Article
High school, college and professional athletes are increasingly turning to chiropractic care to help them relieve pain and stay fit. Many athletes seek chiropractic care on their own initiative. However, there is a growing trend for schools and professional teams to either have a direct relationship with a chiropractic physician or have one on their medical staff. Being a former high school athlete, I have a tremendous respect for the trainers, physical therapists and orthopedists that I have seen and worked with over the years. I also have an understanding of how chiropractic care, together with traditional medical care, has helped athletes, including myself. Does this mean that a chiropractor can help and prevent all injuries? Absolutely not! However, chiropractic care definitely has a place in the medical care of an athlete.
Many athletes began looking into chiropractic care in the mid-eighties. Quarterback, Joe Montana, was treated on national TV by a chiropractor before the 1989 Super Bowl. Following their win in the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers decided to have a chiropractic physician on staff permanently. Today, according to the NFL, all teams either have a chiropractor on staff, or have a chiropractor visit the team weekly.
A research study conducted by Drs. Anthony Lauro and Brian Mouch, published in the journal of Chiropractic research and Clinical Investigation, 1991, indicated chiropractic care might improve athletic performance by as much as 16.7% over a two week period. The report also concluded that subluxation-free athletes react faster, coordinate better, execute fine movements with improved accuracy and precision, amounting to an overall better athlete.
Professional players are demanding top-notch care. Wade Boggs, after winning baseball's World Series with the New York Yankees, was traded to the expansion team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Boggs would not agree to the trade until the Diamondbacks signed a chiropractic physician to the team.
Golf great, Tiger Woods, is another example of what the benefits of chiropractic care can offer an athlete. Tiger Woods states, "lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer."
Five Time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong has been receiving chiropractic care since January of 1999, helping him to keep his body together for the harsh demands of the Tour de France. After last year's Tour de France, Lance said that he could not have won without his chiropractor's help.
Mastery of five skills - base running, fielding, throwing, hitting for average and hitting with power - is the standard of greatness in a baseball player, and San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds has reached that mark. Generally regarded as the best player in the major leagues today, he has proven himself, year after year, by raising his level of play to that of the all-time greats of the game. With a recent contract extension, he is now, befitting his enormous talents, the highest-paid player in baseball. "I go to my chiropractor on a regular basis, because I want to prolong my career as long as possible," he states. "I see him about once a week, in between my training (sessions). By getting an adjustment once a week from him, I feel I can sustain my career a lot longer."