If you’re involved in sports and you haven’t heard of a sports chiropractor, then you’re absolutely missing out on something that you not only need but also deserve. A sports medicine chiropractor doesn’t necessarily define sports medicine, but they play a big role in the training and healing efforts of many athletes. You may also hear of them referred to as an athletic chiropractor.
The chiropractic definition of health involves a system of complementary medicine which is based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of the joints when they become misaligned. This is especially common in the spinal column which affects other systems in the body including the nervous system, muscles, and various organs. Chiropractic care can help you avoid everything from illness to injury.
If you’re interested in seeing a sports chiropractor but you’re unsure of the benefits, look no further. Here are some details to consider.
The Benefits of Visiting a Sports Chiropractor
Even if you’re not an athlete, there are plenty of reasons to go to a chiropractor. Especially if you’re feeling pain, a visit to the chiropractor will have you back on your feet in no time. But, you can also see a chiropractor for preventative maintenance on your body, especially if you do use it often for sports-related activities.
Seeking the help of a chiropractor may even help you forego other medical care, depending on the nature of your health and any sustained injuries. Here are some other benefits of seeing a chiropractor, whether you’re an athlete or a sports enthusiast.
1. Holistic Healing
Chiropractors will use holistic methods for healing your body, whether you’ve sustained injury or you’re simply out of alignment. Some of the questions they may ask you will involve things about your diet. They can also suggest different supplements for your diet so that you can look and feel your best.
Holistic healing involves careful consideration of your condition and any other conditions you may have. The chiropractor will layout a healing plan with you and may assign exercises that you’ll need to keep up with in order for the plan to work to your benefit. You will receive regular adjustments. Plus, depending on the severity of your condition you may require special treatment with weights or braces.
2. Drug-Free Treatment
Chiropractic care is 100% drug-free. Your chiropractor will perform adjustments to your neck and back, hips and shoulders, or knees and ankles if that’s where your problem is. All of this will be done in the office and there is no pain involved.
Your chiropractor will not prescribe drugs as part of your treatment. Instead, you will follow a strict healing schedule in which you perform your exercises regularly and receive regular adjustments. It’s important to follow your chiropractor’s instructions so that you’re sure to get the best care overall.
3. Enhance Performance
Beyond your own recovery efforts after working out or competing in an event, your chiropractor can help you recover faster. This enhances performance in future competition.
Besides recovery, having a chiropractor on hand for the occasional adjustment can absolutely enhance performance otherwise, too. You’ll notice an increased range of motion and improved strength and endurance simply from receiving regular chiropractic care.
Chiropractors have been used in a variety of professional sports to help athletes improve their performance. They were first used publicly among professional sports at the 1980 Olympics and have been a running success ever since.
4. Decrease Pain
Of course, a chiropractor can also reduce pain from sustained injuries. From shoulder manipulations to spinal subluxations, your chiropractor knows what to do to make you feel better, fast. And, remember, this is all holistic healing so you won’t be slowed down by drugs, even for pain.
The greatest part about chiropractic care is that it feels pretty good most of the time. It doesn’t hurt, but it does take the hurt away. You can just sit back and allow the chiropractor to perform his or her work. You’ll walk away feeling better than you walked in.
5. Improve Mobility
Chiropractic adjustments focus on your joints. When your joints are tight and wound up, your mobility is decreased. After seeing a chiropractor, you should notice that you are able to move easier and perhaps even stretch further than before.
This can come in especially handy in times of athletic performance. Your mobility is your number one asset and a chiropractor can help you keep it fine tuned.
6. Fewer Injuries
Of course, chiropractic care focuses on avoiding injury in the first place. But you may also notice that you are less prone to injury when under the care of a chiropractor. This is because your body is well adjusted and responsive due to regular adjustments or other care that you’re receiving.
With fewer injuries, you’ll have more time to compete in your favorite sporting event. Plus, you’ll feel more confident knowing that you’re also less likely to become injured.
7. Avoid Surgery
It’s important to remember that chiropractors focus on holistic care, mainly of the neck and spine. If you have an injury that calls for surgery, it may be wise to check the opinion of a chiropractor first. You may be surprised at the injuries a chiropractor can heal with a simple touch and other therapy.
Final Thoughts
Enlisting the services of a sports chiropractor is in your best interest whether you’re training for the Olympics or involved in any other sport. These specialists will serve you well in your life in and outside of the game.
Even if you’re a young athlete, chiropractic care can benefit your health. A simple monthly alignment will give you the energy and stamina you need to perform well, week after week.
Consider it this way, your body takes a beating with each practice and even more so on the day of an event. Chiropractic care is like therapy that also heals.
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