The Important Role of Chiropractic Treatment for Gymnasts and Other Athletes

The Important Role of Chiropractic Treatment for Gymnasts and Other Athletes

In the Philippines, gymnastics has been gaining popularity in recent years, especially after Carlos Yulo qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Fast forward to 2024 and Yulo snagged two gold medals (in two days) in the 2024 Paris Olympics for floor exercise and vault victories in artistic gymnastics.

Putting the Olympic factor and the health benefits of gymnastics into consideration, it is safe to say that its fame is going to skyrocket in the coming years. In line with this, individuals who wish to delve in the said sport should seriously consider including chiropractic treatment in their training routine. By doing so, they can optimize their biomechanics, prevent injuries, and even improve physical performance, among others.

The Benefits of Gymnastics

Before going through the benefits of chiropractic care on gymnastics, let us take a quick yet detailed look at the benefits of gymnastic training. Two of the most notable ones are elaborated below.

  • Improved Muscle Health

Gymnastics is a sport that activates several muscles of the body to achieve certain movements. With this in mind, it can be a great sport for those who want to make sure that their muscles are in optimum condition.

A comparative study that was published in PubMed showed that long-term gymnastics training had a positive impact on the flexion as well as extension of muscles, which, in turn, improved greater strength and flexibility. In addition to all these, it also suggests that gymnasts had 30% higher peak torque compared to their non-athletic counterparts.

  • Enhanced Motor Skills

Gymnastics is a complex sport that is known to improve motor learning and physical response. A separate study that was published in the National Library of Medicine showed that gymnasts who engaged in strenuous training as well as trampoline maneuvers exemplified better motor control than those who performed simple moves. This, in turn, can prevent the occurrence of injuries, especially those that are developed from falling.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Good for Gymnasts?

As of late, chiropractic treatment has emerged as a valuable resource for gymnasts and athletes, in general. This, because of the fact that it offers a holistic approach to manage unique challenges that they encounter on a regular basis and help them achieve optimum performance.

  • Proper Spinal Alignment for Optimal Biomechanics

One of the most notable benefits of chiro care is correcting spine misalignments. It should be noted that even the smallest misalignments can divert a gymnast’s center of gravity, which may lead to poor execution. That is not all; it can also increase the risk of injury.

This is where chiropractic adjustments come in. They can help aid in redistributing tension (especially during landing), reduce mechanical stress, optimize nerve function, and so forth.

  • Injury Prevention

It can be said that in the context of gymnastics, injury prevention is one of the cornerstones of chiropractic care. After all, the biomechanical as well as physical demands of gymnastics–oftentimes consisting of aerial maneuvers, rapid twists, etc.–present challenges that warrant specifically targeted interventions that the said holistic treatment can deliver.

Chiropractic treatment sessions for injury prevention oftentimes include soft tissue chiropractic massage techniques as well as mobilization methods that are tailored to meet the needs of gymnasts.

According to a study that was performed by researchers from North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy and published in the National Library of Medicine, the aforementioned methods can contribute to the reduction of pain associated with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), enhance sports performance and recovery, or rehabilitate sports injuries.

Putting the mentioned factors into consideration, it can be said that timely chiro adjustments can aid in identifying and correcting spine misalignments together with other joints. Consequently, this can significantly reduce the risk of sprains, strains, and other gymnastics-related injuries.

  • Improved Performance

Per a study that was published on the website of the University of Bridgeport, chiropractic treatment can improve gymnastics and sports performance, in general, by refining biomechanics and coordination.

  • Refined Biomechanics

In simple terms, biomechanics is the function and motion of the body. A chiropractic doctor can evaluate a gymnast’s biomechanics and identify issues of dysfunction.

Later on, he or she can address them by means of manual adjustments that are complemented by corrective exercises as well as a healthy diet. All these can refine biomechanics and allow a gymnast to improve performance by enabling them to move more efficiently.

  • Maximized Athleticism

Chiro adjustments can drastically boost range of motion, mobility, and flexibility. Attributes that play key roles with regard to allowing gymnasts to perform at the highest level.

Therefore, by helping the said athletes achieve optimum spine alignment, a chiro doctor can help them maximize athletic athleticism and improve performance.

