Chiropractic: The backbone of sports training and recovery
Summer sports are here and as Rio 2016 and Wimbledon approach it’s not just the elite competitors who are preparing. An army of chiropractors is getting set too; and their critical role cannot be underestimated.
It’s well documented that in the run up to the 2012 Games Usain Bolt received chiropractic treatment to recover from his back injury and Tour de France winner and multiple Olympic champion, Bradley Wiggins, also underwent treatment. Not only that but Jean-Pierre Bruyere is the all-star chiropractor of the tennis world, renowned for his work as resident chiropractor for the Lawn Tennis Association and with Andy Murray. In fact respected exercise physiologist, Sean Atkins, estimates that at least 90% of elite athletes use chiropractic on a regular basis to prevent injuries and to improve their performance*.
But it’s not just professional athletes who can benefit from chiropractic treatment.Robert Garbutt is editor of Cycling Weekly, and as you would expect a keen recreational cyclist. 16 years ago he was told by his GP that the only way to prevent back pain when cycling was to stop cycling. Needless to say that wasn’t an option. He tried physios and osteopaths but with only limited success, until he was introduced to a cycling-friendly chiropractor. He calls this his ‘turning point’. He was back on the bike within weeks, and has been riding ever since*.
Common sports injuries chiropractic can help:
- Tennis Elbow
- Cycling related neck, back, knee pain
- Running related pain caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, IT Band Syndrome, patella (knee) tracking problems and hip bursitis
- Overuse traumas (neck, back, leg, foot, and wrist)
Stefan Gospodinov, experienced sports chiropractor at Life Chiropractic’s Rayleigh clinic explains more:
“Marathon running, sportif cycling, competitive tennis and triathlons place an unusual amount of strain on the back and structural system; but they are fast becoming THE summer pastime for active Brits. This means I am seeing more and more patients in practice who require regular treatment to help avoid injury and speed the recovery process following a particularly hard training session, or a competitive event”.
Top 5 ways chiropractic can help sports people:
- Improve posture & increase flexibility
- Reduce pain in joints & increase blood circulation
- Reduce the need for painkilling drugs
- Ensure spine and nervous system are at optimal level of function to help maximise performance
- Utilise range of natural therapies including ice, heat, ultrasound and acupuncture as well as advice on posture and lifestyle.
“I believe frustration should never be a part of sport, and enjoyment & performance do not need to be hindered by joint pain and dysfunction”, says Stefan. “As a trusted family chiropractor I help patients across all sports and abilities, from school age through to retirement. The aim for all is to treat niggling pain and injuries early, to prevent further trauma and to make sure they’re able to fully optimise their performance”.
Make chiropractic care part of your sports training & recovery regime
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*Read more on the use of chiropractic services at the London 2012 Olympics in The Metro.
*Read more about Robert’s story.
