Sports Injury Treatment in St. Louis
From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, our doctors specialize in treating sports injuries. Dr. Rutherford brings firsthand experience as a former professional baseball prospect who understands athletic injuries from both sides.
Sports Injury Treatment for Athletes at Every Level
Athletes at every level — from weekend warriors to competitive athletes — are susceptible to spinal and musculoskeletal injuries. Our doctors have extensive experience treating sports injuries, with Dr. Rutherford bringing a personal background as a former competitive baseball player drafted by a professional team.
Sports injuries often involve the same spinal and musculoskeletal structures that are affected in auto accidents — disc injuries, joint misalignment, muscle and ligament tears, and nerve compression. Our treatment approach combines chiropractic care with sport-specific rehabilitation to not only heal your injury but optimize your performance.
Whether you’re dealing with an acute game-day injury or chronic overuse pain, we provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans designed to get you back in the game.
- Sport-specific injury evaluation
- Performance-oriented rehabilitation
- Doctor with professional sports background
- Same-day treatment available
Dr. Rutherford was drafted by a professional baseball team and brings firsthand understanding of athletic injuries, recovery demands, and the drive to return to competition at full capacity.
Sports Injuries We Treat
From acute injuries to chronic overuse conditions, we treat the full range of athletic injuries across all sports.
Joint Sprains & Strains
Ankle, wrist, knee, and shoulder sprains and strains from sports impact, awkward landings, or sudden directional changes.
Back & Neck Pain
Spinal pain from high-impact sports, repetitive motions, or collision injuries affecting the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Shoulder Injuries
Rotator cuff strains, shoulder impingement, and instability common in throwing sports, swimming, and overhead activities.
Knee & Hip Pain
Runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, hip flexor strains, and other lower extremity injuries from running, jumping, and pivoting sports.
Muscle Tears
Hamstring, quadriceps, calf, and other muscle tears from explosive movements, sprinting, or inadequate warm-up.
Reduced Range of Motion
Joint stiffness, decreased flexibility, and restricted movement from chronic overuse or acute injury limiting athletic performance.
How We Treat Sports Injuries
Performance-focused treatment that goes beyond pain relief to optimize your athletic function and prevent re-injury.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal and joint realignment to restore proper biomechanics, reduce pain, and optimize nervous system function for peak athletic performance.
Active Rehabilitation
Sport-specific strengthening, flexibility, and conditioning exercises designed to rehabilitate your injury and enhance performance in your specific sport.
K-Taping & Trigger Point
Kinesiology taping for joint support and muscle activation, combined with trigger point therapy to release muscle knots and restore optimal muscle function.
Spinal Decompression
Non-surgical decompression for disc injuries from high-impact sports. Relieves nerve compression and promotes disc healing for a complete return to athletics.
Why Athletes Choose Us for Sports Injury Treatment
- Dr. Rutherford — former pro baseball prospect who understands athletes
- 35+ years treating musculoskeletal injuries
- Sport-specific rehabilitation programs
- Same-day appointments — don’t miss more training
- Performance optimization, not just pain relief
- Insurance accepted with no upfront cost
Dr. Jeffrey Citrin
Clinic Director & Injury Specialist
Dr. Jeffrey Rutherford
Partner & Injury SpecialistSports Injury Treatment FAQ
Common questions about sports injury treatment and recovery timelines.
Ask Us a QuestionHow soon can I return to my sport after treatment?
Return-to-sport timelines vary by injury severity. Minor strains may allow return in 2–4 weeks, while more significant injuries may require 6–12 weeks. Our doctors create a progressive return-to-sport plan that protects you from re-injury while getting you back as quickly as safely possible.
Do you treat both acute and overuse injuries?
Yes. We treat acute injuries from specific incidents (sprains, strains, impacts) as well as chronic overuse injuries that develop gradually from repetitive athletic activity. Both types require proper evaluation and targeted treatment.
Can chiropractic care improve athletic performance?
Yes. Proper spinal alignment and joint mechanics improve nerve function, range of motion, and muscle coordination — all of which contribute to better athletic performance. Many professional athletes use regular chiropractic care as part of their training regimen.
Is sports injury treatment covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic treatment for sports injuries. We also accept auto insurance if your injury resulted from a vehicle-related incident. Contact us to verify your specific coverage.
What sports do you have experience treating?
We treat injuries from all sports including baseball, football, soccer, basketball, running, swimming, tennis, golf, CrossFit, weightlifting, martial arts, and recreational athletics. Dr. Rutherford’s background as a former professional baseball prospect gives him particular insight into throwing and overhead sport injuries.
Serving St. Louis & Surrounding Communities
Schedule Your Free Sports Injury Consultation
Same-day appointments available · Insurance accepted
Get back in the game. Our doctors will evaluate your injury, create a sport-specific treatment plan, and guide you through a safe, complete return to your sport.
Request an Appointment
Fill out the form and we’ll contact you within the hour.
📅 Request Appointment Online →— or send us a message below —