Skill isn’t the only thing that affects the body’s ability to run faster, throw a ball, or score the winning goal. A misaligned spine may cause performance difficulties, which will compromise range of motion, recovery time, and flexibility. Fortunately, spinal manipulations performed by an experienced chiropractor can correct alignment issues in the spine and help an athlete or a weekend warrior excel at their favorite sport or activity.
Advantages of Spinal Alignment
Many elite athletes visit chiropractors regularly for treatments that help them to improve their abilities naturally. Chiropractic treatment offers a non-invasive, medication-free way to enhance athletic abilities without concerns about harsh side effects.
A properly aligned spine offers you these seven potential benefits:
1. Fewer injuries
Misalignments of the spinal vertebrae not only affect the spine itself, but can also cause tension and tightness in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This tightness increases the risk of injury. Fortunately, regular visits to a chiropractic provider can correct misalignments (also known as subluxations) and help athletes and leisure sports enthusiasts to avoid aches, soreness, and severe injuries.
2. Improved balance
Correcting subluxations may also have a favorable effect on overall balance. A chiropractor uses gentle, hands-on pressure to improve the alignment of the vertebrae in the neck and back during spinal manipulation treatment.
3. Greater strength
Strength often begins to fail if there is a subluxation in the spinal vertebrae. Chiropractic care provides an all-natural, strength-boosting option. Research has shown that manipulating vertebrae in the neck can provide significant increases in strength.
4. Faster healing time
Correcting spinal subluxations can also help to reduce healing time after an injury or accident. Chiropractors apply techniques such as manipulations, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other treatments to reduce inflammation, ease painful muscle spasms, promote healing, and increase the flow of blood and nutrients to an injured area.
5. Quicker recovery time
Sports and other physical activities can take a toll on your body, despite how diligently you warm up and stretch before starting them. Without allowing a period of sufficient rest following exertion, the risk of injury may be increased. However, when the spine is aligned correctly, it might not take quite as long to return to peak performance.
6. Increased flexibility
Chiropractic spinal manipulation, massage, and other treatments can increase range of motion, reduce stiffness, and prevent scar tissue formation. Regular visits to a chiropractor may make it easier to follow through when you swing a racket or stretch a little farther when you dive for a catch.
7. Enhanced performance
Performance often suffers if your muscles are tight, your back and neck hurt, or you have a pounding headache. Fortunately, aches and pains stemming from spinal subluxations won’t prevent you from being your best on the field when you make chiropractic care part of your training routine. Your reaction time may improve as well.
If you would like to experience chiropractic treatment with the aim of enhancing your sports ability, a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD, may be able to help. He or she can design a comprehensive chiropractic treatment protocol to help you improve your performance and avoid injuries. Contact a chiropractor today to schedule an appointment.
Thanks to Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for their insight into how healthy spinal alignment can boost performance in sports.
