Athletes and Chiropractic Care

            Chiropractic is a vital component of sports medicine (1). Many people do not know that chiropractic care can enhance athletic performance in many ways – namely by addressing any biomechanical imbalances and optimizing neuromuscular function (1). This can be very helpful in enhancing reaction time and preventing injury. It is important for holistic care to be taken more seriously amongst athletes, as health and performance pertains to so much more than our physical structure; we must consider all pillars of health when understanding athletic performance.
            Chiropractic care includes a multitude of different techniques and modalities that target not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the nervous system which aids in promoting optimal function. Research has shown that the integration of chiropractic care into an athlete’s regimen has been associated with accelerated recovery, decreased rates of injury and improvement of biomechanical function (1). Chiropractic techniques enhance joint mobility, muscle flexibility and neuromuscular coordination which are 3 things that are crucial in maintaining performance as an athlete (1).
            A study involving judo athletes demonstrated that chiropractic care led to a significant increase in grip strength and reaction time which highlights the potential of chiropractic care and athletic performance (1). Furthermore, research reveals that spinal manipulation can accelerate recovery from minor injuries. This is possible because adjustments can help enhance blood flow to the affected areas, which in turn allows the affected tissues to receive more nutrients and oxygen, while also flushing out any inflammatory chemicals and damaged cells, thus providing a faster healing rate and improving overall function (2).
            By educating athletes about their bodies from a holistic perspective, we can decrease injury and improve recovery time and function. Chiropractic is so much more than pain management, and it is important that all demographics understand this!
 
 
References

1. Lin, Andy Fu Chieh et al. “Unlocking Athletic Potential: The Integration of Chiropractic Care into the Sports Industry and Its Impact on the Performance and Health of Athletes and Economic Growth in China and Hong Kong.” Cureus vol. 15,4 e37157. 5 Apr. 2023, doi:10.7759/cureus.37157. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10075015/

 

1. Tripled Benefits: Trusted Chiropractic Adjustments for Athletes. https://www.westsidesportschiro.com.au/post/tripled-benefits--trusted-chiropractic-adjustments-for-athletes