Chiropractic, sports is a winning combination.
Children pursuing athletics can achieve optimum performance.
by Dr. Michele Pelletiere

 

As children start to grow, their interests in sports and physical activity will increase.

Soon you will find yourself the personal "taxi" for the budding future athletes of the world.

It is very important for children to be physically active, for their physical health, their self-esteem, social skills and their mental health.

Before beginning physical activity, it is important to make sure your child's spine is correctly aligned and receives regular chiropractic care.

Dr. Ken French of French Chiropractic and the team chiropractor for the Florida Everblades, said "The role of chiropractic in the athlete's training regimen is to maximize the individual's performance, reduce risk of injuries, and, if injured, decrease recovery time."

Chiropractors utilize chiropractic adjustments to gradually remove nerve interference (subluxations) that may interfere with performance. By gradually removing subluxations, the body's nervous system is better coordinated and thus functions at an optimum level.

"Chiropractors do not duplicate services provided by Orthopedic Doctors, Physical Therapists, Trainers or Massage Therapists, nor do these professionals provide chiropractic services," French said.

Here is what some famous athletes have to say about their chiropractic care:

• In an interview with the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association, Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys said chiropractic care helps him perform at a higher lever. "I would say it definitely helps me perform at a higher level, because if I'm relaxed I am mentally prepared," he said.
• Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants said in an article in Today's Chiropractic May/June 1997 issue "by getting an adjustment once a week from him (his chiropractor), I feel I can sustain my career a lot longer."
• Dan O'Brien said in an interview from the July/August 1996 Today's Chiropractic "you obviously can't compete at your fullest if you're not in alignment."

Other athletes who have advocated chiropractic include Garry Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger and some members of the World Champion US Women's Soccer team.

When choosing a sport for a child, it is important to take into consideration the type of sport and whether or not it is appropriate for your child.

Regardless of what sport your child participates in, they should receive a pre-participation physical as well a pre-participation spinal check.

Children who participate in contact sports such as hockey and football are more prone to have serious injuries and misalignments and should be checked regularly (these sports are not recommended for younger children whose spines are still forming).

Sports give children the opportunity to learn teamwork, how to lose and how to win. Be on a winning team; get your chiropractic check up today!