Olympic athletes turn to doctors of chiropractic

By Harris Meyer, DC

You might not think you have much in common with the world-class athletes competing in this year's Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, but if you're seeing a chiropractor for aches and pains from sitting at your desk too long, training for a local marathon or lifting your grandchild, you're more alike than you think.

Five chiropractors are part of the Olympic medical staff going to the games in BC to support the athletes. Dr. Michael Reed, a doctor of chiropractic who serves as a USOC medical director says "It has a lot to do with the requests of the athletes - they recognize the benefits of chiropractic in helping their bodies perform at peak condition." Chiropractors have been among the Olympic medical staff since 1980.

"There is an increasing demand for the expert care of chiropractic doctors by athletes of all levels," confirms Dr. Rick McMichael, president of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). "But chiropractic's unique, drug-free approach can also help members of the general public enhance their health and wellness. 

"In addition to the use of spinal manipulation and other manual therapies, DCs offer patients exercise and dietary recommendations, ergonomic tips and rehabilitative procedures - a full package of conservative, non-surgical interventions," he adds. 

Surprisingly, treating a non-athlete with aches and pains is very similar to treating an Olympian, says Dr. Ted Forcum of Beaverton, Ore., president of the ACA's Sports Council. Dr. Forcum served on the USOC medical team in 2008. 

Effective chiropractors will always find out the patients' care objectives. Is their goal just to be out of pain, or is their goal to function at a higher level? In most cases, chiropractors treat elite athletes to help optimize performance, not to treat an injury. In the general population, the objective of care runs the gammet.

Athletes understand the importance of maintaining balance in their bodies and full range of motion in their muscles and joints. These are just some of the benefits of chiropractic care that enable them to perform at optimal levels. 

With the rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine and today's emphasis on going green, many also appreciate the option for care that is drug-free. Chiropractic offers a natural approach to back pain, neck pain, headaches and the myriad aches and strains that result from leading an active life, or an inactive one. To begin your road to good health, you may wish to explore our website: www.BodyFocusHealth.com and we invite you to pay us a visit in person.

Body Focus Health Center •  580 Market St., Ste. 100, San Francisco 94104 • 415-956-3226

Posted via email from Harris' posterous