What does a sports chiropractor do?

What is a Sports Chiropractor?

Sports chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal injuries related to sports and exercise. They focus on the relationship between the body's structure and function, with an emphasis on the spine and its surrounding musculature, joints, and nervous system.

Sports chiropractors use a variety of techniques to help athletes and active individuals recover from injuries, reduce pain, improve their performance, and prevent future injuries.

What does a Sports Chiropractor do?

Sports chiropractors play an important role in the field of sports medicine, offering specialized care that focuses on optimizing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and aiding in the rehabilitation process. Their expertise lies in the musculoskeletal system, allowing them to assess and treat various conditions that commonly afflict athletes, including muscle strains, joint dysfunctions, and spinal misalignments.

Duties and Responsibilities
A sports chiropractor typically provides a range of services to athletes and active individuals. These services may include:

• Diagnosis – assess and diagnose musculoskeletal injuries related to sports and exercise, including sprains, strains, joint dysfunction, and other conditions; this usually involves a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and imaging or diagnostic tests
• Treatment – use various techniques such as manual manipulation and mobilization of the joints, soft tissue therapies such as massage and myofascial release, therapeutic exercises, and stretches to help athletes recover from injuries, reduce pain, and improve their range of motion and overall function
• Rehabilitation – provide rehabilitation exercises and programs to help athletes recover from injuries and improve their strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Prevention and Education – work with athletes to identify and address any underlying issues or imbalances in the body that may lead to injuries, and provide education on injury prevention strategies, including proper form and technique during sports and exercise
• Performance Enhancement – work with athletes to improve their performance through techniques such as sports-specific training, biomechanical analysis, and exercise prescription

In addition to these patient-centered interactions, the sports chiropractor may also need to manage administrative tasks such as patient scheduling, billing, and record-keeping.

Types of Sports Chiropractors
Now that we have a snapshot of the responsibilities of sports chiropractors who run a general practice, let’s take a look at a few sports chiropractor specialists:

• Performance Chiropractors focus on enhancing athletic performance by improving biomechanics, strength, and flexibility.
• Pediatric Sports Chiropractors specialize in working with children and adolescents who participate in sports and exercise.
• Elite Sports Chiropractors work with professional and elite athletes to provide specialized care that can help them reach peak performance and prevent injury.

What is the workplace of a Sports Chiropractor like?

Here is an overview of the sports chiropractor’s most common workplaces:

• Professional sports teams – A sports chiropractor working for a professional sports team might work in a team facility or training center, where they have access to specialized equipment and resources. They may have their own treatment room or they may work in a shared space with other healthcare providers. They may also travel with the team to provide care during away games and competitions.
• Colleges and universities – A sports chiropractor working for a college or university may work in a sports medicine facility or training center on campus. In providing care to student-athletes they may work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as athletic trainers and sports medicine physicians.
• Sports medicine clinics – A sports chiropractor working in a sports medicine clinic might work in a private or group practice setting. They may have their own treatment room or they may share a space with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists and sports medicine physicians. They may also work in collaboration with other providers to provide comprehensive care for their patients.
• Fitness centers and gyms – A sports chiropractor working in a fitness center or gym might have their own treatment room or work in a shared space with other healthcare providers.
• Private practice – Sports chiropractors may also work in private practice, providing services to individuals and organizations on a contract basis.

In addition to these settings, sports chiropractors may also provide care at sporting events, such as marathons, triathlons, and other athletic competitions, to help prevent injuries and provide on-site treatment for participants.