Spine Specialist Team: Agility & speed are necessary for athletes and individuals who actively engage in physical activity and sports. These individuals often depend on these abilities to increase their overall performance. Quickly and gracefully, both mental and physical skills are often a key element towards overcoming challenges related to the individual’s specific sport. The key to improving agility is to minimize the loss of speed when redirecting the body’s center of gravity.
Rapid change drills that change direction forward, backward, vertically, and laterally will help improve individuals by training your body to make these changes more quickly. Dr. Alex Jimenez describes various stretches and exercises utilized to enhance agility and speed throughout his collection of articles, focusing largely on the benefits of fitness and occasional injuries or conditions resulting from overexertion.
Stretching Fundamentals: Stretching benefits the body by keeping the muscles flexible, strong, healthy, and able to maintain optimal physical performance. As with any other discipline stretching correctly requires using the proper form, correct technique, and practicing regularly. The angles need to be accurate; the body has to move at the right speed and maintain correct posture. The focus should be moving the joint as little as possible as the muscle/s stretch and elongate.
Stretching Fundamentals
Stretching should become a daily activity that turns into a healthy habit. The muscles need frequent maintenance from daily/nightly bending, twisting, reaching, carrying, and lifting work. This is especially true for individuals dealing with constant soreness, aches, pains, and problems with tight, tense, and stressed-out muscles. When the body is stressed, heart rate increases, and individuals tend to tighten up. Stretching benefits include:
Stress relief.
Increased muscle blood flow.
Increased body flexibility.
Helps joints move through their full range of motion.
Improves performance in physical activities.
Decreases soreness, aches, and pains.
Injury prevention.
Improves posture.
Improves sleep.
Preps the body for exercise and activities.
Improves mental health.
Human nature is to take the path of least resistance, which makes the body feel flexible and comfortable. This is a common reason individuals consider stretching unnecessary or too painful to engage in. However,stretching fundamentals need to be maintained as stretching carelessly or poorly can negatively affect other muscles and joints and worsen injuries/conditions.
Guidelines
To stretch safely, it is recommended to do a proper warm-up, stretch slowly, working the right muscles and joints. The guidelines make stretching safer, more effective, and increase body awareness.
Warm-Up
Warming the muscles increases blood flow.
Warming up muscles before physical activity/workout is crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing effectiveness.
Dynamic stretching involves moving into and out of positions through a full range of motion rather than holding a stretch for a prolonged period.
Dynamic stretches are recommended to be held for 2-3 seconds for 4-6 repetitions.
Take It Slow
Stretching out too fast can make the body think that the muscle is about to get torn or injured.
To protect the muscle, it contracts, preventing it from reaching the full stretch.
This is why the correct technique needs to be observed.
A couple of degrees in the wrong direction can mean the difference between a healthy stretch and pulling a joint capsule causing injury.
Body Composition
Muscle Recovery
When engaged in physical activity, exercise, or working, microscopic tears are happening to muscle cells. Because of the body’s stress and fatigue, hormone and enzyme levels fluctuate, and inflammation increases. This helps in fat loss, increases metabolism, increases strength and muscle growth. However, these benefits only happen with proper recovery. Different types of recovery include:
Immediate Recovery
These are the quick moments’ in-between physical movements.
For example, the time between each stride when jogging.
Short-Term Recovery
This is the time between activities or sets of exercises.
For example, the rest periods between doing a heavy job or sprint intervals.
Training Recovery
This is the time between when one workout or job ends, and the next begins.
There is no one size fits all, as everyone’s body is different; it is recommended to consult with a trainer or fitness expert and experiment with what feels right.
For some individuals, 24 hours is enough.
For others, it can take 48 or 72 hours to feel fully recovered.
