Do chiropractors work with sports injuries?
Chiropractic is a great avenue for athletes, both on a preventative basis and for acute rehabilitation. Every team in Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NHL, and the NBA has chiropractors on staff. Both Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods have personal chiropractors that go on tour with them. It makes much more sense to fix a physical injury or ailment by a physical treatment (chiropractic). Using a chemical treatment (medication) for a physical problem just masks the symptoms. For example, a person with a neck injury caused by a physical force could not expect to fix their neck problem by taking a drug that goes into their stomach.
Numerous studies have shown the benefits of regular chiropractic care for athletes. Not only can it help prevent injury, it can also improve performance.
- One study showed that chiropractic treatment increased athletic performance by as much as 16.7%
- Chiropractic care increases capillary count, which translates to increased blood flow – a huge benefit for athletes
- In another study measuring the speed of reaction with the hand, athletes receiving chiropractic care exhibited a 17% higher response after 6 weeks of care than those who did not receive chiropractic care. After 12 weeks of treatment, responses jumped even higher.
Here at Watkins Family Chiropractic, we see many athletes with acute sports injuries. We also see a number of athletes with repetitive stress injuries. We work with many athletes from the Prior Lake and Savage high schools and some from Burnsville high school. Some people are surprised to learn that chiropractors adjust more than the spine. We work with shoulders, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet as well.
Chiropractic is an important part of getting an athletes body back to its optimal performance level. Give us a call at 952-440-4553 to schedule a free consultation or exam today.
