The use of chiropractic techniques most readily comes to mind when people think of car accident injuries or chronic back pain due to other causes. But did you know that your chiropractor can also help alleviate or eliminate pain due to sports injuries and help the body heal faster? Here is a short overview of the kinds of chiropractic treatments specifically geared toward helping athletes.

Some of the Sports Injuries Treated

Chiropractic techniques are used to treat a wide range of conditions including, but not limited to:

*Disc hernias
*Back pain
*Knee pain
*Rotator cuff problems
*Tennis Elbow
*Sprains and strains
*Bursitis
*Soft tissue injuries
*And more

Treatments by a chiropractor can be used in conjunction with physical therapy during the recuperative period and in many instances can even eliminate the necessity of invasive and potentially risky surgeries or addictive pain medications.

Chiropractic Philosophy and Treatments

The premise behind chiropractic care is that the central nervous system acts as the – well – nerve center for all body functions. A chiropractor’s job is to make sure the proper function of the nervous system is not being interfered with, and then allowing the body to heal itself faster and more effectively. Many professional and Olympic athletes rely on chiropractic treatments to help them perform at optimal levels and prevent injuries, but should an injury occur your chiropractor can help with that too. Options include:

*Sports therapy to correct musculo-skeletal injuries and biomechanical imbalances
*Kinesio tape to help promote continued circulation during soft tissue injuries’ healing process
*Sports-centered massage to facilitate healing and help prevent future injuries
*Acupuncture
*And more

A Natural Approach to Overall Wellness

The most important part of a chiropractor’s job may just be after the healing period is complete. Your chiropractor will sit down with you and work out a strategy that will help to optimize your performance as an athlete while helping to prevent any future injuries. This may include a sound nutritional program, specific daily exercise routines and periodic sports-centered massages and spinal manipulations.

Whether you are an amateur athlete or a serious one, make sure to choose your chiropractor carefully. Not all professionals have extensive experience in treating sports injuries, and you need to make sure you put yourself under the care of someone you can trust. Look for a chiropractor whose practice centers on sports therapy and treatments and you will be well on your way to a healthier, stronger you.