Other factors that affect recovery are:
Age
Fitness level
Work/exercise intensity
Diet
Sleep
References
Behm, David G, and Anis Chaouachi. “A review of the acute effects of static and dynamic stretching on performance.” European Journal of applied physiology vol. 111,11 (2011): 2633-51. doi:10.1007/s00421-011-1879-2
Freitas, S R et al. “Stretching Effects: High-intensity & Moderate-duration vs. Low-intensity & Long-duration.” International journal of sports medicine vol. 37,3 (2016): 239-44. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1548946
Hotta, Kazuki et al. “Daily muscle stretching enhances blood flow, endothelial function, capillarity, vascular volume and connectivity in aged skeletal muscle.” The Journal of physiology vol. 596,10 (2018): 1903-1917. doi:10.1113/JP275459
Kataura, Satoshi et al. “Acute Effects of the Different Intensity of Static Stretching on Flexibility and Isometric Muscle Force.” Journal of strength and conditioning research vol. 31,12 (2017): 3403-3410. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000001752
Athletes or weekend warriors hate to be sidelined from an injury or physical limitation. This is where chiropractic medicine and physical therapy for athletes can strengthen the body for improved performance and injury prevention. Sports chiropractors and physical therapists are trained and certified professionals that have extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, maintaining and rehabilitating the body. This includes:
Exercise science
Physiological factors
Nutrition
Sports psychology
Treatment techniques include:
Massage
Electrotherapy
Muscle strengthening
Water therapy
Core stability training
Sports medicine professionals include medical doctors, sports chiropractors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists. They are trained in:
Assessment and diagnosis
Treatment
Rehabilitation
Management
Referral
Health coaching
Injury prevention
Chiropractic physical therapists restore function and mobility, manage or alleviate pain, and return individuals to their lifestyle and athletes to their sport. They understand training demands and advise on injury prevention, relieving pain, and optimizing performance.
Performance Treatment
Chiropractors and physical therapists provide:
Pre and post-surgery consultation
Pre and post-surgery treatment
Pre and post-surgery exercise programs and rehabilitation therapy
A chiropractic physical therapist will go through a series of examination routines to test and assess the body’s functionality and mobility, looking for areas of pain and weakness.
Personalized Treatment Plan
The analysis data helps to develop a customized treatment plan that looks at:
Weaknesses
Painful areas
Physical and positional demands of their specific sport.
Alleviate Pain
This is done through:
Therapeutic exercises
Manual techniques
Instrument-assisted manipulations with:
Percussive massagers
Ultrasound
Taping
Electrical stimulation
To relieve pain, restore muscle, and joint function.
Improve mobility
Stretching and strengthening exercises restore mobility.
Avoid Surgery and/or Expedite Recovery After Surgery
Effective physical therapy can eliminate the need for surgery, hasten recovery, and reduce healthcare costs.
Expedite rehabilitation and recovery post-surgery.
Prevention Techniques
Chiropractic physical therapy provides tools and exercises to maintain:
Strength
Balance
Fitness
To prevent new injuries or injury recurrence.
A customized chiropractic physical therapy program can help individuals return to a high level of performance from a team of professional chiropractors physical therapists. Individuals learn activities and lifestyle changes that will help prevent further injury and improve health and wellbeing.
Body Composition
Skipping Rest Days
Not listening to the body and taking time to recover can have serious consequences. When the body is not allowed to rest, recovery inflammation is not given the time to heal. This can lead to injuries, a weakened immune system, and the potential for muscle mass loss. During periods of intense stress, like an intense workout, the body’s immune system does not fully function. This means the body is compromised when fighting germs and viruses and constantly taking medications. This is why prioritizing rest is necessary. Another side effect of skipping rest days is burnout. Burnout is the feeling that anything is better than working out. It typically happens when individuals forget or choose not to take time off and rest for life outside of fitness.
References
Cullen, Michael-Flynn L et al. “Passive Recovery Strategies after Exercise: A Narrative Literature Review of the Current Evidence.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 20,7 (2021): 351-358. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000859
Levy, Emily, and Thomas Chu. “Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Athletic Performance: A Review.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 18,7 (2019): 266-269. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000614
Reinke, Simon et al. “The influence of recovery and training phases on body composition, peripheral vascular function and immune system of professional soccer players.” PloS one vol. 4,3 (2009): e4910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004910
Resnik, Linda, and Janet K Freburger. “Health Services Research: Physical Therapy Has Arrived!.” Physical therapy vol. 95,12 (2015): 1605-7. doi:10.2522/ptj.2015.95.12.1605
Suchomel, Timothy J et al. “The Importance of Muscular Strength: Training Considerations.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 48,4 (2018): 765-785. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0862-z
Those who like to jog or run say there is nothing like the feeling of jogging and running. The breeze all around, the sound of feet hitting the pavement, and the accomplishment felt after. Jogging and running can generate empowerment that makes individuals feel like they’re on top of the world. Until back pain rears its ugly head.
