Chiropractic treatment is best known as a solution for back pain. However, this versatile therapy can also be used to address a wide range of other issues and has grown particularly popular among amateur and professional athletes. This is because chiropractic treatment focuses on a particular body system, the musculoskeletal system, which is comprised of the bones, muscles, and connective tissues that hold the body up and enable us to move around. Athletes regularly push their bodies to the absolute limits, and sometimes beyond, making it unsurprising that injuries occur.
These can take many shapes and forms, but fortunately, chiropractic therapy can help treat a variety of different sports injuries, including but not limited to:
- Back and neck pain
- Strains and sprains
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Shin splints
- Golf or tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Stingers
- Dislocations
- Groin injuries
- Leg and knee injuries
- Shoulder, arm, and hand pain
Here are some of the benefits of chiropractic care for sports injuries.
Less Pain
For many athletes, their immediate concern will be getting out of pain. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment triggers the production of natural pain-relieving endorphins which helps to counteract the discomfort caused by tight muscles, trapped nerves, and other problems that have occurred as a result of the injury. Better still, you can even reduce or avoid the need for pain medications which can have side effects, and in severe cases, even become addictive.
Accelerated Healing
Healing requires a constant supply of white blood cells and nutrients to reach the injured area. However, some athletic injuries can impair blood flow, and this can make it harder to heal. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to increase circulation, enabling blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the area, accelerating the healing process so that you can get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Improved Range of Motion
Athletes are also very concerned with getting back to their preferred activity as soon as possible following their injury. Chiropractic treatment can help by improving their range of motion. Regular treatments help to loosen joints and muscles, break up scar tissue and reduce inflammation that can otherwise cause pain and stiffness, enabling you to get back to normal as quickly as possible.
Prevention of Future Injury
While injuries are very common in both amateur and professional athletes, there are things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of experiencing them. Regular chiropractic treatment is one of them. In addition to helping to treat the injury you already have, your chiropractor also has the specialist training and experience needed to assess your body to determine any areas of weakness which could be prone to injury in the future. They can then work with you to provide treatment that targets these areas and strengthens them, reducing your risk of damage in the future.
Better Performance!
That’s right! Many athletes who have regular chiropractic treatment state that it has helped them to achieve better performance in their chosen sport than ever before. This is because chiropractors can implement specific mobility training to improve and optimize your joint health and overall wellness, enabling you to achieve your very best.
For more information about chiropractic care for sports injuries, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Mount Airy Chiropractic Center in Mount Airy, Maryland (301) 829-1717.