  • Enhanced Nervous System Function

A separate study that was published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that the nervous system plays an important role when it comes to coordinating movement, reflexes, and athletic performance, among others. In line with this, according to a study that was published in Science Direct, chiropractic treatment can protect the nervous system.

How? Well, the underlying principle is that any form of damage, strain, or distortion in the spine area can lead to a multitude of problems. Problems which may have a negative impact on the glands, internal organs, blood vessels, and others. That said, the objective of the mentioned holistic treatment is to harmonize the body’s systems and allow its natural capacity to heal itself function properly by realigning the spine.

This may eventually improve communication between the brain as well as the body. Consequently, such a benefit may lead to improved coordination, reaction time, and balance–attributes–that are essential when it comes to gymnastic performance.

What to Expect from Chiropractic Care for Gymnastics

In general, chiropractic care for gymnasts usually involves a combination of chiropractic massage, spinal adjustments, and rehabilitative workouts, among others. The initial visit may include an extensive analysis of the gymnast’s medical history, physical examination, current symptoms, etc. Based on that, the chiropractic doctor is going to create a customized treatment plan that is tailor-fit to the said athlete’s specific needs and objectives.

By focusing on spinal alignment, pain management, injury prevention, and performance enhancement, chiropractic care can play a crucial role in helping gymnasts achieve their full potential in the sport while maintaining their long-term health and well-being.

Summing up

Chiropractic treatment offers a holistic method to meet the specific needs of gymnasts and other athletes. By focusing on spinal alignment, injury prevention, and pain management, among others, it can play a very significant role in allowing gymnasts to reach their full potential, while ensuring both their short-term and long-term well-being are not compromised in any way.

At Posture Perfect, we help athletes and active individuals address the unique challenges as well as demands of their sport or any physical activity. Our chiropractic doctors can provide a personalized approach that can help them thrive.

Book an appointment now! Our friendly and knowledgeable personnel will guide you throughout the whole process and make sure that your chiro sessions go on as planned.

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A Breath of Fresh Air: Improve Respiratory Health with Chiropractic Massage and Care

A Breath of Fresh Air: Improve Respiratory Health with Chiropractic Massage and Care

According to preliminary data from Statista, from January to September 2023, 3.6% of deaths in the Philippines were due to chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRDs). The numbers fluctuated since 2017, with the highest reported in 2017 and 2019. The data suggests that a significant portion of the population is faced with a public health challenge.

This is where chiropractic care that includes chiropractic massage comes in. Such a form of holistic method has shown potential with regard to improving the function of the said system. While its immediate focus is directed on the musculoskeletal (related to the bones, muscles, and joints) system, its benefits may extend to other systems of the body, including the respiratory.

How Does Chiropractic Treatment Help With Respiratory Health?

In general, chiropractic care centers on the connection between the spinal cord, the nervous system, and overall well-being. The spine houses the spinal cord, which is a vital component of the central nervous system.

It can be said that, in one way or another, the said cord is an extension of the brain since it communicates every organ as well as tissues in the body. Consequently, misalignments, also known as subluxations, may hamper nerve communication, and, therefore, interfere with optimum function of the respiratory system.

This is where chiropractic doctors come in. They perform manual adjustments and other techniques such as chiropractic massage to fix posture problems, correct misalignments, restore appropriate nerve function, and boost respiratory function.

Simply put, by finding and addressing the root causes of respiratory impairment, the said holistic approach offers an alternative to conventional medical treatments. Something that does not require drugs, surgery, and the like.

What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Respiratory Health?

  • Improved lung capacity

Chiropractic doctors are known to perform spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment in an effort to boost overall health and well-being. A study that appeared in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) suggests that if done in the thoracic region (between the neck and abdomen) that has reduced mobility, the issue may be fixed and overall respiratory function may also improve.

While the experimental group is quite small, the potential of chiropractic treatment with regard to improving lung capacity cannot be denied. In line with this, it should be noted that changes in respiratory function post chiropractic adjustment may be higher with those with respiratory dysfunction.

