Chiropractic focuses on improving the communication between our brain and body to allow us to function to optimal level. When this communication is optimized through chiropractic adjustments, it leads to an array of benefits that allow athletes to take their performance to the next level. Whether you are a high-level athlete representing your country or go to the local gym to keep fit and healthy, many studies have highlighted the benefits of regular chiropractic on your athletic performance.
- Injury prevention and recovery
Although we exercise and participate in sports, there is always the possibility of incurring an injury. Regular chiropractic visits allow potential areas of weakness and imbalances to be identified and addressed before injuries occur. Ensuring the spine is moving and ensuring the communication between the brain and body is flowing, allows individuals to be less injury prone in the pursuit of fitness. [1]
Unfortunately, there will be times when we injure ourselves as we participate in physical activity. Chiropractic care has shown to be a highly effective form of recovery. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, restore proper joint movement and reduce muscle tension, allowing the body to recover faster [1] so you can get back to performing at your best as soon as possible.
2. Improved muscle strength
Being able to move with ease and activating our muscles is fundamental to performing at your best, whether you are lifting weights in the gym, playing a round of golf, or going for a light jog.
A study conducted at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic Research Centre observes the effects of chiropractic adjustments on the leg muscle strength of elite-level taekwondo athletes. The data measured that the group receiving chiropractic adjustments had an 8% increase in muscle strength, comparatively the group receiving sham treatment, had a 4% reduction in muscle strength [2].
With a mobile body, athletes can perform at a higher level in their respective sports. A study done on young male running athletes explores the effects chiropractic adjustments have on running. The results implied chiropractic adjustments improved the movement of the hips thus amplifying the running step [3]. Whether you are looking to improve your 5km running time or squat heavier, optimizing the movement of your joints is essential. This can be the difference it takes to get an edge over your competitors or simply reach your performance goal.
3. Mental health benefits
When we are not mentally at our best, it can have a drastic effect on our performance. Any athlete looking to stay at the top of their game needs to be alert, and have clarity of thought and awareness.
The function of the brain is essential to optimize these three factors. Cerebrospinal fluid functions to detoxify the brain and provide it with oxygen and nutrients. Through chiropractic adjustments, the transport of this fluid is improved, generating improved brain function. Many studies have shown chiropractic to provide sustained clarity of thought, mental alertness, and awareness [4]. With an A+ mental game, nothing is holding you back from being at your athletic best!
Many of the world’s top athletes receive regular chiropractic care, Usain Bolt, Valerie Adams, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and almost all of the teams in the NBA (National Basketball Association) and NFL (American National Football League). These people are the best at what they do and if you want to take your performance to the next level, contact us today to book an appointment!
Written by Dr Anil Kishor – B Chiro
REFERENCES
- Miners, A. L. (2010). Chiropractic treatment and the enhancement of sport performance: a narrative literature review. The Journal Of Canadian Chiropractic Association , 54(4), 210–221.
- Christiansen, T. L., Niazi, I. K., Holt, K., Nedergaard, R. W., Duehr, J., Allen, K., Marshall, P., Türker, K. S., Hartvigsen, J., & Haavik, H. (2018). The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(4), 737–749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-018-3799-x
- Sandell, J., Palmgren, P. J., & Björndahl, L. (2008). Effect of chiropractic treatment on hip extension ability and running velocity among young male running athletes. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(2), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcme.2008.02.003
- Ideal Spine. (2022, December 27). How chiropractic care affects psychological stress. Chiropractic BioPhysics. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://idealspine.com/how-chiropractic-care-affects-psychological-stress/
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