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Category: Sporting

chiropractic for athletes

Can an Adjustment Help My Athletic Performance?

chiropractic for athletesBottom Line:

You may have heard that chiropractic care can help improve your athletic performance.

Is it true?

The truth is that many athletes work with chiropractors to improve their performance.

Chiropractors have a unique outlook on health and well-being that is often the perfect match for athletes and people looking to stay active.

Why it Matters:

To perform at your highest level, you need to optimize your body’s structure and function.

Sports can be highly competitive, so even a slight edge can make the difference between success and failure.

Athletes of all ages can be found looking for a natural advantage that can help improve their performance.

Exciting new research has shown that the spinal adjustments provided by chiropractors can positively influence muscle strength, balance, and endurance.

Here are three key takeaways from that research…

  • Pain can reduce your strength, balance, and endurance.
  • Spinal adjustments can improve joint and tissue motion, helping to reduce pain.
  • Increases in muscle strength have been observed following spinal adjustments.

Next Steps:

Being proactive by working with a chiropractor, whether you’re in pain or not, is a smart idea for athletes of all ability levels.

Assessing your movement patterns, making adjustments where necessary, and helping you craft an at-home exercise plan are just a few of the ways chiropractors help athletes like you improve their performance.

Science Source(s):
Effects of Chiropractic Care on Strength, Balance, and Endurance. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2020.
chiropractic helps athletes

Why Pro Athletes Choose Chiropractic

chiropractic helps athletesBottom Line:

For over 100 years, professional athletes of all kinds have used chiropractic care to recover, reduce their likelihood of injury, and even get an edge in performance.

And what used to be a secret is now well-known.

Chiropractic care is used by sports teams from high schools right up through the pros.

Why it Matters:

Historically, the medical staff of pro sports teams have focused primarily on helping athletes recover from injuries more so than improving their performance – that was left to the coaches.

Chiropractors provide a unique bridge between the player, coach, and medical team by focusing on injury prevention, mobility, and, yes, performance.

Pro sports are big business – athletes, coaches, and owners will always look to maximize their talent.

What began as a way to reduce injuries has evolved into a way to improve performance.

New research shows how spinal adjustments can influence the brain, spinal cord, and even muscle strength.

Here are three exciting findings…

  • Motor control and movement patterns can improve following a spinal adjustment.
  • Spinal adjustments can positively alter how the body processes pain.
  • Increases in muscle strength have been observed following spinal adjustments.

Next Steps:

Pro athletes choose chiropractic for many different reasons.

For some, it’s the focus on mobility – others are looking for a performance edge.

No matter what drives an athlete to seek out a chiropractor’s expertise, one thing is for sure: the use of chiropractic care in competitive athletics is here to stay!

Science Source(s):
The Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Cortical Drive. Brain Sciences. 2017.
The Effects of Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation. Scientific Reports. 2019.
Neurophysiological Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Spine Journal. 2002.
healthy exercise activities

Staying Healthy as a Weekend Warrior

healthy exercise activitiesBottom Line:

Millions of people participate in sports each weekend as a way to stay active and stay connected to their friends, but, inevitably, as we age, the likelihood of an unexpected injury creeps up.

So how can you stay healthy as a weekend warrior?

Taking proactive steps during the week to stay well can directly impact your ability to keep enjoying your weekend sports.

Why it Matters:

Weekend sports activities like a softball game typically last a few hours.

If you enjoy hiking or mountain biking, you’re probably looking at 4-6 hours of sports activities each weekend.

That may seem like a lot, but it’s a short amount of time compared to the number of hours you spend working each week.

That’s why taking daily proactive steps with your health are so important.

Stretching to improve your mobility, strengthening to improve your support, and moving through your entire range of motion can all help you feel more energized each day and potentially reduce your risk of injury on the weekends.

Did you know…

  • Regular exercise during the week may help reduce your risk of injury on the weekends.
  • At least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise is recommended each week.
  • Weekend warriors have a 40% lower risk of experiencing an adverse event as a result of cardiovascular disease.