Many individuals with back pain see no alternative and so give up trying to jog or run and just forget the whole thing. However, it is possible to be a successful runner and hold down a jogging/running regiment, even with back pain. �
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Jogging and Running
Running can be highly beneficial for those with back pain. Aerobic exercise is considered a form of effective treatment for low back pain. Other studies have found that runners have stronger spines. An article published in Scientific Reports looked at the intervertebral�discs in joggers/runners, as well as, non-joggers/runners. The joggers/runners had healthier intervertebral�discs.
Running can be quite helpful to those having trouble with mechanical back pain. Mechanical means an individual has a structurally sound spine but has a job/ that creates force/s that can damage tissues, which results in back pain. Often, those with back problems have a weak:
Core
Front
Back
� Jogging and running can help strengthen the core along with weight loss and improved fitness will definitely benefit the spine/back. Jogging and running increases endorphins. This is great for the brain and mood and decreases overall general pain.
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Individuals that should not be jogging or running
It does not mean these individuals cannot jog or run. But because of underlying conditions, they need to talk to their doctor first and may have to take extra precautions.
Back pain can be mechanical or structural. If the spine has a structural problem, then jogging or running might not be the best option for a therapeutic exercise regiment/program. This can be dangerous as any added stress placed on an abnormal spine could worsen symptoms, instead of helping to reduce back pain. It could even worsen the condition. This is where the proper spine treatment is directed by a doctor, spine specialist, chiropractor, or physical therapist.
� If the back pain is mechanical, there are ways to work in a running program while keeping the back safe. Usually, this means stretching out, getting physical therapy, and applying heat, and ice. These can all help while being able to jog and run.
Lace-up, make sure there is plenty of water and hit the neighborhood, trail, pathway, etc. However, running with back pain is not the most optimal way to jog or run. Here are some ways to get the full benefits from the experience.
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Stretching Out
Stretching is highly beneficial not only to runners, but everyone, especially those with back pain, which is why stretching before and after jogging and running is extremely important.
The hamstrings, quadriceps, groin, and calf muscles definitely need to be stretched out. These are the legs muscles and need to be loose and ready to move. The thigh muscles are all directly connected to the pelvis and hip. If they are not properly stretched it can affect pelvic tilt and generate low back tightness.
The calf muscles are not directly connected, but the body is a kinetic chain, which means that the body works as a whole unit. For example, let’s say an individual has a tight calf or Achilles tendon. This can change stride length, which can then affect the hamstrings, hips, and back. Icing the back after a jog or run will reduce back pain and inflammation. �
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Ease Into The Routine
Experienced runners know all too well that literally hitting the ground and taking off results inpain and injuries. First-time joggers/runners, as well as those coming back to jogging or running need to take it low and slow. This means to gradually ease into a jogging/running routine rather than trying for ten miles right away.
Go for reasonable goals that can be accomplished. This will increase the likelihood to stay with it and continue. This goes for new runners or joggers/runners making a return. Gradually increasing distance and speed is the safest approach. Gradual increases in the jog or run allow for positive and progressive gains.
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Mix In Other Workouts
Cross-fit training can help the body take a break when carrying out a running program. Cross-fit training involves:
Swimming
Biking
Weights
A comprehensive exercise program should include resistance training and cardiovascular exercises. Only want to stick to only running and nothing else then change distances and speeds on a regular basis. Changing running workouts frequently will help to avoid overuse injuries.
Overuse injuries can stop an exercise routine cold. Therefore, making sure that the body gets the proper amount rest between jogs, runs, and workouts is crucial for the therapy to work, to eventually alleviate back pain. �
Proper Equipment
Throwing on a pair of old sneakers and jogging out the door is not the way to go. Improper shoes could exacerbate the back pain/condition and even create new injury/s. Therefore choosing the proper jogging and running equipment will prevent injuries and back pain.
Shoes, braces, and orthotics do make a difference. Just like using the right tool for a job makes a difference. Especially, when using a cheap knock-off that breaks or falls apart. It is the same with exercise equipment/gear. For the low back, a neoprene belt can help the low back remain loose by providing heat and spine support.