Furthermore, while the reason for such benefits cannot be pinpointed, some studies suggest that the said procedure may boost lung capacity. This, by enhancing the function of the diaphragm as well as the intercostal muscles or the primary muscles that play a key role in breathing.

By re-establishing appropriate nerve communication to the aforementioned muscles, chiropractic massage and other forms of care can boost their ability to expand as well as contract, paving the way for increased lung capacity.

  • Reduced respiratory symptoms

A number of studies have explored the effects of chiropractic care on respiratory symptoms of ailments such as asthma. For one, a systematic review that was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics took a look at a number of research studies and determined that the said treatment may play a key role in improving asthma symptoms as well as the overall quality of life of patients.

In addition, another research that was published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health reported vast improvements in lung function as well as the overall health of asthma patients who receive chiropractic treatment that includes chiropractic massage.

  • Stress Reduction

A study that was performed by lecturers at the Universiti Putra Malaysia suggests that there was considerable evidence that an individual’s psychological status may have a negative impact on respiratory sensations. Here, occupational stress was a complex biopsychosocial situation that was recognized as a major health hazard since it manifested a disturbance of the respiratory system.

It added that respiratory symptoms related to stress included coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and so on. Per the previous study, there was evidence that stress heightened the respiratory rate, and someone who is affected by it may require the body to take in more oxygen from the environment.

The good news is that the spinal adjustments that are performed by chiropractors can correct subluxations (partial dislocation of the spine) and restore the appropriate alignment of the spine.

The said adjustments, if properly executed, may significantly alleviate tension and calm the nervous system. In turn, it can have a positive impact on stress levels since it can lower the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body.

Such a development can pave the way to reduced muscle, which can boost overall well-being. Plus, chiropractic care may also incorporate stress-reducing methods that include but are not limited to relaxation exercises, lifestyle modifications, and so on.

Factors to Consider When Turning to Chiropractic Care for Respiratory Health

  • Complementary Treatment

Chiropractic massage and care is considered a complementary method for respiratory ailments, which means that it should be utilized alongside conventional medical interventions. Putting this factor into consideration, it is best if a chiropractic doctor and a medical doctor is going to work hand-in-hand to discuss the appropriate methods for one’s condition.

  • Individualized Program

Chiropractors usually tailor-fit their program to the specific needs of patients based on specific needs as well as health history. They may utilize a wide range of techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and postural physical activities to address the individual concerns of patients.

Summing up

In the end, it can be said that the potential of chiropractic massage as well as other forms of treatment with regard to positively impacting respiratory health cannot be overlooked. They work by ensuring appropriate spine alignment, reducing inadequate muscle tension, and improving overall well-being, among others.

These are some of the reasons why chiropractor in Ph treatment is becoming more accessible nowadays. And, if you are looking to partake in the said holistic approach, visiting us at Posture Perfect Chiropractic is a worthwhile move that offers endless benefits.

Our experienced chiropractors can assist you with regard to supporting or improving your respiratory health. Book an appointment now and find out why chiropractic care is a valuable addition to your fitness plan.

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Chiropractic Massage and Care: A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health

Chiropractic Massage and Care: A Holistic Approach to Menstrual Health

Menstruation is a natural process that is experienced by millions of people across the globe. While necessary for reproductive health, it can also bring pain, discomfort, and a range of other symptoms. The long list includes cramps, fatigue, mood swings, and so on.

Consequently, traditional treatments such as pain medications, heat compress, and so on, offer appropriate pain relief. Despite this, many are seeking holistic as well as natural methods to manage their menstrual symptoms. Here, chiropractic care which includes chiropractic massage, spinal manipulation, etc., has emerged as a complementary method to managing menstrual discomfort.

This write-up aims to extensively explain the relationship between menstruation and chiropractic treatment, shedding light on how such a holistic approach can effectively and efficiently soothe symptoms and enhance overall health and well-being afterward.

Philippine Statistics

With a population of approximately 120 million that is almost 50% female (57.7 million), it is safe to say that in the Philippines, menstrual pain and discomfort are issues that should not be taken for granted. However, it should be noted that more data and evidence on menstrual health are necessary to understand the realities of the said process.

