Sports Chiropractor vs Traditional Chiropractor
Exploring Sports Chiropractors vs Traditional Chiropractors
For athletes who engage in intense physical activity, a sports chiropractor is an invaluable addition to your wellness regimen. Many patients do not realize that there are fundamental differences between a traditional chiropractor and a sports chiropractor. Fortunately, as a leading sports chiropractor, Sandusky Wellness Center in Sandusky, OH, is here to provide clarity.
Your Partner in Chiropractic Care
Determining whether you need a sports chiropractor or a traditional chiropractor can be daunting if you are unsure what the difference is. Both chiropractors are skilled in various chiropractic techniques. However, the main difference is their focus. As your trusted partner in premier chiropractic care, Sandusky Wellness Center is here to help you discover the right chiropractor for your needs.
History of Sports Chiropractors
Chiropractic treatment dates back to the 19th century. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that chiropractic care was implemented into the United States Olympic medical team. Since then, massage therapy, spinal adjustments, and other chiropractic mediums have become a monumental component of remedying sports-related injuries, proving to have transformative benefits for many different types of athletes.
Understanding Sports Chiropractors
In contrast to traditional chiropractors who treat general discomforts, a sports chiropractor focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries while optimizing an athlete’s performance and rehabilitation. Their goal is to get athletes back to their sport without pain as quickly and efficiently as possible.
What Does a Sports Chiropractor Do?
Sports chiropractors create personalized treatment plans based on an athlete’s unique needs and concerns. Their specialty as chiropractors for sports injuries enables them to evaluate injuries, diagnose and treat the injury, and provide rehabilitation without the use of drugs or surgery. Their techniques range from injury prevention to performance enhancement and beyond.
Key Elements of Sports Chiropractors
Sports injury chiropractors do not solely work with injured athletes. Some of the key elements a sports chiropractor can assist with include:
- Enhanced recovery times
- Faster healing
- Prevention of sports-related injuries
- Joint alignment restoration
- Enhanced range of motion and flexibility
- Improved balance and posture
Traditional Chiropractor
A traditional chiropractor is a professional who has completed eight to nine years of schooling, including an undergraduate degree in chiropractic medicine. These professionals are well-versed in an array of chiropractic care techniques. As such, they are adept at treating sports-related injuries. However, they are not trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of specific sports-related conditions.
What Does Traditional Chiropractic Care Do?
Traditional chiropractors focus on the health of the spine. They perform adjustments to resolve misalignment issues that may impact other areas of the body. The primary focus in traditional chiropractic care is to trigger the body’s inherent healing ability to encourage patient well-being without medication or surgical intervention.
Conditions Treated by Traditional Chiropractors
Traditional chiropractors are equipped to handle a range of posture, musculoskeletal, and alignment concerns. Some of the common issues treated by a traditional chiropractor include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Joint pain
- General wellness and stress relief
Sports Chiropractor Certification
Following chiropractic schooling, a sports chiropractor must continue their studies. To become a sports chiropractor, a chiropractor must enroll in a post-graduate course to complete a Certified Sports Physician or Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians course. Then, they must pass the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians exam to become certified.
Differences Between Sports Chiropractors & Chiropractors
While both types of chiropractors share a foundation of common principles, there are several differences. These differences include:
- The scope of conditions treated
- The patient base
- Their techniques
- Diagnosis and monitoring of conditions
What to Expect From a Sports Chiropractor
With a chiropractor specializing in sports injuries, treatment is custom-tailored. With a collaborative approach, sports chiropractors often work in unison with coaches, trainers, and other healthcare professionals for a comprehensive treatment plan. Furthermore, they strongly focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.
Consult With a Sports Chiropractor
At Sandusky Wellness Center, our sports chiropractors are here to help you enhance not only your quality of life but your athletic performance. From alleviating discomforts to improving your mobility, balance, and flexibility, we are here to provide comprehensive care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a sports chiropractor.