Shoes and orthotics are important, but be sure to know foot size and type. Otherwise, they could worsen back pain or cause another injury. Effectively utilizing them, a runner should get a custom foot orthotic/s sizing. Because every person is unique, functional custom foot orthotics can help balance a person�s unique body structure. Dr. Jimenez can help provide functional custom foot orthotics to patients who want to improve back pain. For example, some things to consider:
Some choices depend on the constant surface the runner is on, like cement, pavement, trail, or dirt road. Specialty running shoe stores can provide a foot strike analysis to find the shoes that are best matched for your physical needs. �
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Feel That, Your Body’s Telling You Something
Experienced athletes, especially runners know how to listen to their bodies. If an injury is acting up they take the necessary time off to heal properly before re-starting the regiment. For those with back pain, this is especially important during the program.
If back pain presents mid-run, it is recommended to slow down. If that doesn�t bring relief then stop and stretch. And if that does not help then stop the workout altogether. It could be nothing and all that is needed is more rest before starting up again. But if it persists then check with your doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist to re-evaluate the program, as there could be some changes/adjustments that need addressing.
It does not matter, whether it is back pain, shin splints, or plantar fasciitis, the point is to listen to your body. Pain that lingers on or wakes you out of sleep should be checked out.
Chiropractors On Metabolic Syndrome & Inflammation
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico
You hear many people talk about the benefits of walking but may not know how it applies to you. Walking regularly can be exceptionally helpful if you have back pain by providing the spine with added support and increased blood flow. These three spinal health benefits of walking should be enough to convince you.
Walking Aids in Rehydrating Your Spinal Discs
Gravity is not your friend. Well, not when it comes to your back. From the time you get out of bed until you lay down again at the end of the day, the pressure of gravity compresses your spine. When your spine is compressed, that means your spinal discs are too. These fluid-filled discs provide a cushion for your vertebrae, but the constant compression that occurs throughout the day due to regular activity squeezes the fluid out of them.
Dehydrated discs can cause back pain and structural problems. That is why restful sleep and staying hydrated are essential for spinal health.
Walk because it increases circulation throughout your body, including your spine. This increased blood flow helps to rehydrate your discs that improve your spinal health. It also helps keep your spine younger, staving off the effects of the aging process.
Walking Relieves Back Pain and Reduces Stress to the Spine
Walking provides an excellent low impact aerobic workout, and it increases blood flow which helps improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion. When you incorporate stretching, you can reap even more of the benefits of a healthy spine.
The human body is made to move. When you don’t move or are sedentary, your muscles become stiff and inflexible. Moving prevents that, but even if you are experiencing some stiffness, walking, stretching, and movement can help you regain that flexibility.
You will also find that walking regularly also helps with stress relief. Lower back pain is a prevalent stress symptom, but walking combats its effects by encouraging dopamine release.
When you are stressed, your pain sensitivity increases, you feel pain more acutely, and it is more challenging to manage. By reducing your stress level, you also make your pain more manageable but, at the same time, minimize lower back pain.
Walking Improves Posture
When you don’t use your muscles, they become weak and inflexible and cannot do their intended job. The back forces are designed to provide support to the spine, and when they are not used, they can atrophy and weaken, resulting in stooped or other improper posture.
Poor posture causes back pain by putting more pressure on the spine, leading to pain, soreness, tension, and headaches. Without the necessary support, it can also lead to misalignment of the spine, which can cause problems.
Walking strengthens the supporting muscle groups so that your back muscles get more robust, and your spine gets the structural support needed. As your back muscles get stronger, your body will naturally begin to adopt a correct posture. The benefits of good posture include improved organ function, reduced pain, less fatigue, and easier breathing.
Walking is good for your whole body as well as your mind. When you walk to reduce back pain, you are also doing great things for your body. If you have any questions about proper form or achieving a better, healthier posture, your chiropractor can help you. The spine is such an essential part of the body; it does so much. Please do your best to protect it and keep it in good health. In return, it will save you from moving for a long, long time.
Chiropractic is a very effective treatment for back pain, but what many patients don�t realize is that they can stretch to make it even better. By employing simple stretches, a chiropractic patient can improve his or her range of motion and increase flexibility. These are some great stretches that you can do at just about any fitness level.
