Athletes
seek chiropractic care for better performance
As more athletes discover the benefits of chiropractic care,
not only for injuries, but also for increased performance, more
athletes and teams are using chiropractic to gain an important
edge.ÊA study published in the March/April 2002 issue of the
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological TherapeuticsÊexamined
the usage of chiropractic care by National Football League teams
throughout the United States.
The Journal article reported on the results of a survey of NFL
trainers on their usage and referral to chiropractic care. Participants
of the survey were head athletic trainers of the 36 National
Football League teams. They were all men and all had at least
17 years of experience. The results of the survey showed that
45% percent of the trainers themselves have been treated by a
chiropractor.ÊPresently 31 percent of NFL teams use chiropractors
in an official capacity as part of their staffs. However, even
though not necessarily on the staff of the NFL team a full 77
percent of the trainers have referred to a chiropractor for evaluation
or treatment.Ê Probably the most telling result of the survey
is that 100 percent of trainers agree that players use chiropractic
care without referral from team medical staff.
In the October 16, 1998 issue of the USA Today, was an article
that featured Emmitt Smith, a football star from the Dallas Cowboys.
Emmitt Smith is one of the best players in the game and was in
his ninth season as a professional. The article discusses his
healthy lifestyle, which includes regular chiropractic care. “I
started doing this about four or five years ago," Smith
said. "I believe that what I'm doing is what helps me go
on.”
Smith joins an ever-growing list of professional athletes who
regularly receive chiropractic adjustments. In June during the
NBA basketball finals star players Scottie Pippin and John Stockton
were among those who received chiropractic care during breaks
in the sixth and final game of the championship series. Even
world heavyweight champion boxer Evander Holyfield has been under
care for years and regularly receives adjustments during training,
as well as immediately prior to his fights. These athletes and
many more recognize the importance of a subluxationÊfree body
for maximum performance and health.
With the upcoming school sports seasons upon us, it is important
that our young athletes and cheerleaders have their spines checked
for spinal misalignment (subluxation).ÊGone untreated this menacing
problem causes untold health problems.ÊIn over 10 years of practice,
I have worked with a number of young athletes. They respond well
and quickly to our gentle, specific technique.ÊMore frequently,
however, I see them years after the initial injury, when they
develop chronic back pain with or without sciatica, neck or shoulder
pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic fatigue,
to name a few.ÊThese individuals usually do not relate their
symptom to the initial injury sustained during their high school
or recreational athletics. Premature wear and tear of spinal
joints can be prevented with the early detection and correction
of spinal misalignment.
Several retired high school and college athletes, who have been
my patients, credit their performance at tennis and golf to their
chiropractic care.ÊWe will talk about the benefits of Chiropractic
Care on young and mature athletes alike Thursday, Sept. 30, at
3 p.m. at Heritage of Peachtree Retirement & Assisted Living
Center, 1967 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, or call for a free consultation
at our office,ÊDurden Chiropractic Clinic, 1130 Senoia Road,
Suite B-4, Tyrone at 770-460-2036.
