Chiropractic Care for Athletes: Improve Performance and Reduce Injury Risk
Quick Breakdown of Key Point
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a type of health care that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. In short, chiropractic care is designed to keep your body in optimal alignment so that your body can function at its best and help heal itself after physical activity more effectively. It involves hands-on therapy, exercises, lifestyle advice, and nutritional counseling to restore optimal function and alleviate pain in people with musculoskeletal injuries. It can address various sports-related injuries such as strains, sprains, tendonitis and bursitis.
Proponents of chiropractic care argue that it can improve athletes’ performance by improving joint range of motion, spinal mobility, muscle strength and endurance, coordination and balance. Many forms of research exist that show the benefits of chiropractic adjustments on modifying and stabilizing posture along with providing prompt relief from fatigue or pain during physical activities.
Opponents tend to criticize the holistic approach that chiropractors take, favoring more pharmaceutical approaches to care. They suggest its effectiveness would be rather limited if viewed within just the scope of sports medicine. These opponents also do not believe that it has any significant influence on athletic performance or injury risk reduction. At the Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont, however, we disagree. We have treated countless athletes performing at a variety of levels of the years and have seen improved recovery times, decreased likelihood of injury, and overall increase in longevity for the athlete.
It should also be noted that there are numerous clinical trials which show decreased pain levels among different groups of athletes after receiving chiropractic treatment. Moreover, many elite athletes make use of chiropractic treatments before their competition or important events; suggesting the potential for improvement in physical performance even if only at a subtle level.
Therefore while the exact effectiveness of chiropractic care is still being debated among experts in the field, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that it can provide useful therapeutic benefits for athletes. Moving forward we will explore further how these benefits could potentially assist athletes in achieving peak performance while minimizing the risk of injury.
Benefits of Chiropractic Spinal Decompression Therapy
Chiropractic care offers many benefits for athletes looking to improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can decrease pain, increase range of motion, and improve joint stability. Practicing chiropractic care regularly can also help athletes maintain an optimal level of physical and mental balance while competing.
In addition, studies suggest that chiropractic treatments can prompt neurological changes which cause athletes to experience fewer sports-related injuries. It’s no secret that many of the top athletes in the world regularly see a chiropractor for sports-related treatment. The most experienced athletes suggest that regular chiropractic care is associated with a decreased risk of re-injury after an initial injury has healed.
Ultimately, the benefits to athlete’s health and well-being that come with chiropractic treatments are undeniable. Regular adjustment visits can be the foundation of an overall plan for improved physical performance and longevity in the sport. As such, transitioning into the next section about how to approach improved physical performance through chiropractic could serve as an important step towards improving the athlete’s overall quality of life on and off the field.
- A 2018 study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice found that 73% of athletes who received chiropractic care reported an improvement in their performance.
- Research published in 2019 concluded that chiropractic care can reduce muscular fatigue and improve a range of functional outcomes, including muscle strength, balance and blood pressure.
- In 2017, a study published in Pain Medicine showed that 91% of professional athletes who used chiropractic care reported improved flexibility and reduced pain levels.
Improved Physical Performance
The improved physical performance that chiropractic care can bring about for athletes is undoubtedly one of the more popular claims associated with this type of treatment. On one hand, individuals such as professional athletes have been singing its praises for decades, citing improved abilities in running, jumping, and playing their respective sport. Similarly, amateur athletes have reported similar observations while exercising or competing. On the other hand, we also hear skepticism as to whether chiropractic care actually does improve physical performance at all. Skeptics believe that simply doing exercises and stretching are just as effective at bringing about the same results. While we strongly believe in stretching and performing regular exercises we can’t stress the importance of ensuring the body’s proper alignment enough. If the body is out of alignment the stretching and exercises may be training the muscles to hold the body in improper alignment rather than correcting the issue.
At present, research on this subject is somewhat limited in scope. However, some clinical trials have reported positive results from chiropractic care within certain populations of athletes. For instance, a randomized study found that college shooters experienced significantly better performance while performing tests related to shoulder mobility and stability after a series of chiropractic adjustments [1]. This indicates that chiropractic care does have the potential to influence physical athletic performance when applied properly.
Whether or not improved physical performance is truly achievable through chiropractic treatment remains an ongoing debate. What is certain though is that understanding the body’s biomechanics and responding accordingly with therapeutic adjustment is beneficial for any athlete looking to make improvements in their game play and sportsmanship. With that being said, it is important to consider what other benefits this type of treatment may offer athletes in order to reduce their risk of injury and pain while on the field or court.
[1] Catanzano G., Corona F., Mercuri M., Geirinhas J., Gagliardi G., Lippi A., et al., (2019). Clinical Outcomes Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Intervention for Shoulder Mobility and Stability: a Randomized Controlled Trial involving Expert Olympic Shooters. Frontiers in Neurology 10(610).
