Varsity season at the University of Waterloo brings intense competition, packed schedules, and student-athletes asking a lot of their bodies. Basketball players sprint up and down the court for back-to-back games. Volleyball athletes jump and land repeatedly. Track runners log countless miles preparing for meets.
With this level of demand, aches, strains, and injuries can happen—even with solid training habits. What matters is responding early, clarifying what’s going on, and choosing a plan that supports a comfortable return to sport.
The Two Faces of Athletic Injuries
Sports injuries typically fall into two categories. Traumatic events occur suddenly: a wrong landing that tears a ligament, a collision that strains a muscle, or an awkward twist that damages a joint. These injuries announce themselves immediately with pain that stops you in your tracks.
Why Varsity Athletes Can’t Afford to Wait
Student-athletes face unique pressure. Missing practice could mean falling behind teammates, and time away from sport can feel stressful. It’s tempting to push through minor pain, but symptoms that linger often deserve attention.
At Dearborn Health, a multidisciplinary team (chiropractors, physiotherapists, and trainers) coordinates care when appropriate to support movement quality, symptom management, and a return-to-training plan aligned with the athlete’s goals. When available, same-day appointments may help athletes get assessed sooner and start a plan without unnecessary delays.
Dr. Chris Kraemer and Dr. Paul Brown have developed this collaborative approach since 2001, focusing on practical, athlete-centred care.
Prevention Beats Rehabilitation Every Time
Smart athletes know that staying healthy matters more than just recovering from injuries. Consistent warm-ups and recovery habits can make it easier to train comfortably across a busy season. Dynamic stretching prepares muscles for explosive movements. Gradual progression in training intensity may help reduce the risk of overuse issues.
Muscle imbalances create vulnerabilities that eventually lead to injury. A basketball player who focuses solely on shooting practice might develop shoulder weakness, making them susceptible to rotator cuff problems. Strength and conditioning programs identify these imbalances before they become problematic.
The team at Dearborn Health focuses on prevention and performance support through regular check-ins, movement screening, and training guidance. These assessments can help catch minor issues early, reducing the likelihood that they’ll limit training later in the season.
Athletic Care Tailored to Your Sport
Care plans may include hands-on techniques (such as soft-tissue work and joint mobilization), exercise-based rehab, and, in some cases, adjunct options such as laser therapy. If Active Release Technique® is appropriate, it may be used to address soft tissue tension and support comfortable movement.
This isn’t one-size-fits-all care. Recommendations are tailored to the athlete’s sport, history, goals, and competition schedule. Results vary, and recommendations depend on your individual assessment.
Stay in the Game This Season
Don’t ignore an injury that’s costing you practice time or confidence in your movement. Dearborn Health offers athlete-focused assessments and coordinated care options. Contact us to book an assessment.
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