Chiropractic is employed around the world by many athletes from various sports at all levels to improve spinal function, joint health and nervous system performance.
Athletes at all levels can benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractic care may improve the motion of the spine and therefore the function of the nervous system it protects. Proper spinal motion may lead to better sensori-motor integration, allowing the brain to take in and appropriately respond to sensory input, thus enhancing the body’s overall performance.
Injuries can occur in all sports and injury prevention is best. Chiropractic care may help:
A simple example of this would be a tendency to tear a hamstring muscle that is tighter than it should be due to nerve irritation coming from the lumbar spine.
Injuries are painful, and healing and recovery takes time. Chiropractic care may aid in the recovery from injuries, helping joints, muscles and ligaments repair more efficiently without medication or surgery. Pain felt after an injury is the body trying to protect itself through muscle guarding and inflammation. This body’s protective mechanism is designed to be short term, however if these protective mechanisms persist, it can prevent return to normal activity. If injuries are left to heal without adequate treatment, injuries can re-occur. Chiropractic care may help restore normal function of the injury.
Everyone is different, so we take the time to thoroughly understand our client’s unique health concerns during the initial appointment and setup individualized care plans to address these concerns. These care plans will include:
Each sport will gain different benefits from chiropractic care. Here are some examples.
Whether it be jogging, fun runs, endurance running or sprinting, chiropractic care improves flexibility of the joints and ensures a properly aligned spine and nervous system improving function and decrease injury. Chiropractic care may help the typical health concerns associated with running such as hip pain, bursitis, lower back pain, knee pain, ankle pain, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis.
An imbalance in the spine or a structural weakness in the spine or joints will increase your chances of injury. When you’re working to get in better shape for whatever reason, an injury can really set you back. Whether your style is to isolate muscle groups and build strength lifting weights, or pursue HIIT like Crossfit, a balanced spine and healthy nervous system is key in the prevention injury and help you achieve your fitness goals. Chiropractic has been shown to improve strength as well, meaning chiropractic care for strength training helps you perform better, go harder and see results faster.
During the golf swing, many areas of the body are used and dysfunction in any one of those areas can have a negative impact on your game. The complex mechanics of the golf swing includes bending, rotation and fast movement of the body, engaging the lower back, shoulders, hips, knees, elbow and wrists. All of these body parts need to be balanced and structurally sound to help golfers play their best and prevent injury. Chiropractic care may keep golfers playing longer and improve your overall golf game.
Football requires a lot of speed and strength and by nature these elements impact the body. From tackles, kicks and sprinting down the field to pushing through exhaustion and fighting through bumps and bruises, football players are very prone to injury. Muscle strain of the upper leg and back are the most common injuries along with knees and ankles. Chiropractic care has been shown to decrease the incidence of muscle strain in athletes and decrease the chances of knee injury by making sure the pelvis is balanced and the lower legs are moving efficiently. Chiropractic care may also help athletes add speed and endurance as well as increase strength, making it less likely for fatigue-induced injuries to occur.
Long term and sustained positions on a bike can lead to postural stresses and misalign the spine. Any repetitive activity can also amplify any hidden structural issues even from years ago. Tight glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, coupled with hunching over the handle bars puts stress on the lower spine. The stress of a structural misalignment travels down the kinetic chain causing hip and knee pain. Chiropratic care, core strength and range of motion exercises are important to prevent these cycling related health concerns.
The mechanics of surfing coupled with the environmental uncertainty is a demanding sport on the body. Surfing the wave recruits the lower back, knees, ankles often with rotating moves and quick reflexes, whilst falls can be tough on the body as well. Chiropractic care may help keep the body aligned and recover from injury quicker so you are ready to chase the next wave.
Skiing is a physically demanding sport that requires strength endurance and high fitness levels and can take a toll on the body. Carrying the equipment can be awkward and can lead to lower back strain. Skiing for most people is a holiday sport and will partake infrequently, so it is important to prepare for the slopes. In addition to strength and fitness training, it is important ensure the body is structurally sound and start with stretching and warm up runs. It is common for skiers to suffer from muscle soreness and injuries as a result of the strenuous exercise and falls. Common injuries from skiing include achy knees, sore hips and lower back pain. Chiropractic care may help your body be ready for the slopes and address injury, should it occur.
Tennis requires a lot of hand eye coordination, speed and strength. By nature, all of these elements impact the body especially elbows, knees, ankles, back and shoulders and can succumb to injury. Chiropractic care may help tennis players keep their back healthy and prevent ankle sprains. Chiropractors may help with tennis elbow too. A balanced spine leads to better sensory motor integration (allowing the brain to take in and appropriately respond to sensory input) thus boosting coordination and overall performance. Greater hand-eye coordination will help you drop that backhand exactly where you’re aiming.
