In a previous blog post, we delved into the surprising prevalence of chiropractic and osteopathy within Premier League football clubs, uncovering its influential role in optimising athletes' well-being. Click the photo to read more.
Is Chiropractic a Sports Medicine?
Patrick Campbell • 22 August 2023
Athletes put their bodies through a lot of abuse. From the constant pounding of running to the sudden movements and stress of competition, muscles, tendons, and ligaments can take a beating. This is where chiropractic may be able to help. Chiropractors are specially trained to treat injuries and conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. They may be able to offer relief from pain and restore movement that has been restricted by an injury. While chiropractic is not widely considered a sports medicine, it may still be beneficial for athletes.
1. Understanding Chiropractic Care for Athletes
Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with particular attention to the spine. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe, effective treatment for athletes and sports enthusiasts of all levels.
In fact, many professional athletes credit chiropractic care for helping them stay in top physical condition and perform at their best. Chiropractic care can help athletes and sports enthusiasts prevent injuries, reduce pain, and speed up rehabilitation and recovery after an injury. The goal of chiropractic care is to restoring and maintaining the health of the musculoskeletal system, which in turn can help athletes and sports enthusiasts improve their performance, prevent injuries, and experience a quicker, more complete recovery after an injury.
2. Enhancing Athletic Performance and Injury Prevention
Maintaining alignment and proper biomechanics is key to efficient athletic performance. When the skeletal system is properly aligned, the joints can move through their full range of motion with ease. This allows the muscles to work more efficiently, as they are not compensating for alignment issues.
In addition, alignment and proper biomechanics help to prevent compensation injuries. When the body is forced to compensate for alignment issues, it puts undue stress on certain muscles and joints, which can lead to injuries. By correcting alignment issues through chiropractic care, athletes can improve their performance and reduce their risk of injury.
3. Chiropractic Techniques for Sports-Related Injuries
Chiropractors are trained and licensed to perform adjustments to the spine or other parts of the body. The goal of these adjustments is to correct alignment problems and improve biomechanical function. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to perform their adjustments, and the specific technique that is used will often depend on the individual patient's needs.
Some common techniques that chiropractors use include manual manipulation, instrument assisted manipulation, and mobilisation. Each of these techniques can be used to help improve alignment and reduce pain. When choosing a chiropractor, it is important to find one who has experience and training in the specific technique that you are looking for.
Proponents claim that biomechanical disorders affect general health via the nervous system. Although chiropractic has become increasingly mainstream, it still lacks strong evidence for many of its efficacy claims.
That said, there is some evidence that chiropractic can be helpful for certain types of pain and other conditions. For example, a 2012 study found that chiropractic care was effective at reducing headaches and improving quality of life for people with migraine. Other research has shown that chiropractic may help improve back pain, neck pain, and joint pain.
In general, it seems that chiropractic may be most effective for people who have recently started experiencing pain. If you're considering chiropractic care, it's important to talk to your doctor first to make sure it's a good option for you.
4. Assessing Chiropractic Risks for Athletes
Overall, the risks of chiropractic are relatively low, but patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment. Although chiropractic is generally considered safe, there are some risks associated with it. The most serious potential complication is stroke, which can occur when the neck is manipulated in certain ways. Less serious but more common side effects include aches and pains, stiffness, and dizziness.
Conclusion
In the realm of athletic wellbeing, chiropractic care offers an avenue for managing injuries, improving alignment, and supporting overall health. While some evidence supports its effectiveness, ongoing research will help clarify its scope and application within sports medicine. Athletes considering chiropractic care should consult their healthcare provider to make informed decisions regarding its suitability.
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