The use of chiropractic care among professional athletes has been increasing over the last century. Athletes are turning to chiropractic care not only to prevent injuries and speed up recovery but also to gain a competitive edge. Originally limited to use by medical staff for professional teams, chiropractic care has now become common across all levels of athletic competition, including high school and college sports.
The role of chiropractic care has evolved significantly. Initially focused on reducing injuries, its impact has broadened as research has shown that spinal adjustments can affect the brain, spinal cord, and muscle strength. This transformation highlights the growing recognition of chiropractic care as a valuable tool for improving athletic performance and overall well-being.
Here are three compelling research findings:
1. Spinal adjustments can positively affect the body’s pain processing.
2. Motor control and movement patterns can improve after a spinal adjustment.
3. Increases in muscle strength have been noted following spinal adjustments.
Resources:
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.