Chiropractic care for swimmers

Everyone enjoys a little dip in the pool. It is fun, engaging, and great exercise as well! And for some people, swimming is a competitive sport. In fact, it is among the most popular sports in the US today.

Now, whether you are swimming professionally or for recreation–know that you are susceptible to injuries. This is because swimming puts the neck, spine, and almost every joint to work! And your swimming strokes can often cause injuries in or around these regions.

This is why swimmers, especially those who swim routinely or professionally are advised to stay under regular chiropractic care. It helps keep the body in optimal condition–reducing the risk of injuries and improving athletic performance. The Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps, for instance, was known to opt for instrument-assisted therapies to help loosen his muscle tissues and keep them mobile.

What are the chiropractic therapies that swimmers usually opt for? If you are a swimmer, when should you visit a chiropractor and how could it benefit you? Let me walk you through it-

CHIROPRACTIC THERAPIES FOR SWIMMERS

• Spinal correction

Swimmers often come in for treating the subluxations and misalignments in the spine. It is central to any activity one may perform–let alone water sports. When swimming, the spine stretches with each arm that is extended for a stroke. It twists and turns as one swims through the water. And the problem is that spinal misalignments can make movement painful and less efficient for swimmers.

Chiropractors can realign the spine to its natural state–relieving pain and helping it perform better. Swimmers usually experience easier and more effective strokes following spinal therapy. Competitive swimmers, in particular, turn to spinal correction to keep the body in optimal condition.

• Shoulder adjustments

Shoulder pain and injuries are common among swimmers. Mostly because the shoulders are constantly in an overhand motion while stroking through water. This “overuse” often puts a strain on the rotator cuff and the shoulder joint in general.

In my office, I have worked with several patients to ease shoulder pain and improve its range of motion. Chiropractors can perform the right adjustments to help keep your shoulders flexible and “loose”. For this reason, competitive swimmers often undergo regular chiropractic care to keep their shoulders strong and prevent injuries.

• Hip adjustments

It is common for swimmers to visit chiropractors for hip adjustment or correction therapies. Because very much like the shoulders, neck, or spine–the hips are constantly at work while swimming. Especially since a good kick from the hips is vital for propulsion. In fact, it is often said that the top athletes in the pool are not only great swimmers, but also the fastest kickers. But misalignments or subluxations in this part of the body may cause pain and reduce the efficiency of your kicks.

In my office, I can work with you to adjust your hips and restore full range of motion. The right adjustments could help reduce pain and inflammation–allowing athletes to go all out with their kicks.

WHEN TO VISIT A CHIROPRACTOR?

Usually, athletes stay under regular chiropractic care as a preventive measure. This means that if you are regularly engaged in any physical activity, you need not wait till you get injured to visit a chiropractor. If you are a swimmer, there is always a chance of injuring your muscles, joints, or ligaments. Simply because of the constant and repetitive movements involved in the sport. While chiropractic care will not magically make these injuries disappear– it will certainly help keep the body in optimal condition and reduce the risks of getting injured.

Neck pain, hip flexor problems, shoulder instability, foot cramps, and lower back problems–are common injuries among swimmers. If you have been suffering from one of these injuries or any type of musculoskeletal discomfort, put a word in. Please do not try and “work through” the pain–it will only make the injury worse. At Lotus Chiropractic Care, Dr. Tanvi Desai will assess your condition and develop the perfect treatment plan for you. The focus will be on easing your pain and strengthening the body–for you to dive back into the pool in no time!