Stretch
Knee To Chest
Lie on a firm, flat surface for this exercise. You can place a mat or towel underneath you to make it a little more comfortable. If you aren�t able to flatten your back right away, fold a small towel and place it under the small of your back to provide a little support.
Lie on your back, knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor.
Press your lower back into the floor.
While keeping your left foot on the floor, inhale, bringing your right knee to your chest, pulling gently just until you feel a stretch. Hold it for 20 to 30 seconds. You can also keep your left leg straight if that is more comfortable. Make sure you keep your back pressed to the floor.
Exhale, releasing your right knee and return to the starting position.
Repeat the movement with the left leg.
Repeat this stretch 3 to 5 times with each leg.
Child�s Pose
This gives you a very nice stretch all through your back. If you are unable to get on your knees or if you can�t sit on your knees, you can do this while standing.
Hold onto the back of a chair and bend forward. Don�t pull and don�t rest put all of your weight on the chair, just let your body fall gently forward with your neck relaxed and your head drooping. Take baby steps backward until you feel a good stretch, then hold it while breathing normally for 20 to 30 seconds. Walk your feet back in a bit to keep your balance and stand. Repeat 4 or 5 times.
Get on your hands and knees, keeping your knees a little wider than your hips. Turn your toes inward so that they touch.
Bend your knees, pushing your hips back over your heels. Get to a comfortable sitting position.
Slowly slide your arms out in front of you, rounding out your back as you exhale. Keep your neck relaxed so that your head falls forward. Allow yourself to feel the stretch throughout your back.
Hold for 20 to 30 seconds then return to the sitting position.
Repeat the movement 4 or 5 times, keeping your movements slow, fluid, and deliberate.
Cat � Camel
If you can�t get on your knees, stand in front of a chair and place your hands on the seat. Position your feet about where your knees would be if you were on your hands and knees. Relax your neck, allowing your head to droop. Complete steps 2 through 5.
Get on your hands and knees, back straight, your hands shoulder width apart, and your knees slightly apart. Relax your neck so that your head droops. Breathe normally.
Exhale as you round your back up toward the ceiling. Press until you feel a good stretch all along your back. Hold for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Return to the starting position, keeping your back straight.
Inhale as you sway your back, pushing your stomach toward the floor. Tilt your pelvis to get a maximum stretch. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds.
Fitness Trackers: Exercise is usually a great compliment to chiropractic treatment. In fact, many chiropractors recommend regular exercise to their patients. It helps with pain management and speeds healing as well as give your mood a healthy, natural boost.
Fitness trackers are a popular workout tool that helps people set fitness goals, track their progress, and get healthier. How can they help chiropractic patients though? What can they offer that will patients get more out of their treatments? Find out what you need to know about chiropractic and fitness trackers.
Fitness Trackers
It Takes More Than The Tech To Get You Fit.
All the flashy, high tech bells and whistles in the world won�t roll you out of bed in the morning and place you on the treadmill. No fancy wristband will get you up and moving, getting exercise and getting fit. The tech is cool. It is fun and exciting, but it won�t get you fit. Only you can do that.
So if you are getting a fitness tracker with the belief that it is going to be some kind of fitness magic bullet, that just won�t happen. It is great as a fitness buddy, a tool, a nifty gadget that may help motivate you and help you achieve your fitness goals. In the end, though, you are the one driving that car. You are in control.
Is A Fitness Tracker For You?
There are so many fitness trackers on the market with an almost endless list of features. Finding the one that is right for you, or if you could even benefit from a fitness tracker takes a bit of research. Look for features that work for you and the activities you will be pursing.
For instance, if you enjoy water-based fitness activities you might want a waterproof model. There are also data limits, screen sizes (or no screen at all), heart rate tracking options, and whether you want a clip on tracker or one that straps on your wrist.
Before making your purchase, take some time to research all of the features that are available to you then decide what you like and what features would best help you meet your fitness goals.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Fitness Tracker.
Once you have your fitness tracker you will want to make a plan to ensure that you get the most out of it. Try these tips to make your fitness tracker work its best for you.
Identify clear cut goals. When you begin your fitness quest, the first thing you need to do is know where you want to go with it. It is a good idea to record your stats at the beginning and then update them every month or so. This will let you see how many more steps you are taking, how much weight you�ve lost, or whatever else you wish to accomplish.
