There are few athletic events that engender worldwide fascination like the Olympics, where the world's greatest athletes come together to showcase their superior athletic skills. They train for years, and when the games finally begin, they must be in top form. So how do they keep themselves in good shape under a training regime that involves day after day of grueling training? Many have found chiropractic care to be instrumental in keeping them in good form, treating injuries before they become a more major problem. Though chiropractic care was first incorporated into the official polyclinic at the 2010 winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, this is the first time chiropractors will be included as part of the official medical team at the summer Olympic Games, this time in London, working in the official Olympic polyclinics and at the venues themselves.
Chiropractic care has been proven to improve athletic performance by almost 17 percent. That's a nice edge when competing with other elite athletes. Chad Woolner, a chiropractor from Boise, Idaho, will be providing chiropractic care for an athlete competing this summer in London and says, "Athletes these days are in the most competitive atmosphere we have ever seen. Chiropractic care plays a huge role within musculoskeletal performance, protection against injury, and recovery from injuries."
Athletes will be able to utilize the services of official medical team chiropractors to treat any sudden injuries or for preventive care. For an injury, the athlete will first be examined by a physician in the polyclinic's emergency room or by a physician of sports medicine at the clinic. If any additional tests are necessary such as an MRI, CT scan or x-ray, they are available. At that point the athlete will be referred to a member of the therapy group, where chiropractic care can be used either alone or in combination with other physical therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathy and sports massage
Usain Bolt regularly utilizes chiropractic care to improve his performance!
World's fastest man, Usain Bolt, says that he is fit and ready for London's 2012 Olympics and is convinced his defense of the 100m title could trigger one of the fastest ever races in this year's highly anticipated sprint race. Bolt is a Jamaican sprinter and a five-time World and three-time Olympic gold medalist. He is the world record and Olympic record holder in the 100 meters, the 200 meters and (along with his teammates) the 4100 meters relay and the reigning Olympic champion in these three events. He is one of only seven athletes to win world championships at the youth, junior, and senior level of an athletic event.
Ktape on the big stage on display again this year...
I am sure most of you have seen that funny looking tape on athletes from time to time. That tape (called Kinesio Tape or Ktape) was make well known four years ago at the Olympic Games in Beijing. We often tape up patients and athletes here at our office. It works really real!
How does it work? Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management.
Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are
not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.
Here are a couple chiropractic patients you may recognize with the Ktape:
There will be hundreds of athletes getting adjusted and treated by chiropractors behind the scenes in London this year. Athletes at that level understand how important it is to have good alignment, help prevent an injury and help give them that competitive edge.
At Mason Chiropractic Health and Wellness, we help athletes at all levels achieve optimal performance in their sport through our chiropractic care, nutritional guidance, exercise programs and mental conditioning.
We are focused on providing athletes with maximum health and wellness that will not only benefit them on the playing field, but throughout their entire lives.
Athletes who are patients enjoy:
- Increased energy and performance
- Reduced injury rates
- Shorter injury recovery times
- Enhanced focus and mental clarity
- Extended athletic careers
- Clear understanding of overall health and wellness
Enjoy watching the games! Go USA!!