Reduced Pain & Injuries
When talking about the benefits of chiropractic care for athletes, one of the first and most important topics that come to mind is reduced pain and injury. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate musculoskeletal pain experienced by athletes due to training, competition, or any other physical activity. As an example, athletes who experience lower-back pain may benefit from a properly applied adjustment that would help realign the joint and reduce discomfort while dispelling inflammation. Furthermore, when properly aligned, joints have more range of motion and movement with reduced stress on surrounding muscles, which can result in fewer injuries.
There is some debate over the ability of chiropractic care to reduce injuries. Some experts argue that chiropractic adjustments do not actually prevent injury; instead they just treat symptoms. That said, there is a growing body of evidence to support the claim that chiropractic care can help mitigate risk for certain types of sports injuries. Physical therapists rely on specialized techniques like soft tissue mobilization and spinal manipulation to reduce strain during activities in which shoulder stress occurs, such as throwing. Research conducted in 2017 demonstrates that individuals who receive preventive “maintenance” chiropractic services will benefit from a decrease in pain levels and overall improvement in well-being relative to those receiving only acute care. Many of our athletes from all levels come in for these regular maintenance visits to ensure they are performing at their absolute peak.
Athletes are continuously pushing their bodies to physical limits and chiropractic care has become an integral component of many athletic training regimens because it contributes to improved physical performance, reduced pain, and decreased risk for injury. With this overview in mind, it is now time to discuss the common issues experienced by athletes when engaging in physical activity that can be treated with chiropractic care.
Crucial Highlights
Chiropractic care has been found to be beneficial for athletes in many ways. It can help reduce musculoskeletal pain, improve range of motion and movement, decrease stress on muscles, and reduce risk of injury. Research shows that regular maintenance chiropractic care can also lead to a reduction in pain levels and an overall improvement in well-being. These benefits make it a popular part of many athletic training regimens.
Common Issues Experienced By Athletes
Athletes of all levels commonly face physical issues that can prevent them from performing at their peak. Common conditions may include sprains, strains, joint issues, and chronic pain. Athletes may also experience headaches, temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, shoulder impingement syndrome, repetitive motion injuries, and soft tissue irritations. Symptoms like muscle tightness and spasms can significantly reduce range of motion or mobility.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in helping athletes prevent these types of injuries as well as relief from existing conditions. By properly addressing an athlete’s individual needs, chiropractors can improve performance and reduce the risk of recurring injury. Evidence-based studies provide strong support for this approach, as do numerous anecdotal accounts from athletes who have found success with chiropractic treatments.
For those athletes struggling with chronic injury or pain management, a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle modifications are often necessary. Effective treatment should be tailored to each situation and should focus on long-term goals such as improved function and overall health rather than just short-term symptom relief. With supportive healthcare providers such as chiropractors and personal trainers working together on treatment plans, many athletes have experienced improved performance in their sport while reducing the risk of future injury.
For athletes suffering neck and back pain due to injury or overuse, addressing the source of the problem is essential for a successful outcome. During an examination, your chiropractor will assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan designed to alleviate symptoms and improve function. Techniques used in treatment may include hands-on spinal manipulation or Activator manipulation, soft tissue therapy, dolphin neurostim, or other modalities that address the underlying cause of the dysfunction or pain. Ongoing monitoring of progress is also important with regular reassessments to adjust treatments as needed until full recovery is achieved.
Physical activity is a major component of wellness for most people, but it’s especially important for athletes. To maximize performance and prevent future injury, employing preventative strategies such as chiropractic maintenance care can make all the difference. With proper evaluation and treatment from our well-trained doctors plus proper rest and recuperation techniques during recovery, many athletes find they can return to training quickly while reducing their chance for re-injury down the road.
Neck and Back Pain
Neck and back pain are very common issues among athletes. Whether it’s the strain from long training sessions or an existing spinal misalignment, neck and back pain can not only be debilitating but can have a huge impact on performance. While some athletes may feel more comfortable using traditional methods such as icing and pharmaceuticals, using chiropractic care for these issues can provide immediate relief from the discomfort and a shorter recovery time.
There is evidence to suggest that regular chiropractic care can help to alleviate acute, chronic, and degenerative spinal conditions. This is done by realigning the spine and improving posture to ensure optimal joint motion. Chiropractors are also able to assess each athlete’s unique body mechanics to detect any underlying factors causing the neck or back pain while providing both short-term relief and prevention of such issues in the future.
When considering if chiropractic care should be used in treating neck and back pain among athletes, it is important to note the benefits of combining it with lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Doing so can help improve overall well-being while reducing the risks of further injury. Ultimately, by pairing chiropractic evaluations with proper treatment plans, athletes have an opportunity to reduce long-term health problems that could potentially derail their athletic careers.
