Understanding Common Sports Injuries in Adults and Treatment Options

Feb10th 2026

Engaging in sports is a great way to stay healthy and active. Unfortunately, it can also increase your risk of injuries. Understanding the common sports injuries in adults can let you know what to watch out for so you can seek timely treatment.

The good news is that you can resolve many of these sports injuries through conservative methods, including physical therapy and chiropractic care at Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic. Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment program to address the underlying causes of your injury and help you avoid another.

Keep reading to learn more about the injuries we treat and what we can do about them!

Common Sports Injuries in Adults: Causes and Symptoms

Sprains and Strains

These injuries occur due to overstretching or tearing of the ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains). They can result from sudden injury or overuse. 

Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness around the affected area
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Limited range of motion

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. It usually develops due to repetitive stress on the tendons, often from overuse or poor mechanics. Common forms include tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.

Symptoms

  • Persistent pain during activity
  • Swelling or stiffness in the affected tendon
  • Weakness in the surrounding muscles

Runner’s Knee 

Runners’ knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, occurs due to excessive stress on the knee joint caused by misalignment of the patella (kneecap), overuse, or imbalanced muscles supporting the knee.

Symptoms

  • Pain around or behind the kneecap
  • Discomfort when climbing stairs or squatting
  • Popping or grinding sensations in the knee

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Overhead motions in sports like baseball, swimming, or weightlifting can overstretch or tear the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. 

Symptoms

  • Shoulder pain and weakness
  • Difficulty lifting objects
  • Clicking sounds with movement

Shin Splints

Shin splints occur due to repetitive impact on the lower legs from running or other high-impact motions.

Symptoms

  • Pain along the shin bone
  • Tenderness and swelling
  • Worsening discomfort with continued activity

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating Sports Injuries

At Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic, our chiropractors and physical therapists work together to provide comprehensive treatment for common sports injuries in adults. We’ll start with a detailed assessment to help us better understand your injury, symptoms, and underlying causes. Then, we’ll create a custom treatment using both chiropractic and physical therapy techniques.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Treat Sports Injuries

Pain Management

  • Targeted stretches, manual therapy, and various treatment modalities help relieve discomfort and facilitate your body’s healing process.

Therapeutic Exercise 

  • Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises address underlying muscle weakness or range of motion restrictions to enhance your overall strength and stability. 

Biomechanical Corrections

  • We can analyze your movement patterns and provide guidance to prevent further strain on injured areas.

Progressive Rehabilitation 

  • We’ll design your program to gradually increase in intensity, helping to ensure a safe return to sports and activities.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Injury Recovery

Spinal Adjustments 

  • Realigning the spine can help reduce pain and enhance overall body function.

Soft Tissue Therapy

  • Hands-on techniques like myofascial release relieve muscle tension and promote healing.

Postural Training

  • Proper posture alignment helps prevent recurrent injuries and supports long-term recovery.

Take the Next Step in Your Recovery

Recovering from common sports injuries in adults requires a tailored approach. At Comber Physical Therapy Fusion Chiropractic, our experienced physical therapists and chiropractors work together to provide comprehensive care personalized to your needs. Whether you need pain relief, rehabilitation, or injury prevention strategies, we’re here to help.

Don’t let pain hold you back! Schedule an appointment at our Williamsburg, VA clinic today!

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