Set attainable benchmarks. Benchmarks help you along as you work toward your goal. The key is setting them so that they are attainable but still present a bit of a challenge. If weight loss is your key, you might set benchmarks for every two months. For fitness goals, you may set benchmarks for a certain number of steps in a given time or a certain number of workouts each week. When you reach a benchmark, celebrate a little.
Wear it on your non-dominant wrist. The Journal, Medical and Science in Sports and Exercise published a study that revealed participants who wore fitness trackers on their wrists throughout the day found that they were more accurate when worn on the non-dominant wrist. The theory is that the non-dominant wrist moves less, giving a more accurate reading.
Calibrate your tracker to match your stride. Not everyone has the same stride. You may be very tall or very short; you might take longer strides or time steps. Whatever the case, you�ll get the most out of your fitness tracker by calibrating your stride. Most trackers will provide instructions for doing the calibration. It is well worth taking the time to complete it.
Incorporate other apps to boost your fitness efforts. Many fitness trackers will recommend other apps that can help you meet your goals and you can sync them to your tracker. However, you can also look for apps on your own that can help. There are so many different fitness apps out there from food tracking to apps that use your phone�s GPS to provide more accurate measurements on your runs, walks, or bike rides.
The more fit you are the better your chiropractic treatments will typically work. Fitness trackers can help you reach your goals and get the most out of your chiropractic care.
Sports Performance is everything! Regardless of whether you�re a pro football player or a weekend warrior, your level of performance in your chosen athletic activity is what takes you to competitive heights.
There are certain things that every athlete knows will make them stronger, faster, more flexible, and have more stamina. Chiropractic care is becoming increasingly popular as a way for the sportsman in all of us to have that competitive edge.
You may know that chiropractic is great for people with back pain or even headaches, but you may be wondering how it can help an athlete. Solid research, along with a proven track record show that chiropractic helps sports performance in several key areas.
Sports Performance & Chiropractic
Increased Flexibility
Flexibility is important for nearly every sport and chiropractic care helps to increase flexibility throughout the body. As the spine is aligned, the body is better able to perform as it should and flexibility is a big part of that.
Better Mobility
When a person has better flexibility they are able to move around better. Chiropractic loosens the joints and spine, releasing energy to flow through the body. Blood flow is increased which means that nutrients and oxygen are carries much more efficiently to the vital organs and brain. This whole body wellness encourages better mobility.
More Resistant To Injury
Because chiropractic keeps the body flexible, there is a much lower risk of injury. Tight muscles can lead to injuries, sometimes serious injury. When the body well aligned and flexible the chances of a pulled or torn muscle or torn ligament are greatly decreased.
Helps Relieve Sports Hernias
Groin pain is a component of around 20 percent of all sports injuries. The thing is, it is often not due to sudden movements that result in injury like a torn muscle. Most of the time is it due to a condition called athletic pubalgia, or sports hernia.
Sports like hockey and football are full contact sports and injuries are not uncommon. However, even milder sports like horseback riding or cycling can also result in injuries or pain from over exertion. One study showed how chiropractic helped relieve the pain of shoulder instability in hockey players.
Chiropractic aligns the spine and body while increasing blood flow, but endorphins are also released through the treatment. This helps the body combat pain in a natural, less invasive way without the use of medications.
Increases Strength
While chiropractic care is typically regarded as a method for relieving pain and alleviating skeletal and muscular issues, it has also been found to improve physical strength. A study on judo athletes who received just three chiropractic care sessions showed that their grip strength improved by 16 percent.
Helps Sports Related Injuries Heal Faster
Chiropractic care has long been a standard practice for aiding in the healing of many sports related injuries including tennis elbow, hamstring pulls, rotator cuff injuries, back strains, and neck pain. While it does help prevent these injuries, in the event that they do occur, chiropractic care helps the athlete recover faster and get back in the game quicker.
So whether you enjoy the occasional game of touch football with the guys or you are a college basketball star, chances are you too can benefit from chiropractic care. Each of these benefits are exceptional in their own right and athletes rely on their chiropractor to keep them in the game, but all these little benefits add up to one significant plus: it improves sports performance. If you want to be stronger, faster, and more agile, the research shows that chiropractic care can certainly help.
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