Next Steps:

Getting older doesn’t mean you need to stop playing sports – you just need to be smart about your approach.

Building new healthy habits take time.

Utilizing your smartwatch or other health apps is a great way to receive reminders to help you start making getting up, stretching, and moving your body more often part of your daily routine.

Small steps like these will help you to maintain a balance of strength and flexibility that will help you continue to enjoy your weekends week in and week out for years to come!

Science Source(s):
The Underappreciated Health Benefits of Being a Weekend Warrior. Harvard Health Publishing. 2017.
exercise bucks county

How Running Helps Your Brain

It has long been recognized that exercise improves your health. It stimulates blood flow, encourages the production of feel-good chemicals, and develops a “positive stress” that causes your body to rise to the occasion.

exercise bucks countyBut the brain is one of the main beneficiaries of exercise, especially repetitive exercise like running. Whenever you run, that exercise increases the growth factors for the brain, which causes it to grow new connections between its nerve cells.

This helps to improve memory and learning, because the enhanced blood flow impacts small areas in the brain (the hippocampi, technically speaking) that are dedicated to memory function. The latest research is showing that these brain areas, which would ordinarily deteriorate with age, continue to function at a high level in runners.

When you run, the parts of your brain that create habit are happy, because the continuous breathing and rhythmic action, taking step after step, feels like habit to the brain, and the brain flourishes. This makes it easier to focus, because the behavior of running keeps the brain focused on a single task. The focus and habit centers of the brain expand instead of withering with age and stress. Instead of the distraction of multi-tasking, there is concentrated effort, which slows and reduces the aging process.

The combination of the increased blood flow, the production of these stimulating chemicals, and the application of focus and habit formation inspires the brain to function better, longer and more efficiently.

There’s another brain benefit to running – it’s the “runner’s high,” which is nothing more than the brain manufacturing more feel-good chemicals, like dopamine. They don’t only feel good, they relax, calm and please the brain, which translates into a generalized good feeling that affects the entire body.

How much do you need to run to help your brain? There’s no specific routine, but even a little running will inspire these positive benefits, so if you want your brain to last longer, work better, and be healthier, start to run – it makes your brain very happy.

exercising in montgomery county pa

Ease Back Into Exercise

If you’re going to exercise for the first time in a while, your underused muscles may not be ready for too much shock or strain. For that reason, it is essential that you warm up, stretch, and ease into exercise – if you don’t, you risk injury, which would set you back in your schedule, not to mention hurting a lot.

So, it makes sense for you to stretch and activate the muscles you’re going to be using in whatever exercise you decide to do.

exercising in montgomery county paFor example, if you’re going for a walk, then to prepare yourself, start by taking a few nice, deep breaths to bring air into your lungs and get your rib cage moving, stretching and relaxing the small muscles in your chest.

Then, gently and slowly raise one knee, holding onto something to steady yourself if necessary, stretching your lower back and leg. Rotate your foot at the ankle in both directions, then point your toes and lift them, putting your foot through all ranges of motion before coming to a neutral position. Repeat this routine on the other side.

Bend forward gently and slowly, only as far as it’s comfortable, and if you can, let your arms dangle. Feel the stretch in the backs of your legs and calves. Keep your knees as straight as you can without hurting.

Carefully straighten up, put your hands on your hips, and bend gently and slowly from side to side, only as far as it’s comfortable, loosening up your torso. You should find that after a few repetitions it gets easier and you can bend farther. Don’t overdo it.

Bend slightly backward, only to a point of comfort. Relax your arms and shoulders back, and feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. Carefully straighten up to a neutral position, and then rotate your body clockwise and counterclockwise, gently twisting your body, letting your arms swing freely with your rotation. Don’t overdo it, just feel your body loosening up with the gentle twisting motion.

