The Role of Sports Chiropractors

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Chiropractic care is useful for so much more than treating existing conditions and relieving chronic pain; it’s also about proactive prevention and optimizing performance. For athletes and runners, working with a skilled chiropractor can be instrumental in preventing injuries, enhancing performance, and promoting overall well-being. Keep reading to learn about three ways that sports and running chiropractors can help improve your performance.

 

Chiropractic Therapy for Athletes

Athletes often push their bodies to the limit in the name of competition and victory. Over time, this strain on the body can lead to muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and overall deteriorated athletic performance. Sports chiropractors specialize in addressing these issues through various techniques tailored to the specific needs of athletes. 

Three techniques for chiropractic therapy for athletes

Spinal Adjustments

More often than not, chiropractors utilize spinal adjustments not to correct a “misaligned” spinal joint, but to help correct imbalances in the muscles responsible for supporting the spine. Chiropractors “wake up” the supportive muscles around the spine with manual adjustments which can improve joint mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance nerve function.

Soft Tissue Therapy

This involves techniques such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and trigger point therapy to release tension, reduce inflammation, and promote faster muscle recovery.

Injury Rehabilitation Exercises

Sports chiropractors prescribe customized rehabilitation exercises to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns, helping athletes prevent future injuries and perform at their best.

 

Using a Chiropractor for Runners

Runners are susceptible to a range of injuries due to the repetitive nature of their sport. The most common injuries include shin splints, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. A chiropractor specializing in running biomechanics can provide valuable insights and techniques to help effectively treat and prevent these injuries. Here are three running injury prevention techniques commonly employed by sports chiropractors.

Three techniques for chiropractic therapy for runners

Gait Analysis 

Your gait is the way you walk or run. A sports chiropractor can identify biomechanical abnormalities or imbalances that may contribute to injuries by doing a thorough analysis of your running gate. They can then recommend corrective measures such as orthotics, shoe modifications, or gait retraining exercises. Running is a very demanding sport and even slight imbalances can lead to decreased performance and slower run times, and can contribute to the risk of serious injury. Thankfully, chiropractic care can be effective at both treating and preventing running injuries.

Flexibility and Mobility Exercises 

Sports chiropractors prescribe specific stretches and mobility drills to improve flexibility in tight muscles and joints, reducing the risk of strains and overuse injuries.

Strength Training

Muscle strength is just as important as flexibility and mobility. Incorporating strength training exercises to target key muscle groups (e.g., glutes, hips, core) can improve running efficiency, stability, and resilience. This in turn helps runners maintain proper form and prevent fatigue-related injuries.

 

When Should You See a Running or Sports Chiropractor?

Recognizing the signs that indicate the need for chiropractic care can help athletes and runners proactively address underlying issues and prevent them from progressing into more serious injuries. Here are five signs it’s time to see a running or sports chiropractor.

 

Persistent Pain or Discomfort

If you experience persistent pain, discomfort, or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest or self-care measures, it may indicate an underlying musculoskeletal issue that requires professional attention.

 

Reduced Range of Motion

Limited range of motion in a joint or muscle group can impede performance and increase the risk of injury. A chiropractor can assess and address restrictions through manual therapy and corrective exercises.

 

Recurrent Injuries

If you find yourself experiencing recurrent injuries or “flare-ups” in the same area, it suggests an underlying biomechanical imbalance or weakness that needs to be addressed to prevent future reoccurrences.

 

Performance Plateau 

If you’ve hit a plateau in your athletic performance despite consistent training, it may be due to underlying biomechanical issues affecting your efficiency and power output.

 

Pre-Event Tune-Up

Seeking chiropractic care before a big race or event can help optimize your biomechanics, reduce muscle tension, and improve performance potential.

 

We are a Chiropractor for Athletes in Twin Falls

Dr. Ward at Sunrise Chiropractic has firsthand experience with athletic injuries — and recovery via chiropractic care!  Incorporating chiropractor visits into your training regimen can be a game-changer for athletes and runners, helping you stay injury-free, perform at your best, and achieve your goals.

 

Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, improve performance, or optimize recovery, working with a skilled sports chiropractor can provide invaluable support and guidance on your journey to peak athletic performance. Don’t wait until you’re sidelined by injury, visit Sunrise Chiropractic in Twin Falls to start enjoying the benefits of chiropractic care today!


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