Chiropractic and athletes and injuries: part I

With chiropractic and athletes, a timely visit to a chiropractor may help identify the problem early and devise treatment plans accordingly

People come to see chiropractors for a variety of ailments, but the goal is usually the same: to regain range of motion and to alleviate pain. Chiropractic and athletes can especially work hand in hand.

We interviewed Jason Alviene, DC, manager of chiropractic training at The Joint Chiropractic. Alviene is a chiropractor, professor, massage therapist, and author, and has been in the chiropractic field for more than 20 years.

Alviene took time to answer our questions about chiropractic and athletes receiving chiropractic care. What follows is our interview, edited for length and clarity. This is Part I of two.

Athletes often see physical therapists to help with injuries. But why should they see chiropractors as well?

Many people suffering from musculoskeletal problems in the United States engage in a long road to recovery, whether it is from an accidental injury or a chronic condition. The variety of treatments extends from surgery, to medication, to physical therapy and beyond. For those on these paths, the treatment plan can vary widely depending upon the unique needs of each person.

If a person is describing physical therapy and/or chiropractic, they may want to know what the difference is. While it is true that both treatments can have similar goals, the individual modalities used are quite distinct.

Physical therapy (PT) is used to diagnose and treat movement impairments and disorders of all kinds. Treatments prescribed may be both active and passive stretching, hot/cold therapy, or specific exercises. The goal of physical therapy is to help patients regain lost mobility, maintenance care, or to prevent future injury. Treatments are administered in PT clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, or other locations and sometimes require a referral from a physician.

Chiropractic is different in that its goal is to realign any spinal vertebrae that may be out of place, which can relieve the pain and pressure on nerves. While the goals are the same as in physical therapy, the focus is shifted more towards correcting subluxations. Chiropractors will usually adjust a patient’s spine using their hands or adjusting devices in addition to using other potential treatments. Some are the same as what is used in physical therapy, including hot/cold therapy and stretching, but can also include electric muscle stimulation and ultrasound.

Both of these treatments are great options for those suffering from musculoskeletal issues. However, chiropractic is also used to treat a variety of other conditions such as asthma, depression, and earaches. Because chiropractic focuses more on the nervous system, there is a wider range of conditions to be treated as the nervous system extends throughout our bodies and can cause many different problems.

Patients often may wonder which treatment is better for their specific problem. The best way to figure this out would be to talk to a primary care physician in order to get a diagnosis. A treatment plan can then be discussed, which may include chiropractic and physical therapy, one or the other, or something completely different. A multidisciplinary approach is often utilized, meaning that care can come from many different realms all towards the same goal. Patients can also discuss their preferences just in case certain therapies are not specifically offered, taking control of their self-care and medical destiny.

In regard to chiropractic and athletes, should athletes see chiropractors for preventative care as well as help with an injury?

You may be injured while doing some physical activity, and working out or playing sports increases the risk dramatically. Athletes are susceptible to injury, and with chiropractic treatment, you may recover and perhaps prevent more damage to the body.

Some of the sports injuries a chiropractor may treat include muscle and joint sprains, muscle pulls, shin splints, wrist and shoulder injuries, knee injuries, tennis elbow, sciatic pain, and back injuries.

The type of sports, different lifestyles, and health variables such as your profession and medical issues may determine what kind of injuries you are most prone to. For this reason, it’s important to take the guidance of a chiropractor, who may help build a customized treatment plan depending on individual requirements.

Can chiropractic improve athletic performance?

Every athlete wants to improve their performance while avoiding injury and pain. These objectives may be achieved with the help of chiropractic care. Many athletes report considerable advantages from chiropractic therapy, including increased range of motion, mobility, flexibility, reduced pain levels, faster recovery periods after regular exercises and minor injuries, and more.

These advantages allow you to play longer and harder, resulting in enhanced stamina and improved performance. If the soreness in your shoulder isn’t bothering you, you may probably throw the baseball farther. With less discomfort, you may be able to do what you like.

Can chiropractic prevent injuries and improve flexibility?

Athletes must sustain a certain amount of flexibility to achieve their goals and prevent injury. They may achieve these objectives with the counsel of a chiropractor. With chiropractic and athletes, chiropractic therapy may help you increase flexibility and reduce joint and muscle stiffness.

You may also strengthen the muscles, correct misalignments, and reduce inflammation that is restricting your existing range of motion. It is especially true in the case of joint regions, where chiropractors use low-force adjustments to eliminate limitations, liberate mobility, and relieve pain.

 People think about going to a chiropractor following an accident. They consider visiting a chiropractor to get relief from pain. Seeing a chiropractor beforehand, though, may help athletes avoid injuries even before they occur. A chiropractor may examine the joints, muscles, and bones to ensure that the muscular-skeletal system is properly aligned and assist you in performing at your best.

The chiropractor may conduct an adjustment or provide therapy if they see a restriction in the spine, commonly called a “misalignment.” They may attend to a health problem before it develops into a more serious concern down the line.

Athletes suffer from injuries due to repetitive use of the muscles and joints. They often get inflamed due to overuse that could affect their sports career. With chiropractic and athletes, a timely visit to a chiropractor may help identify the problem early and devise treatment plans accordingly.

See Part II of this limited series for information on chiropractic, athletes and more.