Sports and chiropractic

If you're training for a specific sport, your chiropractor can be a valued partner in your fitness. He or she can help you evaluate your body and the stresses that your sport places on it. The chiropractor can also alert you to the possibility of overuse injuries and symptoms of other serious injuries before they cause permanent damage to muscles, ligaments, and joints. To play your best, you'll want your spine, joints, and muscles to be in proper alignment, so you may need chiropractic adjustments to relieve pressure and realign any partial dislocations. The doctor will also be able to evaluate your diet and suggest vitamins or dietary supplements to nourish and repair your muscles after training sessions. He or she may even suggest additional exercises or stretches to help balance your muscles and prevent overtraining. Your chiropractor can treat minor injuries with heat and ice therapies, or electric stimulation. You may want to find a chiropractor that specializes in sports medicine, as he or she may have more specific knowledge of the body's response to certain sports and activities. A chiropractor can also counsel you on training strategies that best suit your body. Before taking up a new sport, it's a good idea to talk to your chiropractor about your current physical condition, especially if you've injured your back or other joints.