The role of the chiropractor in sports is becoming vitally important to athletes at every level of play to enhance performance on the field, on the court and in the pool. But how does chiropractic care improve an athlete’s performance? First let’s look at what chiropractic care is.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is aimed at the detection and correction of abnormal joint movement and position. Chiropractic care involves treatment of all areas of the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractors apply carefully coordinated pressure to the affected area in order to manipulate the joints back to their original position.

Why do Athletes Need Chiropractic Care?

Due to the nature of their profession (or hobby), athletes put extraneous pressure on all parts of their body which can result in misalignment, and improper function. Obviously, an athlete is more susceptible to injury in high impact sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, especially considering that knee joints experience repeated heavy contact with the ground. But athletes participating in non-contact and low load bearing sports like cycling and swimming also require chiropractic treatment to perform at their optimum level.

What does a Chiropractor do for an Athlete?

A chiropractor’s main objective when it comes to dealing with athletes is to keep their bodies perfectly aligned. In order to allow a body to perform at optimum levels it must be perfectly aligned like a well-oiled machine. You can think of an athlete’s body as a stacked pyramid of cards. If there is even a small weakness or misalignment, the integrity of the entire structure will collapse. An athlete’s body is similar, although not as severe. If there is a misalignment or weakness in the body it will cause the athlete to subconsciously exert pressure on another part in order to relieve pressure from the weakened part. If left unattended this chain reaction will further weaken the structure of the body that can result in long-term chronic injuries.

What are the Benefits for Chiropractic Care?

The benefits of chiropractic care for an athlete are injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, career extension, and long-term health improvement.

Proactive Injury Prevention

Athletes are well financed assets to any franchise or club. Keeping them healthy and active is a primary target for any coach. Chiropractic care keeps the body aligned, allowing it to function perfectly and decreasing the likelihood of muscle and joint strains. Chiropractic treatment allows the body to strengthen at its perfect state.

Injury Rehabilitation

Being sidelined with an injury is lonely and discouraging for an athlete. But chiropractic therapy can improve the recovery rate of the returning individual. Applying pressure to the neuromusculoskeletal system can relieve the pressure on the recovering joint or muscle. Realignment can also improve blood flow which brings oxygen to the muscles, a vital step in recovery.

Career Longevity

In most sports the career lifecycle of an athlete is short and sweet. Nowadays world class athletes are aware that their time in the spotlight is limited so most want to maximize and extend it as much as possible. Daily chiropractic treatment can help with this. Injuries take a toll on a body which result in slowing down and restriction of movements. Through injury prevention programs, maintaining range of motion and improving recovery rates can maximize every sportsperson’s career.

Long-term Health Benefits

Humans are creatures of habit. Much like veterans, sportspeople find it hard to shake off the daily habits they regimentally followed through their careers. Implementing the daily routines that a chiropractor advised long into their retirement years can result in a healthy and bountiful lifestyle. Athletes have to be extra vigilant when it comes to their long-term physical health as they are especially subjugated to chronic physical issues in later life due to the nature of their career.

Orlando, FL Chiropractor for Athletes

No matter what level of sport you compete in, a regular visit to a chiropractic clinic can maximize your performance and enjoyment. Here at Mauricio Chiropractic we have the skills and the knowledge to consult you on best posture, injury prevention, injury rehabilitation, and everyday wellness. Make an appointment in one of our nine chiropractic clinics in Orlando.

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