To have a bit of understanding of how debilitating it can be, let us take a look at international data. For instance, menstrual symptoms may reduce the workplace productivity of a significant number of American women, with 45.2% saying that they encounter ones that require them to take days off. This is according to a health survey that was performed by researchers from the University of Virginia.

In line with this, in separate studies from UVA School of Medicine, Flo Health, University College London, Technische Universitaet Berlin, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, data showed that a number of women reported symptoms that had moderate to severe factors that affected their work.

The long list of affected areas includes energy levels (86.3%), mood (86.9%), concentration (77.2%), and interest in doing work (71.6%). Bear in mind that the said percentages are only of those that were included in the survey. In addition to all these, of the women in the survey, those who needed to take some time off missed an average of about 5.8 days of work.

What is the Role of Chiropractic Massage in Menstrual Health

Chiropractic care that involves chiropractic massage, spinal manipulation, and the like is founded on the concept that the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The said holistic approach somewhat activates the said capacity by optimizing the function of the musculoskeletal system as well as the nervous system. The latter acts as the body’s communication network and it plays a key role in managing different bodily functions, which include the menstrual cycle as well as hormonal balance, among others.

The question still stands: what makes chiropractic massage beneficial for women with menstruation? Read on for details.

  • Reduced Pain

A case study that was published in Pub Med showed that spine manipulation and chiropractic massage are effective when it comes to reducing menstrual pain and discomfort. The patient who suffered from the said symptoms monitored her monthly menstrual cramps with the use of diaries. She rated the pain levels during four months of baseline phase and three months of chiropractic treatment.

The treatment phase consisted of manual adjustments that were coupled with soft tissue therapy. During the chiro treatment period, the patient encountered reduced episodes of pain and lower pain ratings.

  • Improved Menstrual Flow

Regular chiropractic adjustments may aid in the maintenance of regular menstrual flow. This is possible due to the fact that they can fix one of the primary causes of unhealthy menstrual flow: unhealthy nerve function.

Bear in mind that nerves are responsible for communication between the brain as well as the rest of the body’s systems. Disruptions may lead to vasoconstriction or the narrowing of blood vessels. When this happens, it may lead to hampered menstrual flow. This is because blood as well as the nutrients that they bring may not properly reach the pelvic blood vessels, which may pave the way to the aforementioned symptoms.

The good news is that chiropractic massage and other similar forms of treatment can significantly improve nerve health by effectively, efficiently, and safely realigning the spine and other body parts to relieve pressure and, in the process, reduce inflammation. These can enhance nerve function, which may pave the way to improved menstrual flow.

Simply put, without nerve disruptions, the whole nervous system can function properly, which can pave the way to improved menstrual health and, therefore, improved overall well-being.

  • Reduced Occurrence of Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea, or lack of menstrual cycle, is a condition that is encountered by most females (one in four women) at some point in their lives. But it is quite common among athletes, especially those who are involved in gymnastics, ballet, and running.

This is according to a study that was published in Science Direct. If left untreated, the said ailment may lead to abnormal eating behaviors and osteoporosis. While generally not a cause of concern, certain cases may lead to hormonal imbalances and even infertility.

Chiropractors can help address amenorrhea by fixing spinal misalignments. The said holistic practitioners may utilize the drop table technique to address the said condition. In the mentioned technique, the lumbar or lower back as well as the pelvis is adjusted in a gentler way rather than the usual chiropractic alignments that require a significant amount of force.

Summing up

Menstruation is a natural human process; however, it should be noted that it does not have to be a painful as well as unpleasant one. This is where chiropractic massage comes into play. It offers a non-invasive as well as non-pharmaceutical approach to addressing the uncomfortable symptoms of menstruation and, therefore, promoting overall well-being.

Simply put, by incorporating the said holistic approach to menstrual health, affected individuals–in this case women–can experience utmost relief from symptoms, and experience a menstrual cycle that is more comfortable, balanced, and everything in between.

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, and so on, during menstruation, then you should seriously consider visiting us at Posture Perfect Chiropractic.

Book an appointment now! Our chiropractic doctors and other personnel will guide you through the whole process and come up with a treatment program that is going to complement your health needs and more.

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