Given all these points, it is evident that neck and back pain should not be taken lightly for any athlete. By seeking out prompt medical attention and utilizing treatments such as chiropractic care, athletes can ensure that they are maximizing their performance while minimizing the risk of injury and shortening recovery time.
Having discussed how athletes can benefit from chiropractic care when treating common issues such as neck and back pain, we will now examine how this form of treatment can help reduce muscle tension and inflexibility — two key indicators of poor performance among athletes.
Muscle Tension and Inflexibility
While neck and back pain can be relieved through chiropractic care, muscle tension and inflexibility are also common issues that athletes suffer from. It’s important to note the difference between the two; while neck and back pain may be associated with an injury or trauma, muscle tension and inflexibility are the result of overuse and understretching. Inflexibility can lead to a number of issues including poor range of motion, restricted joint mobility, increased risk of injuries, as well as decreased performance.
Critics of chiropractic care argue that it fails to properly address muscle tension and inflexibility due to its focus on adjustments. However, several studies have demonstrated that spinal manipulation increases flexibility and reduces muscle tightness in athletes. This is because releasing joint restrictions allows surrounding muscles to relax, resulting in improved flexibility. Further research has demonstrated that chiropractic care paired with massage therapy can significantly improve the condition of the athlete’s muscles and reduce chronic muscular pain. This research has led to our award-winning treatment process at the Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont. Our doctors use a combination of adjustments, soft-tissue massage therapy, and dolphin neurostim to help all patients, especially our athletes return to normal activity quickly!
Though there is debate surrounding the effectiveness of chiropractic care for relieving muscle tension and inflexibility in athletes, evidence shows that it not only helps reduce discomfort but also aids in improving overall performance, which is beneficial for athletes looking to get ahead in their sport or profession. As such treatments become more popular among athletes, it’s important for them to understand all aspects related to proper recovery and injury prevention techniques—including traditional methods as well as non-traditional approaches like chiropractic care. With a better understanding of treatment approaches available come new opportunities for healing and performance improvement—and they deserve due consideration when assessing the best way forward.
Approaches to Treatment
The type of chiropractic care provided to athletes is typically determined by the severity of their injury and the areas of the body affected. While a hands-on adjustment is one approach, it can be altered to include an Activator adjustment in its place. It is here that our team of doctors employ their years of experience and their patient-centric approach to treatment.
These hands-on techniques can help relieve muscle tension and improve flexibility and range of motion in athletes’ joints. However, they should only be provided under the guidance of qualified clinicians who are specialized in these fields.
Some experts believe that chiropractic care has more positive results versus conventional medical treatments when it comes to treating athletes with musculoskeletal injuries. Studies show that hands-on therapy can speed up recovery time by improving muscular coordination, reducing pain intensity, enhancing joint mobility, and allowing for more efficient movement patterns.
Although some clinicians dispute the effectiveness of chiropractic care for athletes, this treatment approach is gaining recognition from both the medical community and public alike due to its successes in providing lasting pain relief and improved athletic performance. By combining evidence-based interventions with personalized care, the right chiropractor can help athletes reduce their risk of major injuries while achieving greater levels of sports performance.
It’s important to find a qualified chiropractor who can not only diagnose an athlete’s specific condition but also provide them with effective treatment plans tailored to their individual needs. This transition will now discuss what traits and features individuals should look out for when seeking prospective chiropractors for optimal athletic performance and injury prevention.
Finding the Right Chiropractor
Finding the right chiropractor is essential to making the most out of chiropractic care as an athlete. It is important to be aware that there are different approaches to treatment, as discussed previously, and each practitioner may have their own unique style. When searching for a chiropractor, athletes should take into account factors such as experience and skill level to ensure that they receive the best care available.
When it comes to finding a practitioner that is the right fit for you, word of mouth is often the most reliable source. Friends and family who have had positive experiences with specific chiropractors may be able to give an honest opinion about their techniques and services. This is another way for potential patients to get a feel for the type of treatment offered by certain professionals.
Some may argue that it’s best to choose a chiropractor based on affordability or convenience alone, but this could potentially put athletes’ health at risk if they do not consider other factors such as reputation. It’s important that athletes seek out experienced professionals who have shown a track record of successful patient outcomes in order to protect their safety and recovery process. A 2017 study found that practicing sports after experiencing musculoskeletal injuries can increase future risk of similar issues without proper healing time or a professional diagnosis. Therefore, it is essential to find the right chiropractor who can properly diagnose and treat your injury before returning to physical activity (Yang et al., 2017).
Overall, when looking for a chiropractor, athletes should take into consideration factors such as experience, reputation, technique and overall approach in order to get the best treatment possible for their individual needs. A knowledgeable professional will not only help alleviate pain and restore mobility but also provide them with long-term injury prevention strategies way beyond what over-the-counter medications can offer (Dinh et al., 2018).
