Chiropractic Care and Athletic Performance

Athletes often ask whether getting adjusted will make them faster, stronger or more accurate. The research does not support that claim, and it is better to hear that before you spend money on it.

A 2019 systematic review in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies pulled together 20 studies rated low risk of bias that tested spinal manipulation in healthy adults with no pain. Its conclusion was that spinal manipulation does not appear to enhance performance outcomes in people without symptoms. The one sport-specific positive result was a small increase in free-throw accuracy in basketball players. The authors noted that the studies were exploratory and only measured immediate effects, so that result should not be treated as proof of a lasting benefit (Corso et al., 2019).

What adjustments may help with

The better-supported use of spinal manipulation is for pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says it may help some people with low back pain (NCCIH), and the American College of Physicians lists spinal manipulation among the non-drug options for acute and subacute low back pain (ACP). If an athlete has a sore or stiff back, that is a reasonable reason to see a chiropractor. A healthy athlete looking for a performance boost has less to go on.

What this means for you

• If you have back pain that is limiting training, a visit may be worth it, and we can talk about what to expect.
• If you feel fine, training, sleep and recovery are where performance comes from, and adjustments are not a substitute.
• Sudden or severe pain, numbness or weakness should be checked by a healthcare professional promptly.

To book, schedule a visit or call 484.455.4664. Related: sports injury rehab and massage. Keep It Kinetic Chiropractic is at 3254 W Ridge Pike, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464.