19 December 2025

Early Intervention for Sports Injuries: A New Opportunity for Chiropractic Practice

Musculoskeletal injuries are a common part of elite sports and often a challenge for chiropractors working with athletes. A new scoping review from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that early detection and intervention may be key to preventing injuries from developing into long-term problems. Yet, this area remains largely unexplored.

Why is this relevant for chiropractors?

Traditionally, prevention has focused on avoiding injuries altogether (primary prevention). But the reality is that athletes accept the risk of injury as a biproduct of performance. Secondary prevention—intervening early—offers chiropractors an opportunity to reduce the severity of injuries and optimize athletes’ function.

Three Strategies for Early Detection

  • Strength Tests: Measuring strength loss in the hip and hamstrings can reveal emerging injuries before pain occurs.
  • Imaging: Ultrasound and MRI can show early changes, but interpretation requires caution.
  • Symptom Observation: Persistent pain, swelling, or reduced mobility remains the most used method.

Early Interventions with Chiropractic Relevance

  • Load Reduction: Adjusting training volume or intensity—even though this can be difficult to implement in elite sports.
  • Rehabilitation: Strength training and mobility exercises as an integrated part of treatment.
  • Passive Therapies: Manual treatment, taping, and other chiropractic techniques can support the healing process.

Practical Clinical Tips for Chiropractors

  • Integrate Strength Tests into Screening Routines: Use simple isometric tests for hip adduction and knee flexion in athletes—especially after matches or intense training—to identify early strength loss.

  • Create a Culture of Early Reporting: Educate athletes to recognize and report persistent pain or reduced mobility. Consider short information sessions or visual guides in the training environment.

  • Use Imaging Wisely: MRI and ultrasound can reveal early changes, but not all findings are clinically relevant. Combine imaging with functional tests and symptom assessment.

  • Plan Gradual Load Adjustment: If complete rest is unrealistic, reducing high-risk activities (e.g., sprinting, explosive movements) can be a compromise. Collaborate with coaches on realistic adaptations.

  • Early Rehabilitation and Manual Techniques: Begin light strength training and mobility exercises as soon as the injury is identified. Supplement with chiropractic techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue therapy to optimize healing.

  • Document and Evaluate: Record which strategies are used and follow up on their effectiveness. This provides a basis for evidence-based practice and strengthens dialogue with coaches and medical teams.

Aske Holm-Jensen, Evgenios Vlachos, Louise Kamuk Storm, Corrie Myburgh. Secondary prevention of musculoskeletal sports injuries: a scoping review of early detection and early intervention strategies. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 2025.

Would you like to know more?

Read the research paper