Chiropractic is not typically the first treatment option that comes to mind when someone has a sports injury, but it can be extremely effective. The spine contains a great deal of pain-sensitive tissue (muscles, ligaments, discs and nerves) and when the spinal column is not properly aligned, these tissues can be irritated, which interferes with optimum function.
When a chiropractor manipulates the spine, it restores proper alignment and improves communication between all systems within the body. This is why athletes who receive regular adjustments have a better chance of staying healthy and performing at their best, even when they are injured.
Spinal manipulation targets pain by reducing tension in the joints, muscles and nerves that make up the spine. This also helps to reduce inflammation — a common source of pain in athletes. Athletes who seek chiropractic care often report reduced or eliminated symptoms such as shoulder, neck, knee and foot pain. Because these manipulations also help to improve circulation, the healing process from minor injuries is accelerated and oftentimes eliminates the need for more invasive treatments such as surgery.
Athletes of all levels push their bodies to the limit, so it is important that they are able to move and function at their optimal level. Those who receive regular adjustments have more fluidity in their movements, which allows them to move faster and avoid injuries.
Many athletes seek chiropractic care because they want to increase their athletic abilities. Taking prescription pain medications to ease the discomfort is often the go-to solution, but this only masks the issue and does not address the root cause of the problem. Chiropractors can find the true source of the pain and treat it directly through manipulations, giving the athlete medication-free pain relief so they can focus on improving their performance.
Another way that chiropractic improves athletic performance is by reducing the amount of time that an athlete spends sick on the sidelines. Getting sick takes away from training and practicing and can lead to missing important games or sporting events. Regular chiropractic adjustments can boost the immune system and keep athletes healthier so they have more time to practice and play.
Parents of youth athletes are often concerned about their children receiving chiropractic care because they fear that it will prevent them from playing sports. The truth is that youth athletes who receive regular chiropractic adjustments can actually get a lot more out of their workouts because they will be able to move more easily. This will allow them to train harder and become better, while avoiding injury. Plus, they will have more energy throughout the day if they aren’t dealing with painful shoulders or backs. It’s also important to work with a reputable chiropractor in Atlanta who has experience treating athlete patients. This way, you can rest assured that you are getting the best treatment possible.