Sports Chiropractic Treatments

What makes sports chiropractic different from other forms of chiropractic treatment?

The treatments a sports chiropractor uses are similar to the treatments a chiropractor would use on any other patient. They are just geared more toward the common issues and injuries that affect athletes.

The following are some common sports chiropractic services that might benefit an athlete:

Chiropractic Adjustments

When most people think of chiropractors and chiropractic care, they think of manual adjustments.

Manual adjustments involve the use of the hands or a special instrument to manipulate the body’s joints and realign the spine. When done correctly, they help to reduce inflammation, improve joint range of motion, and minimize pain.

They also enhance nervous system function so that the brain and body can communicate properly.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release (sometimes referred to as MFR) involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to correct restrictions that impede range of motion and joint function.

When they’re left untreated, these restrictions can lead to imbalances throughout the body. They can also increase an athlete’s risk of injury.

Other forms of soft-tissue therapy include Graston, which is an Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Technique used to break up adhesions built up within soft tissue structures.

Muscle Re-education

Some chiropractors also utilize a technique known as biofeedback.

The purpose of biofeedback is to help individuals gain or regain awareness of the way their body moves. This allows them to identify imbalances.

Once imbalances have been identified, athletes can start doing specific exercises designed to correct those imbalances.

Therapeutic Exercises

Chiropractors can also teach athletes specific, therapeutic exercises. When they’re performed on a regular basis, these exercises can expedite their recovery and help them get back to their sport of choice sooner.

Chiropractors often teach exercises geared toward improving posture and correcting muscle imbalances, which ultimately helps decrease the risk of injury. They may also teach exercises that help prepare athletes for surgery and will help them to recover faster after going under the knife.

Benefits of Seeing a Sports Chiropractor

Chiropractors can do a lot of different things to help athletes. What are the specific benefits of seeing a sports chiropractor over another medical professional, though?

Here are some of the main reasons why athletes ought to prioritize working with a sports chiropractor:

Injury Treatment

For athletes who are struggling with ongoing aches and pains or other injuries, chiropractic treatment can be extremely beneficial.

It helps to reduce pain, restore range of motion, and reduce inflammation so that athletes can feel better and participate in their sport of choice pain-free.

Injury Prevention

Chiropractors don’t just focus on treating injuries after they’ve occurred. They also focus on preventing future injuries.

A chiropractor can teach athletes strengthening exercises that minimize their injury risk. They can also help to correct imbalances that increase an athlete’s risk of injury.

Improved Body Awareness

For athletes, body awareness is essential. They need to be fully aware of where their body is in space at all times.

They also ought to be familiar with their specific muscle imbalances. This allows them to work on correcting them. They can also target those areas more carefully during practice or while warming up for a big game.

Chiropractic care helps athletes accomplish all of these things and more.

Holistic Approach

Chiropractors look at athletes (and all their patients, for that matter) as whole people.

They focus on all elements of their lifestyle, not just the specific injury for which they’re seeking treatment. Because of this holistic approach, chiropractors can address problems at their source and prevent them from coming back.

Drug-Free Treatment

Chiropractors focus on natural remedies for pain and other symptoms.

They avoid relying on prescription drugs, many of which come with a lot of dangerous side effects and can be highly habit-forming.

Chiropractors also don’t rely on short-term treatments like cortisone shots. These only mask symptoms and don’t get to the root of the problem.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Finally, sports chiropractors provide athletes with a non-invasive treatment option. No athlete wants to be told that they need surgery and will be out of commission for weeks or months.

Surgery is not always avoidable, of course. But, chiropractors can help to expedite healing and minimize an athlete’s risk of need such invasive treatment.

Finding the Right Sports Chiropractor

In order to experience all the benefits that a sports chiropractor has to offer, you need to make sure you’re working with the right one.

Here are some things you can do if you’re trying to find the best sports chiropractor for your needs:

– Ask for recommendations from your doctor or physical therapist
– Ask about their specialties and find out whether or not they offer sports-specific treatments
– Learn about their educational background
– Check to make sure their license is up to date
– Check to see if there are any complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau

It’s also a good idea to read their online reviews to see what other patients have to say about them.

Work with a Houston Chiropractor Today

Are you an athlete looking for relief from pain or injuries? Or, are you looking to maximize your sports performance and prevent injuries?

Either way, a sports chiropractor can help you feel your best and stay that way long-term.

Do you want to work with a great Houston chiropractor? If so, contact us at Elite Spine Houston today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

We have two offices in Houston and Spring, TX. We offer online scheduling, so it’s easy and convenient for you to come in and see us!