For the past few decades, visiting a chiropractor has become a resource that more and more athletes increasingly turn to to ensure and maintain optimal health. A chiropractor can provide relief for a variety of physical ailments, from strained and pulled muscles to chronic soreness.
Chiropractic, a form of health care focusing on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, is common in sports medicine. Many trainers recommend chiropractic treatment, as it can help with injury and enhance performance. Here are a few examples of how this branch of medicine has benefited athletes from different disciplines:
Football
Injuries are prevalent in the world of professional football, and even if an athlete can avoid them, aches and stiffness are common problems. Approximately 31 percent of NFL teams report having a chiropractor on staff. Research has indicated that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can help an athlete enhance flexibility and achieve pain-free movement. Overall, most football players have indicated that their chiropractor has helped improve their performance and pain management.
Tennis
Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by inflammation of tendons in the elbow and forearm, primarily due to overuse. About 50 percent of tennis players will endure tennis elbow throughout their lifetime, and a third of them will have a severe case. Chiropractic care is an effective way to manage tennis elbow, relieving pain and encouraging healing. A chiropractor can specifically move the affected joints, which can alleviate discomfort and decrease the chance of recurrence.
Baseball
Whether they’re dashing to bases or swinging the bat, baseball requires athletes to deliver fast bursts of energy. These vigorous activities often result in rotator cuff injuries, neck pain, back discomfort, and pulled hamstrings. A chiropractor can help prevent these ailments, increasing performance and flexibility. Regular adjustments improve muscle strength and long jump distance, and decrease instances of hamstring and lower-body injuries.
There’s no doubt that regular visits to a chiropractor can enhance an athlete’s endurance. As indicated by many studies and personal accounts from athletes participating in a variety of sports, a chiropractor should be a part of every athlete’s health and wellness plan.
