Taking a lesson from Athletes on the value of chiropractic care
Did you know that many professional athletes seek the care of chiropractors on a regular basis to ensure that they are able to perform their best during competition? It?s true! Many professional sports teams, as well as Olympic teams, include chiropractors as a part of their staff of doctors. The benefits of chiropractic have long been recognized as an important factor in keeping athletes healthy and performing their best.
Why is chiropractic so important? Subluxations can cause imbalances in the body which can result in lower energy levels, loss of muscle tone or strength, and abnormal joint and bone motion. Athletes are more susceptible to subluxations than most due to the pounding that their bodies take during competition. Even seemingly non-forceful actions such as swinging a golf club or tennis racquet, throwing a bowling ball or jumping on the ice can throw the spinal column off center and out of alignment. In addition, many actions performed by athletes can lead to repetitive motion disorders, resulting in pain in the affected area and limited range of motion. Chiropractors not only adjust the spine to clear any subluxations, but massage affected muscles to relieve pain and restore range of motion. It is not surprising to see why athletes swear by their chiropractors as being an important part of their training regime.
Source: Dr. Robert P. Gabriel , DC
Benefits of Adding Chiropractic Care to Athletic Conditioning
Better range of motion
Greater ability to achieve your maximum goals
Fewer injuries due to better flexibility and body mechanics
Improved reaction times
Current, up-to-date information on nutrition, dieting, and conditioning
Patient of The Month
Chiropractic is a lifestyle, not just a temporary treatment.Our patient of the month has come to understand this concept, and enjoy the benefits of a wellness plan.She has not only taken the steps to allow chiropractic to be a part of her health journey, but also encourages others to do the same.For this, we honor Sandy Bode this month, and share her story with you.
I first came to Dr. Gischia for treatment of neck and shoulder pain in 1999.I was having headaches almost daily, some migraines.I was working in the cafeteria at school and did a lot of lifting and twisting.The motions caused a lot of pain in the neck and shoulders and worsened the headaches.
I would go home from work with stiffness and bad headaches.Before I could do anything else, I would have to lie down for a while after work. My medical doctor and over the counter medications weren't working.They lessened the pain at times, but didn't get rid of the cause of the headaches and neck pain.
Chiropractic treatment has helped with my headaches and stiff neck.I can do my work with a lot more pleasure, and I even get to work in my flower and vegetable gardens with a lot more ease.
I feel much better and more relaxed while under chiropractic care.Dr. Gischia is a very caring chiropractor and has your health in mind, and the staff is great.I'm very glad to be a patient here.
I would suggest to anyone with headaches, shoulder pain, or neck pain to get chiropractic treatments and stay with a monthly routine of treatments to keep you aligned.
If you or someone you know is suffering from headaches, migraines, neck or shoulder pain, please encourage them to try chiropractic today!
Tips for Stretching
Before any activity, it is important to stretch. Here are a few examples of stretches to help prepare your body.
1.While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping you knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat and then switch legs.
2.While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch 3 times.
3.Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel toward your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg. Make sure to keep your toes in line with your knees.
Stretching should never be painful. Stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not bounce or jerk your body. Always remember to breathe!
Source: Michigan Chiropractic Society
Head's up! Concussions in the Sports World
Each year about 300,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries occur in our country, and most can be classified as concussions. Concussions can occur in any sport, at any level, and all are serious injuries. Signs of concussion include forgetfulness, clumsiness, appearing dazed, nausea or headaches.
Playing with a concussion makes you more susceptible to re-injury. And repeated head injuries can lead to severe brain damage.If you suspect a concussion, seek medical attention immediately. Keep your child out of play to give the concussion time to heal. And make sure your coaches are aware of the child?s condition.
Please ask to borrow our FREE materials to share with your family and sports team.It's also a great resource for cheerleaders, Pop Warner football - any sport and any age. Material is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & US Dept of Health and Human Services.
Remember, it's better to miss one game than the whole season!
