High school, college and professional athletes are increasingly turning to chiropractic care to help them relieve pain and stay fit. Many athletes in the Columbus area seek chiropractic care on their own initiative. However, there is a growing trend for schools and professional teams to either have a direct relationship with a chiropractic physician or have one on their medical staff.

Being a former high school and college athlete, I have a tremendous respect for the trainers, physical therapists and orthopedists that I have seen and worked with over the years. I also have an understanding of how chiropractic care, together with traditional medical care, has helped athletes, including myself. Does this mean that a chiropractor can help and prevent all injuries? Absolutely not! However, chiropractic care definitely has a place in the medical care of an athlete.

Many athletes began looking into chiropractic care in the mid-eighties. Quarterback, Joe Montana, was treated on national TV by a chiropractor before the 1989 Super Bowl. Following their win in the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers decided to have a chiropractic physician on staff permanently. Today, according to the NFL, all teams either have a chiropractor on staff, or have a chiropractor visit the team weekly.

Professional players are demanding top-notch care. Wade Boggs, after winning baseball’s World Series with the New York Yankees, was traded to the expansion team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, Boggs would not agree to the trade until the Diamondbacks signed a chiropractic physician to the team.

Golf great, Tiger Woods, is another example of what the benefits of chiropractic care can offer an athlete. Tiger Woods states, “lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer.”

Three-time winner of the National League’s Most Valuable Player, Barry Bonds, is another avid proponent of chiropractic care. He has been under chiropractic care since 1993. “Your body is being treated like it is supposed to be with chiropractic care” stated Bonds. He recommends that every athlete should have some contact with a chiropractor.

The list goes on and on. Mark McGuire, Arnold Schwartzenegger, Charles Barkley, Evander Holyfield, John Smoltz, Trevor Hoffman, Irving Fryar, Fred Funk, Jose Canseco, and the U.S. Olympic Team all use chiropractic care. These are just a few of current and Hall of Fame athletes that support chiropractic care in athletics.

Chiropractic care has made great strides both on and off the field. As you can see, many world-class athletes, college and professional teams implement chiropractic care in their lives. Athletes, young and old, I encourage you to consider chiropractic for proper care of your neck, back and joints. Play Ball!