How A Chiropractor Can Benefit Olympics Athletes
Chiropractic Treatment Wins Gold In London Olympics
The world finally knows the value of chiropractic treatment. At this year’s Summer Olympics, as well as at the 2008 Summer Games, chiropractors can be found in the same treatment areas as medical doctors. This is a huge step-up from prior Olympics where chiropractic treatment was grouped with what I call the “feel good” folks like massage therapists, acupuncturists, and nutritionists. We are so much more!
Chiropractors Help Athletes Maximize Performance
Chiropractors who specialize in treating athletes are known as Functional Chiropractic Neurologists, and they can play a key role in maximizing performance levels for the Games. Because Olympic athletes push their bodies hard, they need to make sure that their muscles and joints are working at optimum levels beyond what a non-athlete would need.
For example, lack of alignment in the low back and hips of runners means that their feet can flair out with every step. Eventually, they will not run in a straight line but will start listing to the right or left which will slow their performance.
As runners move around the track, their brain tells them to keep moving to the left to a certain degree. If there’s an alignment issue then this movement may be over- or under-exaggerated, causing the body to take extra steps and impact the athlete’s overall performance.
This is true for bikers and swimmers, as well. Chiropractors will focus on making sure that the upper extremities are aligned in swimmers so fewer strokes are needed during an event.
Chiropractic Treatment Is Becoming Mainstream Care For Professional Athletes
Beyond the Olympics, chiropractic care is being seen as a higher level of medical treatment and is now considered mainstream for all athletes. Almost every NHL, NFL, MLB, and MBA team uses chiropractic treatment. Of the 120 different teams in these groups, at least 105 have an on-staff chiropractor working directly with them.
As part of their training and treatment, professional athletes will have chiropractic treatment before, during, and after an event, be it during training or an actual competition. Getting treatment multiple times a day keeps their conditioning ultra fine-tuned to an optimum level.
Additional Benefits Of Regular Chiropractic Care
Athletes under the care of a chiropractor will have increased body stability, improved coordination of movement, better oxygen transportation throughout their bodies, and more overall stamina. But that’s not all. This treatment also improves the neurological senses: better visual and auditory acuity to know where they are in relation to their competitors and overall better reaction time to take advantage of every opportunity.
Chiropractic treatment is a proven way to keep your body functioning at peak performance, whether you’re an athlete or just someone who values overall good health.
If you’re an athlete looking for a Virginia Beach chiropractor, I can help you reach and maintain a higher level of performance. Call me today at 757-473-9900 to set up an appointment!