All of this stretching prepares your muscles, your breathing and your circulation to start your exercise. It reduces foot and leg injuries, energizes your core and relaxes your lower back. Finish up by taking several slow, deep breaths, and you’ll feel ready to begin your exercise.

If something feels like it needs to be stretched, warmed up, or left alone, listen to your body. Don’t push too hard at any point in your early exercise. When you are in proper shape, there will be times when you may exercise very, very intensely – but not until you warm up properly, and not until you get into suitable condition to handle such aggressive movement. It’s great for you, but only when you are up to it.

Whatever exercise you prefer, be sure to get your body ready so you don’t hurt yourself, which would mess up your exercise for days, weeks or longer. Develop a good warm-up routine, and you’ll get the best results!

The Healthcare “Secret” of Pro Athletes

chiropractic adjustmentsBottom Line:

Entering the arena of professional sports comes with high stakes. The slightest advantage can make all the difference between coming out on top or coming up short while competing. As a result, most high-level athletes are in tune with every nuance of their body and on the constant hunt to find ways to improve their performance. It might surprise you to learn that many athletes have been using chiropractic for decades. From Babe Ruth to Tom Brady, top athletes rely on chiropractic care as one of the “secret” ingredients to their success.

Why it Matters:

Whether we compete at the professional level or casually, it’s likely that all of us are interested in achieving decreased pain, improved function, and increased strength. And new research indicates that Chiropractic care may be able to help in all three of those areas.

  • In a recent study, athletes demonstrated increased levels of strength up to 30 minutes after receiving an adjustment.
  • Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to provide more pain relief than a commonly prescribed NSAID.
  • People with moderate or severe pain have reported significant functional improvement while receiving chiropractic care.

Next Steps:

Even if you aren’t currently competing to win a world championship, you probably have a few healthcare goals in mind. Maybe you’re a weekend warrior, or constantly traveling for youth sports, or just looking to enjoy a higher quality of life. The point is, chiropractic care may be just what you’re looking for, to achieve your goals and we would love become part of your “secret” to success. Chat with us today about your goals, and together, let’s come up with a plan that works for you!

The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes. European Journal of Applied Physiology 2018

sports chiropractors in montgomery county pa

Why Do Athletes Need a Chiropractor?

Bottom Line:

sports chiropractors in montgomery county paPreparing, training and competing all collectively make taking part in your sport of choice so much fun. However, the common motions in many popular sports can place a tremendous amount of stress on your neck and back, and while your body is incredibly strong and resilient, it’s important to give your muscles and joints time for rest and recovery. As chiropractors, we are uniquely trained to assist athletes in preparing for and recovering from the demands of competition. We understand that the stress of training is different from your needs during recovery and we can help you stay on track.  

Why it Matters:

As an athlete, you’re pushing and challenging your body to improve your performance. When you’re training, we can help you stay on track by using adjustment techniques that can improve your range of motion while decreasing your spinal stiffness. During your recovery, we use additional techniques that can help with tissue repair, inflammation reduction, and accelerating the recovery process.

  • Researchers have found spinal stiffness increases during bouts of back pain.
  • Adjustment techniques intended to target soft tissue can help break down nagging scar tissue.
  • Improving range of motion in joints can help better facilitate the healing process.

Next Steps:

Now, you don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy the benefits of our care. We’ve taken the most effective and impactful techniques and put them together in a way that retired, active, and even soon-to-be athletes can utilize. Whatever your health goals, we want to be a part of the team that keeps you off the sidelines and actively enjoying the game of life. Schedule your next adjustment with us today!

