Sprain and Strain Treatment in Anchorage
A wrong step. A lift gone sideways. A stumble on the trail. Sprains and strains happen in an instant, but the pain and stiffness they leave behind can linger for weeks if not addressed properly. These injuries are among the most common we treat, and while they’re easy to shrug off, the right care from the start makes all the difference.
NEW PATIENTS
What Sprains and Strains Actually Are
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Both can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited motion. Both also affect how your joints move and function, which is where things get more complicated than most people expect.
What Are the Causes?
These injuries can happen during physical activity or everyday tasks. Common causes include:
- Stepping off a curb or uneven surface awkwardly
- Lifting objects with poor mechanics or while fatigued
- Twisting or pivoting during sports or recreational activity
- Falls and slip-and-trip accidents
- Overexertion during work, hiking, or outdoor activity
How Sprains and Strains Can Feel
Pain is usually the first sign, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, localized sensation at the site of injury. Swelling often follows, along with stiffness that makes moving the affected area uncomfortable. Some injuries feel manageable at first and worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours as inflammation sets in.
When to See a Chiropractor
If your pain hasn’t improved after a few days of rest, or if you’re noticing recurring stiffness, weakness, or limited motion, it’s time to get evaluated. Untreated joint instability and restricted movement can lead to compensatory patterns that create new problems over time.
How We Approach Sprains and Strains
At Bilan Chiropractic, we start with a comprehensive examination to identify which tissues are involved, whether joint instability is present, and whether imaging or co-management is appropriate.
Care may include specific chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint mechanics, soft tissue therapies like myofascial release to address muscle guarding, and guided range of motion work to prevent stiffness during healing. As you progress, we add strength and stability recommendations to reduce your risk of re-injury.
So we treat the joint, muscle, and nerve at the same time to be most effective.”
— Dr. Adams
Start Your Recovery Today
Don’t let a minor injury become a long-term problem. If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or restricted movement after a sprain or strain, contact Bilan Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and get your recovery moving in the right direction.

