Sports Chiropractors are trained in muscle work and extremity adjusting which makes them some of the best practitioners for preventing injury and optimizing performance in athletes.
Why is it important for athletes to receive Chiropractic care?
The nervous system controls and regulates all functions of the body including the muscles, organs, and all of its systems. In order for athletes to perform their best, it is important that they have an optimally functioning nervous system.
What are the benefits of Chiropractic care for athletes?
A healthy spine and nervous system allows for better performance, endurance, and healing. The nervous system coordinates communication between the brain and muscles, allowing athletes to jump higher, lift heavier weights, run faster, breathe better and have more stability and balance than they would otherwise. Chiropractic care also helps with recovery by reducing the inflammatory processes that cause pain and slow down performance and endurance.
How does Chiropractic care help athletes?
The vertebral segments of the spine help to support and protect the nervous system. When these joints of the spine are out of alignment, they can irritate the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves associated with the misaligned area. Your local San Diego chiropractor will examine the spine, and depending on results, will determine if a specific chiropractic adjustment to the spine is necessary. If so, he or she will gently move the misaligned joint back into place. Your chiropractor will analyze the balance of the muscles supporting your spine and suggest stretches/exercises to help balance those areas.
In addition, the extremity joints and all soft tissue attachments will be analyzed and realigned/rebalanced.
How often should an athlete have a Chiropractic adjustment?
This depends on the level of activity the athlete currently has and would like to continue to have. Chiropractic care is utilized by the top performing athletes in all sports and activities. Chiropractic care provides optimal performance, longevity, and recovery. Once your local San Diego chiropractor performs a thorough exam and history, recommendations for care as well as pertinent stretches and exercises will be given.
Chiropractic for runners
For runners, chiropractic’s emphasis on proper alignment of the pelvis, legs and ankles can help prevent injuries. The most common running-related injuries seen in our office are Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, IT Band Syndrome, Patella (knee) tracking problems and lower extremity muscle strains. All of these problems relate to how the joints are aligned and moving.
Misalignments in the joints of the spine or pelvis can cause unnecessary tension in one leg instead of the equal pressure distribution that should be present. When the spine and pelvis are properly aligned, the joints in both legs will move evenly, giving runners the best speed and endurance. Likewise, the joints of the knees, ankles, or feet can misalign. When that happens, the movement at those joints are restricted and the muscles and ligaments that attach to them become stressed.
Check out our videos explaining a variety of preventative stretches that can help athletes.