Does experimental low back pain change posteroanterior lumbar spinal stiffness and trunk muscle activity? A randomized crossover study. Clinical Biomechanics 2016. The Graston Technique: An Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manual Therapy for Back Pain. Spine-Health 2013.

sports chiropractor in montgomery county pa

The Importance of School-Related Stresses on Our Children

Children are subject to more stress in school than ever before. Most kids experience the physical stress of sports injuries or sitting at uncomfortable one-size-fits-all student desks and chairs. Not only are the chairs uncomfortable, but the act of sitting is not good for the spine. With schools reducing the amount of time of recess, gym class, and other movement, children end up spending the majority of their days at a desk. They also carry unbalanced and ridiculously too-heavy backpacks, they bend their necks forward texting or playing video games (text/tech neck), and that all puts a lot of strain on their young bodies.

sports chiropractor in montgomery county paMost kids suffer the chemical stress of a poor diet, opting for sugary and salty snacks instead of fresh wholesome foods. And most kids bear the emotional stress of academic pressure, not to mention the social issues of competing with peers, seeking approval of friends, ugliness with bullies and trying to develop the tools for young romance.

And that’s only the average stuff that affects most school children. On top of that, each kid will have certain areas where he or she has magnified problems, like with their families, their health, food cravings and addictions, or just feeling like they don’t fit in. Add in a few bad health habits, like juvenile smoking, staying up to late hours of the night, and fighting, and our kids face tremendous stress every single day.

This excessive, consistent stress can take an enormous toll on our children. When you find an effective way to reduce or eliminate those stresses, you’ll be exposing them to a worldview of health and wellness they might not have otherwise known about.

Chiropractic adjustments for kids are a great way to reduce the stresses that have already taken a toll on their bodies. The adjustments optimize the function of the nervous system and overall body, so children will be better able to adapt to and deal with new stresses that they encounter too!

Why Chiropractic Gives Athletes an Edge on the Competition

Athletics are a huge part of our society, as we enjoy not only participating in them but also watching them. College football and the NFL are starting their seasons, baseball is in its stretch run, and other major events in soccer, tennis, and golf vie for our attention. With schools getting back in session, it is also time for fall sports to begin, and many of our kids will be training, practicing, and playing for long hours during the week. It is estimated that 30 million children now participate in organized sports including soccer, football, swimming, gymnastics, hockey, basketball and baseball.

In competitive sports, the difference between winning and losing is sometimes measured in milliseconds. Athletes need every little bit of strength, speed, and flexibility they can muster. They also need to stay on the field. Honestly, the best ability for an athlete is their availability. An athlete cannot help his or her team on the sidelines.

sports chiropractors in montgomery county paAthletes have been benefiting from chiropractic care for many years; however, it has only recently been receiving attention from the media. Athletes of all types, from the weekend warrior to the world-class athlete, utilize chiropractic because it is a drug-free way to better health and performance. It is not only about treating injuries. Athletes often seek care to prevent injuries before they occur and to improve performance. They want to gain an edge on the competition. Sean Atkins, a PhD Exercise Physiologist, states, “I would estimate that in excess of 90% of all world-class athletes use chiropractic care to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential.” Famous chiropractic advocates include Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Cole Hamels, Jerry Rice, Usain Bolt, and many more. All NFL teams employ on-staff chiropractors. So do 72 percent of PGA golfers and the majority of NBA, MLB and NHL teams.

Many injuries can be avoided before they occur. These are the sprains, strains, and other overuse injuries caused by small, but repetitive injuries to the body’s tissues, joints, and spinal column resulting in chronic health conditions. A major key in preventing injuries and improving athletic performance relates to the value of keeping the body in alignment and the soft tissues healthy. Athletes must move well. If someone has proper posture, then chances are that they will move well. Alignment of the spine and body are crucial to proper movement. Athletes such as sprinters and gymnasts often have very good upright posture, and it is not a surprise that they perform at high levels. However, many athletes that we see in our practice do not move correctly. They have tightness, immobility, and alignment issues in their neck, shoulders, mid-back, pelvis and hips. This is obviously not good and hampers performance and increases the likelihood for injury. For example, if a golfer does not have good mid-back mobility, then the shoulders and low back will take on more responsibility and he or she will be more susceptible to injury in those areas. He or she will also not be able to hit as long or straight because the mechanics of their swing will be altered.

