Many patients have been asking if chiropractic care can improve or help with their running performance and health. So, we thought this quick blog post might help all the other runners out there.
If you are a marathon runner, or someone who only runs once a week, chiropractic care can make a big change in your health. Major benefits include:
- improve your alignment,
- increased range of motion
- decrease healing time for injuries,
- reduce pain from injuries,
- minimize instances of becoming injured
- allow your body to run more efficiently
- help with relaxation post run
Research shows that 70% of people who run will suffer some kind of injury at some point while running. Keeping yourself in the best shape will decrease the chances of these injuries. The most common injury while running is the knee, but injuries that affect other areas of the body occur as well. There are many simple ways to prevent these injuries. You have to make sure you wear the correct shoes for running, and stretching to prepare your body for the run is also crucial. Letting your body rest from the strain of running by participating in other exercise types is also essential.
As a runner, you know the importance of taking care of your physical health; however, it is important not to overwork your body from running and extreme exercise. Ty to find a balance of running, rest and stretching. Seeing a chiropractor is another way to help your body recover from the strain running puts on it. This way, your body won’t break down, and it can continue to work towards your running goals.
A chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists (chiropractors) use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of this procedure, also known as spinal manipulation, is to improve spinal motion and improve your body’s physical function.
What you can expect during your chiropractic visit
At your initial visit, our chiropractors will ask questions about your health history and perform a physical exam, with particular attention to your spine. Our chiropractors may also recommend you go for X-rays.
During the procedure
During a typical chiropractic adjustment, our chiropractors place you in specific positions to treat affected areas. Often, you’re positioned lying facedown on a specially designed, padded chiropractic table. The chiropractor uses his hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint, pushing it beyond its usual range of motion. You may hear popping or cracking sounds as your chiropractor moves your joints during the treatment session.
We also use a chiropractic tool called an activator. The Activator Method chiropractic technique is a type of manual manipulation treatment used by chiropractors to treat various types of back and neck pain, as well as extremity complaints. This treatment method uses the Activator adjusting instrument, which is an alternative to traditional manipulation utilizing a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust, such as the Diversified technique.
Keep running, keep healthy, and keep your spine free of subluxations.
