Athletes have been benefiting from Chiropractic care for many years; however, it has only recently been receiving attention from the media. Athletes of all types, from the weekend warrior to the world-class athlete, utilize Chiropractic because it is a natural method to better health and performance.
Athletes are under a tremendous amount of stress to perform and excel in sports and chiropractic helps the body to adapt and respond quickly to any changes in the environment.
“I WOULD ESTIMATE THAT AT LEAST 90% OF WORLD CLASS ATHLETES USE CHIROPRACTIC ON A REGULAR BASIS TO PREVENT INJURIES AND TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE.”
~Sean Atkins, Ph.D.
Exercise Physiologist
The science of Chiropractic is founded on the premise that a proper nerve supply is essential to controlling and regulating the functioning of the human body.
When the spine is in its optimal structural position, the nerves are protected and optimal communication exists between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
The vertebrae of the spine are susceptible to certain stresses and forces, which can cause them to lose their proper structural position. These minor misalignments of the spine, referred to as subluxations, cause nerve interference and weaken the entire structure of the spine.
Vertebral subluxations can be caused by any forces or stresses that the body cannot adapt to.
Organs supplied by impinged nerves exhibit pathological changes and the more serious the impingement, the more serious the damage.
Anyone who engages in athletics can benefit from regular Chiropractic checkups to ensure that their spine is balanced and free from structural stress and subluxations. When the spinal column is brought into balance and alignment, the body’s nervous system and body biomechanics (posture) are maximized.
Athletic injuries are often caused by improper biomechanics or muscle imbalances within the spine.
Because Doctors of Chiropractic are experts in the field of human biomechanics, they are very aware of proper posture and movement.
By observing an athlete in action, a Chiropractor can often detect and prevent a structural problem that can lead to injury or poor performance.
In an average year, 25 million people visit a doctor for injuries that they suffer as a result of athletics. In professional sports, injury is the number one reason for early retirement. Overall, 67 billion dollars is spent each year for the treatment of athletic injuries. (U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT)
Traditional medical professionals specialize in the management and care of fractures, dislocations, lacerations and damaged tendons and ligaments. However, many athletes leave the hospital with as much spinal stress (subluxations) as they were suffering from when they entered.
There are essentially two categories that athletic injuries fall into: acute or traumatic, which is usually the result of a sudden impact or unseen force; and repetitive overuse such as swinging a racket or a golf club. In fact, virtually every workout results in micro-injuries as the body is torn down and then rebuilt through rest and recovery.
Doctors of Chiropractic focus on the entire structure of the body rather than just the obviously injured part. For this reason, they can often detect and help to prevent an injury that might normally be overlooked or ignored.
Chiropractic has helped thousands of athletes, amateur and professional overcome an injury without resorting to surgery.
“Being a full-time competitor means an increased risk of injury. At this level of competition, we have to make sure to take care of our entire body, and that includes the recovery of it. Sports medicine plays a key role in minimizing any damage, so I visit a chiropractor on a regular basis.”
JUSTIN GATLIN, 100 and 200 Meter Olympic Gold Medalist
A Canadian research team included Chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of sixteen injured female long distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, seven of them actually scored “personal best” performances while under Chiropractic care.
“I’ve been under chiropractic care since 1987, and one thing I’ve realized is that traditional medicine typically treats only the injured area. Doctors of Chiropractic focus on where the problem might be originating. By treating those areas initially, you can really cut it off at the source, speed up recovery, and increase overall performance.“
BRIAN LEWIS, pro volleyball player
The true benefit of regular Chiropractic care is optimal performance!
If you are an athlete and you do not have a chiropractor yet, this is the best time you consult with one.
31 percent of NFL teams use Chiropractors in an official capacity as part of their staff and a full 77 percent of the trainers have referred players to a Chiropractor.
