Why Many Professional Athletes are involving sports Chiropractors on the medical team
Chiropractic care has become increasingly popular among athletes in recent years. Many professional sports teams now have a chiropractor on staff, and individual athletes often seek out chiropractors for treatment, injury prevention and performance optimization. Here we’ll discuss why many athletes utilize sports chiropractors.
1. Pain Relief
One of the primary reasons athletes seek chiropractic care is for pain relief. Chiropractors are trained to treat musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, and joint pain. Through spinal adjustments and other manual therapies, chiropractors can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing athletes to continue training and competing at a high level. Sports chiropractors have familiarity with the sport demands and bio-mechanical idiosyncrasies tailored to each sport and or specific position within that sport.
2. Improved Range of Motion and Performance Optimization
Chiropractic treatments such as manipulation or joint mobilization can help improve range of motion by restoring proper motion to the spine and joints. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes who rely on flexibility and mobility, such as gymnasts and dancers. Improved range of motion can also help reduce the risk of injury and if properly assessed can improve performance.
3. Injury Prevention
Chiropractic care can also be used as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of injury. By assessing and diagnosing aberrant motor control and joint function, chiropractors can address areas of weakness or tightness before they become serious problems. Regular chiropractic care can also help improve balance and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and other injuries.
4. Faster Recovery Time
Chiropractic care can help speed up the recovery process after an injury. By reducing inflammation and improving circulation, sports chiropractors can help the body heal quicker and more efficiently. This can be particularly important for athletes who need to get back to training and competition as quickly as possible.
5. Non-Invasive Treatment
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that doesn't require surgery or medication. This can be particularly appealing for athletes who hope to avoid the potential side effects of medication or the downtime associated with surgical intervention. Sports chiropractors regularly work in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as physical therapy and massage therapy, to provide a comprehensive approach to injury prevention and treatment.
There are many reasons why athletes utilize sports chiropractors. From pain relief to injury prevention, improved recovery times and performance optimization, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool for athletes at all levels. If you're an athlete looking to improve your performance and reduce your risk of injury, consider seeking out a sports chiropractor.
Devon Ackroyd, DC, MS, DACBSP®
