Man sitting in a field holding his right ankle, highlighted in red to indicate pain.

Let East West Chiropractic get you back on the field/court or in the gym faster.

Overview

There are two categories of sports injuries; acute – sudden onset usually due to a fall or collision, or chronic – which develops over time due to repetitive movements or overuse. Sports related injuries can be mild and may only require at-home remedies like rest, ice and supportive bracing, while other injuries may be more extensive and require evaluation, including x-rays, imaging tests and rehabilitation treatment plans. In either event, it is important to get your injury evaluated to determine a proper diagnosis and appropriate course of action.

Symptoms

  • Pain anywhere in or around the injury, especially when applying pressure or trying to move it
  • Pain can be dull, aching, sharp or severe
  • Swelling and stiffness
  • Bruising
  • Weakness, instability or inability to bear weight
  • Visible deformity
  • Extreme weakness
  • Tenderness
Man at the gym sitting down holding his right shoulder with his left hand in pain or discomfort.

Common causes of sports related injuries:

ACUTE

  • Fractures: Broken bones usually due to falls or collisions.
  • Sprains: A sprain occurs when a ligament, which connects bone to bone, is damaged.
  • Strains: A strain occurs when the muscle or tendon is damaged.
  • Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal location.
  • Concussions: A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or impact to the head.
Man laying on his couch looking at his phone with his right foot up on the couch wrapped in dressing and crutches at the end of the couch.

CHRONIC

  • Shin splints: Pain along the shin bone (tibia).
  • Tennis, Golfer’s & Pitcher’s Elbow: Pain that occurs on the inside or outside of the elbow joint, common with sports involving repetitive swinging or throwing.
  • Tendonitis: Is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon (a fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone).
  • Stress fractures: These are tiny cracks in the bone due to repetitive stress and overuse.
Female tennis player standing on a court, holding her elbow in discomfort, suggesting a possible sports-related injury or muscle strain.

Treatment

While treatment options will vary depending on the cause and severity of the injury, chiropractic care offers many drug-free and non-surgical options to address sports related injuries and their symptoms.

  • Chiropractic Adjustments to address injury and spinal misalignments, helping to reduce pressure on surrounding nerves, improving mobility, and alleviating pain and inflammation.
  • Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) to promote cellular repair helping the tissues (like ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage) recover faster. PEMF has been widely used to promote bone healing, particularly in the case of non-union fractures.
  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to stimulate blood flow, help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
  • Physical Therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the injury for increased support, improved flexibility, and range of motion and to prevent future injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I need treatment for my sports injury?

Sports injuries have many causes and each case is unique. Our chiropractors excel at determining the extent of your injury, developing appropriate treatment plans and relieving your symptoms. Our goal is to get you back to playing as quickly as possible.

Is chiropractic safe for children and adolescents?

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective at any age. EWC is experienced in adjusting newborns, as young as 3 days old, to seniors in their 90’s. We utilize different techniques for the range of ages and body types of our patients to ensure great results. Additionally, we have successfully treated many student athletes, enabling them to return to the sports they love.

Is chiropractic covered by insurance?

EWC does accept some insurances, however, every plan is different and therefore deductibles, copays and out of pocket expenses vary greatly. Our experienced insurance manager will verify your coverage and provide you with a summary of your chiropractic benefits. Please note verification is not a guarantee of benefits or payment. We also offer very affordable cash rates and care packages to fit your needs.

At East West Chiropractic in Groton, CT, our expert team is dedicated to helping you live pain-free through personalized chiropractic care with non-invasive therapies. We educate and empower our patients to live healthier and achieve optimal quality of life.

Pain relief and better health is just one call away. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to a more active and fulfilling life.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet the Team

Image of Dr. Deveau
Dr. Christopher Deveau

Dr. Deveau is a local boy, born and raised in Ledyard. At the young age of 10, he remembers moving his toes and wondering “what has to happen in the body for that thought to travel and turn into an action in my toes”. That started a lifelong interest in health and body and a fascination with how it all works together. He grew up very active in sports, playing soccer and baseball and was a competitive wrestler. His interest in physical fitness guided him to body building during early adulthood and sparked a passion for biomechanics. In 1989, he then ventured off to California to work as a private trainer at a chiropractic office. He was inspired by what he saw and decided to make chiropractic a career by enrolling in the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, graduating in 1996. In September of that year, he moved back to Connecticut and started East West Chiropractic.

He has continued his passion for health, keeping his mind open to new ideas and treatments, which has made East West Chiropractic one of the most technologically advanced chiropractic offices in the state. He has hundreds of hours of continuing education in neurology, nutrition, biomechanics, and the health effects of stress and he applies his wealth of knowledge to the treatment plans for his patients.

He currently enjoys tennis, golf, pickleball, shooting, boating… really all the “ings”!

Image of Dr. Zeppieri.
Dr. Kyle Zeppieri

Dr. Zeppieri’s journey with East West Chiropractic began not as a doctor, but as a patient. With a lifelong background in athletics and fitness, he first visited the clinic after suffering an ankle injury while playing football. It was during his rehabilitation that he discovered chiropractic care was far more comprehensive than he had initially realized. This experience sparked a deep interest and growing passion for the field.

While earning his degree in Exercise Science from Central Connecticut State University, Dr. Zeppieri took on multiple roles at East West Chiropractic—including working in therapy and assisting Dr. Deveau—which further solidified his commitment to holistic healthcare. After graduation, he pursued his doctorate at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, widely regarded as the birthplace of Chiropractic. While at Palmer, he continued his athletic pursuits, playing travel rugby alongside his
studies.

In 2024, Dr. Zeppieri returned to where it all began—joining the team of doctors at East West Chiropractic. He brings with him a strong belief in the power of holistic health, emphasizing proper exercise, strength training, functional mobility, and nutrition as essential components of his approach
to chiropractic care.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance your overall quality of life, Dr. Zeppieri is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals—leaving no stone unturned.

Image of Dr. Shipper.
Dr. Nadia Shipper

Dr. Shipper was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, where she developed a deep appreciation for healthy living early in life. Her lifelong involvement in athletics, combined with time spent shadowing her father in his medical practice, sparked a passion for biomechanics and holistic healing.

A graduate summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport, Dr. Shipper earned her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 2018. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

As a mother, Dr. Shipper brings a compassionate and informed perspective to her work with growing families. She specializes in care that supports natural development, prenatal comfort, and postnatal recovery. Her practice welcomes patients of all ages and activity levels—from athletes and weekend warriors to office professionals and busy parents and their children.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Shipper enjoys kickboxing, hiking, skiing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, crocheting, reading, and rock climbing.

Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or proactive wellness care, Dr. Shipper creates personalized treatment plans tailored to your goals. At the heart of her practice is a simple belief: everybody – no matter the age – deserves the chance to feel balanced, strong, and supported.