverboard fans everywhere.

Specially trained ART practitioners are adept at identifying the source of soft tissue injury or pain, then breaking down the scar tissue causing it. Active Release Therapy is also used as a preventative measure to keep muscles and tendons primed for workouts, thus avoiding injury altogether. This is great news for hoverboard enthusiasts who are experiencing routine or growing soft tissue pain. So if injuries are holding you back from pushing the envelope on your Techdrift Smartboard, ART may be the right choice for you.

Get Back on the Board!

Hoverboards, unknown a mere two years ago, are surging in popularity. These devices are high tech fun for everyone. Unfortunately, the more you use your board, the more likely you are to suffer a painful spill that leaves you sidelined. The Graston Technique and Active Release Therapy offer hoverboard fans innovative ways to keep muscles and tendons in good shape, and prevent injury altogether. They are also extremely effective at treating soft tissue injuries and rapidly getting you back in action. So don't wait until it's too late. Do your homework, find a clinician who offers GT or ART and keep yourself injury free and rolling forward.

Our Chandler Chiropractic and Physical Therapy clinic treats patients with a variety of muscle, tendon, joint, and ligament injuries. The clinic provides treatment for runners, tri-athletes, and weekend warriors in addition to common headache, neck, and back patients traditionally seen in Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy clinics. We work with all ages and abilities of the residents in Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler AZ.