Hockey season means that your favorite professional hockey team is back on the ice and ready to make another run at the cup. Although hockey fans enjoy watching professional hockey, many also enjoy playing hockey. However, keep in mind that hockey can be extremely hard on the body since the game includes falling on the ice, pushing the body to the limits, and receiving crosschecks. So, after playing hockey, be sure to check in with your local chiropractor to receive a spinal adjustment for hockey players.
Ice Hockey is certainly not for the faint of heart. Next to football and rugby, hockey is an extremely high contact sport and players are at constant risk of injury. As one of the most physically demanding sports to be played in America and Canada, hockey players often demonstrate speed, agility, balance, strength, and flexibility while they play the game. These are essential attributes of every hockey player since they frequently collide with other players and often fall on the ice, which makes injuries that much more likely to occur.
Chiropractic care offers several benefits to hockey players of all ages and sizes. If your hockey-playing days are harder on your body and injuries have begun to filter into your everyday life, then a spinal adjustment may be in order.
To help hockey players understand the benefits of chiropractic care, below are four key benefits of chiropractic care for hockey players.
Reduce Pain from Injuries
Spinal misalignments (subluxations) can be produced by a hard fall on the ice or a hard collision with another player, and both instances can cause a significant amount of pain in various parts of the body. The spine houses the central nervous system, which extends to the entire body, so when the spine is pushed out of place by an injury, it can pinch a nerve and that can cause pain in parts of the body. Most hockey players may experience pain in their arms, legs, back, and neck from a spinal misalignment. Fortunately, a spinal adjustment for hockey players can help realign the out-of-place vertebrae and help relieve some of the pressure caused by the injury.
Healing Naturally
After an injury, chronic inflammation and pain may return, and scar tissue is usually the culprit in this case. The body can naturally eliminate scar tissue, but it has to be functioning properly, which means that the spine needs to be aligned. Chiropractic care aims to help the spine function properly as a way of supporting the body’s internal healing process. Scar tissue can also be reduced over time, and pain can be relieved through massage therapy. Massage therapy can be great for reducing inflammation, and many chiropractors also offer this service as part of their practice. Inquire about massage therapy with your local chiropractor.
Improve Range of Motion
A hockey player’s range of motion is important. However, a spinal misalignment can reduce that range of motion by weakening the muscles and tendons near the joints. Having limited range of motion could be the primary reason for unnecessary and avoidable injuries. When you visit your local chiropractor, the doctor will perform a test for your range of motion to observe your limits. This will allow him to determine the proper treatment to provide to help you may increase your range of motion. Depending on your condition, a spinal adjustment may suffice to improve your range of motion.
Enhance Balance and Coordination
The key attributes of all hockey players are how well they are balanced and coordinated. Balance and coordination greatly depend on the eyes and ears, but they are also influenced by the nervous system and its ability to transmit and receive signals to the body. A misaligned spine can cause a disruption in those signals, which translates to unbalanced and uncoordinated performance. A spinal adjustment for hockey players can help with restoring the spinal alignment to improve coordination and restore balance. The ability to balance on two blades on ice takes a significant amount of coordination, so having a properly functioning spine is ideal for optimal performance.
Most chiropractors welcome all levels of hockey players—recreational, competitive, and professional. In fact, chiropractic care is recommended for all athletes so they can perform at their highest ability without the interference of a misaligned spine and disrupted nerve signals. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain from sports injuries, recover from injuries, and help athletes reach their peak performance.
Call us today and schedule an appointment for a spinal adjustment.
Credit: Chiropractic Care Today, Patrick A. Loera