Sports are a fun way for kids to stay active and get exercise, but they can also put a lot of stress on the muscles and spine. Often, this leads to injuries that are difficult to heal or even worsen if left untreated. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help reduce the risk of injuries and improve overall performance for athletes of all ages.
Whether your child is playing football, volleyball, baseball, tennis or any other sport, they are at risk of injury. Many of these injuries are the result of contact with other players, equipment or the ground. In addition, the repetitive motions of sports like running and jumping can also lead to muscle strain and joint pain.
A chiropractor can identify and treat these issues to reduce the risk of injury and speed up recovery times. In fact, a study found that athletes under chiropractic care experienced 75% faster healing time than those who did not receive chiropractic care. This is because a chiropractor can address the source of the problem by using spinal manipulation, physical therapy and other techniques.
Injuries in sports can be categorized into two types: those caused by sudden collisions or falls, and those that develop gradually over time due to overuse. Common sports injuries include muscle sprains and strains, dislocated joints and tears in the ligaments that hold joints together. A chiropractor can identify these problems and treat them with spinal manipulation, physical therapy, massage and other techniques.
Chiropractors also help regulate sleep cycles, which is critical for allowing the body to heal. This is especially important for athletes who are on strict schedules and cannot afford to spend a lot of time out of the game. A chiropractor can also detect problems before they develop into serious or chronic injuries, preventing them from getting worse.
Lastly, a chiropractor can provide drug-free pain relief for athletic injuries. This is important for athletes as most pain medications can be addictive, have side effects and aren’t always effective at masking the underlying problem. A chiropractor can locate the source of the pain and provide medication-free pain relief so your child can return to the field or court more quickly.
Chiropractic care can benefit athletes of all ages, from high school to professional. By enhancing balance and alignment and improving the brain-body connection, chiropractic can improve the ability to recover from sports injuries more quickly and cut down on downtime. If you’re interested in learning more about how chiropractic care can boost your athlete’s performance and prevent injury, contact Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine. Our Atlanta family chiropractor can assess your child’s injuries and develop a treatment plan that works for them.