Chiropractic Enhances Sports Performance

A common theme between athletes both at the top of their field, and at grassroots level, is the constant drive to improve their overall performance. The more time and energy that is devoted to training and recovery, the more we can start to hone in on the intricacies that may be the difference between the colour of a medal, or just give the faintest upper-hand on a Saturday. But we can also start to better understand how the smallest of hindrances may be the reason potential is never reached, and performance is never optimal. 

When it comes to sport and athletic performance, the fundamentals are all the same. A fully healthy, and well functioning body will give the best chance of performing. Every single athlete, whether they know it or not, is relying on the communication system between their brain and body to control, respond and adapt. It is crucial that this communication pathway - the nerve system - is operating without interference. The nerve system controls every activity in the body by sending and receiving nerve messages, and it is protected by the spine. 

Because the spinal bones - vertebrae - are moveable, they are susceptible to stress, which can lead to dysfunction as well as symptomatic issues (eg. joint pain and muscle tightness). Athletic training can often lead to increased stress on the spine, either through acute traumatic injuries (eg. rugby tackle), or repetitive overuse (eg. golf swing).

Chiropractic focuses on the interconnectedness of every cell, muscle, nerve and function that the human body has by assessing for, and correcting these areas of stress and dysfunction within the spine. This restores the spine and nerve system to a more optimal level of function, which maximises the body’s performance and recovery potential. 

A study conducted in 2000 evaluated the effect chiropractic adjustments may have on reaction times. One group received the adjustments between tests, while another group only received short rest periods. While both exhibited faster reaction times, the group that was adjusted showed faster reaction times by 14.8%, whereas the control group with rest only increased by 8%. This evidence shows that chiropractic adjustments may have the ability to increase cortical processing, and the brain’s ability to control the body. That may be the difference between a world record 100m sprint time of 9.58 seconds - just ask Usain Bolt, who regularly utilises chiropractic care!