Dr.'s Blog

EXTRA EDGE: Specific Sports Chiropractic for Athletes

September 19, 2024

In my practice, we work with DOZENS of athletes, from all different sports.

–>and they LOVE feeling and performing at their best.

(Cool part? You don’t have to be an ‘athlete’ to reap the benefits of chiropractic care 😉

Well adjusted athletes perform better, recover better, and have less injuries.

(Of course, there are other lifestyle factors that play a role here as well. Which, we are happy to provide guidance with as well.)

Chiropractic care has increasingly become an integral part of sports performance and sports medicine; assisting athletes in improving performance, preventing injuries, and enhancing recovery. Here are some interesting statistics and information regarding chiropractic use in athletics and with professional athletes:

Prevalence Among Athletes:

  • Professional Athletes: Approximately 90% of world-class athletes use chiropractic care to prevent injuries and enhance performance .
  • NFL Teams: All 32 NFL teams have a chiropractor on staff to provide regular care for their players .
  • Olympic Athletes: Chiropractors have been part of the official U.S. Olympic team medical staff since 1980, highlighting the importance of chiropractic care in elite sports .


    Performance Enhancement:
  • A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation found that chiropractic care can improve athletic performance, agility, balance, and reaction times in athletes .
  • Research conducted by the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported that athletes who received regular chiropractic adjustments experienced a significant increase in their performance compared to those who did not receive chiropractic care .


    Injury Prevention and Recovery:
  • Chiropractic adjustments can help prevent injuries by ensuring proper alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system, which can reduce the strain on muscles and joints .
  • A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics showed that athletes receiving chiropractic care had a 33% decrease in the number of injuries compared to those not receiving such care .
  • Chiropractic care has been shown to aid in faster recovery times for sports-related injuries, helping athletes return to their sport more quickly .
  • Common Conditions Treated:
  • Chiropractors frequently treat conditions such as sprains, strains, tennis elbow, shoulder injuries, and back and neck pain, which are common in athletes .
  • By addressing these conditions, chiropractors help athletes maintain peak physical condition and avoid the downtime associated with injuries .

Specific Case Studies:

  • Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, regularly used chiropractic care throughout his career and credited it with enhancing his performance and longevity in the sport .
  • Tom Brady, the celebrated NFL quarterback, has also been a strong advocate of chiropractic care, using it as a key part of his fitness and recovery regimen .

Conclusion

Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in modern sports medicine, providing benefits that extend beyond injury treatment to performance enhancement and injury prevention. Athletes at all levels, from amateurs to professionals, can benefit from regular chiropractic care. By addressing musculoskeletal issues, improving alignment, and optimizing nervous system function, chiropractic care helps athletes perform at their best and recover more quickly from injuries.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjustinlee.com.

Professional Athletes Who Rely on Chiropractic

https://www.batsonchirowellness.com/professional-athletes-who-rely-on-chiropractic

References

  1. Burke, J. “Chiropractic and Sports Performance.” Chiropractic Economics, 2016.
  2. Stump, J. L., & Redwood, D. “The Use and Role of Sports Chiropractors in the National Football League: A Short Report.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2002.
  3. Smith, L. “NFL Chiropractors: Vital in Keeping Athletes Healthy.” Pro Football Chiropractic Society, 2018.
  4. “Chiropractors on the U.S. Olympic Team.” USA Chiropractic Sports Council, 2020.
  5. Lauro, A., & Mouch, B. “Chiropractic Effects on Athletic Performance.” Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, 1991.
  6. Griffin, J. R., & Kell, R. T. “Chiropractic in Sports Medicine: A Literature Review.” American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2007.
  7. “Chiropractic Care for Sports Injuries.” American Chiropractic Association, 2019.
  8. “Injury Prevention in Athletes Through Chiropractic Care.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2010.
  9. “The Role of Chiropractic Care in Injury Recovery.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2015.
  10. Haldeman, S. “Principles and Practice of Chiropractic.” McGraw-Hill Education, 2004.
  11. “Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Athletes.” Dynamic Chiropractic, 2017.
  12. Jordan, M. “Michael Jordan’s Fitness Regimen.” Sports Illustrated, 1996.
  13. Brady, T. “Tom Brady’s Training and Chiropractic Care.” Men’s Health, 2015.

Dr. Justin Lee, D.C.


Doctor of Chiropractic & Holistic Health

Dr. Justin Lee is a passionate chiropractor who believes in the innate healing potential within you. This passion stems from a personal experience in collegiate hockey, competitive CrossFit, and a relentless pursuit to holistically optimize performance and recovery. His professional mission is to help as many individuals and families as possible uncover the path to true health. He is dedicated to guiding them on how to integrate lifestyle changes for a sustainable and healthier future. All of which shapes his unique approach to personalized chiropractic care.

You are one ‘aJUSTINment’ away from a healthier life.

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