Fitness, Athletics and the Role of Chiropractic

In today’s society, fitness and athletics play a large role in millions of people’s lives. From the weekend warriors to the elite athletes to the individuals just looking to improve their health, our bodies need to function at an optimum level to compete without discomfort, pain or injury. Traditionally, athletes have demanded holistic, conservative treatment with allopathic, or medical and surgical care as a last resort. The role of the chiropractor is to prevent and manage injuries, and to enhance performance. Notable athletes, past and present, who have utilized chiropractic care include the legendary Babe Ruth and Muhammad Ali, the physical specimen Evander Holyfield, and other notables like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Carl Lewis, Nolan Ryan and Jerome Bettis.

Chiropractors focus on function. Our vast knowledge of how the musculoskeletal system works enables us to analyze a person’s body, see what is not working correctly, make the corrections, and allow the body to perform at a higher, healthier level. We look at the joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nervous system to assess for abnormalities. If they exist, the patient is at greater risk for injury or substandard performance. For example, the pelvis is a common area for subluxations, or joint misalignment, to occur. If the pelvis misaligns in a posterior or back, and inferior or down position, it generally renders the hamstring muscles on that side to be hypertonic or extremely inflexible. For an athlete like Carl Lewis, this would at the very least render him less able to stride and push off during those spectacular 100 yard dashes, and greatly increase his chance for muscle, tendon, and joint injury if left untreated. In track and field, a mere 10th of a second could mean the difference between first place at the Olympics and not finishing in the top five. This is just a small example of the influence proper alignment can have on our performance and lives.

Now performance is not the only role a chiropractor plays. All ages and both genders utilize chiropractic regularly for prevention and management of injuries. Chiropractic is used on the general population, high school athletic departments, college programs, pro sports teams and also in the Olympics. From the gradual onset of overuse syndromes such as tendonitis, to the acute injuries, such as muscle strains, chiropractors are trained to diagnose the condition and outline a course of treatment that will properly rehabilitate the injury. Frequently, a multidisciplinary approach is taken with the chiropractor, medical doctor, massage therapist and even physical therapists being utilized to make the most complete recovery. A prime example of this approach is pro football player Terrell Owens. Two years ago, Terrell suffered a devastating injury that should have ended his season. However, through the use of chiropractic, orthopedic doctors, hyperbaric oxygen treatment and a nutritionist, he was able to increase his body’s function, increase his body’s healing time, and was able to participate in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. He gave credit to each profession and realized “it wouldn’t have been possible without the use of each specialty” to reach his goal and dream.

Whether your dream is to compete in the Olympics, run the Pittsburgh Marathon, or just enhance your health, make sure your structural system is in balance before embarking on your path. Make sure your body is in optimum condition before you start any exercise program. Evaluations from your chiropractor and medical doctor will ensure that your health is not a deterrent from reaching your dreams and goals, and that you’ll have a more healthy, productive and athletic life. •

Dr. Hopkins graduated from Westminster College in 1993, is an honors graduate from Palmer College of Chiropractic and has served the Bridgeville area since 1997. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association and is a former president of the Bridgeville Kiwanis Club. Dr. Hopkins may be reached at 412-221-3232. Hopkins Chiropractic is located at 425 Chartiers Street in Bridgeville.