Essentially, proper biomechanical structure allows athletes to achieve and maintain their optimal level of performance—safely and naturally. There is a growing body of research and case studies which clearly show the relationship between chiropractic care and athletic performance. A Canadian research team included chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of 16 injured female long distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, 7 of them scored “personal best” performances while under chiropractic care. A landmark research effort from the New Zealand School of Chiropractic and the University of Auckland, evaluated the effects chiropractic adjustments on reaction times. There was a marked improvement for the group that received an adjustment over the group that got nothing but rest. The group that received the chiropractic adjustment showed a decrease in reaction time of 97 milliseconds, representing a 14.8% faster reaction time! What baseball or tennis player, for example, wouldn’t benefit from a quicker reaction time?

At Radiant Life Chiropractic, we love working with athletes. We have 53 moveable joints in the spine, and when the spine is aligned well, the joints move correctly. Chiropractic adjustments help ensure that the body functions as efficiently as possible, which can maximize healing and recovery from all types of injuries. Chiropractic’s focus on the nervous system and postural biomechanics allows the body to function properly and to heal itself. The healing process always occurs from within the body, but research has shown that chiropractic has an amazing potential to assist the body in the recovery process. Because doctors of chiropractic are experts in the field of human biomechanics, they are very aware of proper posture and movement. By observing an athlete in action, a chiropractor can often detect and prevent a structural problem that can lead to injury or poor performance. Athletic injuries are often caused by improper biomechanics or muscle imbalances within the spine. Using chiropractic adjustments and specific posture exercises and movements, we aim to correct abnormal posture and aberrant movement. We want to regain proper postural balance and stability so that the spine will be able to withstand the load of exercise.

This fall as you or your child participates in the many athletic opportunities offered, be sure to follow the example of the professionals. Have your spines checked regularly, both before the competitions to enhance athletic performance and after sporting events to minimize the effects of trauma!

back pain in bucks county

Avoid Aches and Pains from Summer Activities

Summer is a fun time to play outdoors and enjoy nature’s splendor, but it’s also a time that can be stressful for your body. We tend to ramp up the activity when it gets warmer outside, and if we aren’t careful, it can lead to aches and pains. Here are three tips to reduce physical stress for yourself and your family this summer.

  1. Choose the right level of physical activity. If you are already fit, then you probably know that trying to do too much exercise too soon would risk unnecessary injury. And if you’re not so fit yet, then start at a reasonable pace – in fact, start slower than you think you have to, until you find out what you can safely do. It’s like staying out in the sun too long and getting a sunburn – you may not realize you’re past the point of no return until it’s too late. Start slow, and you’ll get in shape faster, and prevent needless suffering. Another thing that you can do is find a personal trainer who can help you in this process and get you working out smarter and safely.
  2. back pain in bucks countyUse the correct equipment, clothing and footwear to match your needs, depending on what you’re doing. Bike riding is great fun, but a helmet makes it less likely you will get hurt. If you run or walk, wear shoes or sneakers that flex with your foot, and give you good ankle support. Protect your skin from the sun with a hat and appropriate body cover. Dress in layers to respond to differing temperatures, like going from inside a cold, air-conditioned office outside into the blazing sunshine. And of course, remember to hydrate. Hydration is important for so many reasons in the body. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day. This will help ensure that you are staying properly hydrated.
  3. Visit your family chiropractor. Sports, yard work, temperature changes, or taking on more physical activity than you are used to, all create physical stress – and nothing is better to help your body cope with unresolved physical stresses than a chiropractic adjustment. Get a checkup for you and your family before you embark on your summer adventures!

We, at Radiant Life Chiropractic, would love to provide your family with high-quality, affordable chiropractic care. If you are in Bucks or Montgomery counties, then check us out. We serve Hatboro, Horsham, Warminster, Warrington and the surrounding communities. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 215-259-5100. Call or schedule online to request an appointment today! We’d love to get your body better adapting to the physical stresses of summer and move you in the right direction on the road to true health!