Why All 32 NFL Teams Travel With A Chiropractor: Not Just For Back Pain

32 NFL Teams, 32 Chiropractors?

The National Football League (NFL) has evolved from leather helmets to a multi-million dollar business with high-performing athletes. Every part of the game has changed, and medical care is no different. Now, NFL teams have a medical team that consists of a head doctor, massage therapists, and several other advisors. Chiropractors see over 30 million Americans every year and are a surprising addition to all 32 NFL teams. The team chiropractor attends every game, going above and beyond to keep players healthy and injury-free.

More than back pain

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals with deep knowledge of the body that attend to the musculoskeletal system. Each chiropractor uses manual adjustments and spinal manipulation to realign the body. The understanding is that once the body is aligned correctly, self-healing can occur. There’s a common misconception that chiropractors only help back and neck pain. While this is an area of focus, chiropractors are skilled in preventative care as well. This skill is valuable for a high-contact sport like football. Having a chiropractor readily available has several advantages for NFL teams.

Supporting recovery

Injuries are common in the NFL, with 3,035 reported in a recent season alone. The medical team’s objective is to ensure the players receive the best possible care when injured. Some players will require surgery for ligament tears, muscle tears, and back injuries. After surgery, the chiropractor helps to realign the body, treating the issue at the source. These therapies speed up healing. While on the road, chiropractors can also look at minor injuries and perform adjustments. This additional care can help players head back to the field without painkillers.

Reducing injury numbers

There is a saying in sports that the best ability is availability. In other words, athletes who can stay injury-free can add much more value to the team’s success. The most talented team that avoids injury often has a successful season. The team chiropractor performs regular adjustments as part of recovery. If a player can pinpoint an issue during the training week, the chiropractor can manipulate the body to ensure the athlete is ready. On game day, the chiropractor can take another look at the player to ensure all is well. When the body is adequately aligned, the chances of injury may decrease.

Improving performance preventatively

With a deep understanding of the body, chiropractors can also practice preventative care. For players without apparent injuries, there are still benefits from musculoskeletal care with a trained medical professional. A few sessions with a chiropractor can help improve blood flow, joint function, and mobility. As a result, players have more energy, strength, and endurance for upcoming games. Manipulating the body just before taking the field can be a game-changer.

High-performance chiropractic care

Chiropractors have a direct impact on a team’s success. The game of football requires clashing of bodies, strength, and endurance. Due to the high injury rate, chiropractors can help players return to the game faster. Injuries often require a multi-faceted approach, and with a chiropractor, players can leverage the body’s ability to heal. Anyone who plays sports at any level can benefit from chiropractic care. Regular sessions could be the secret weapon to high performance.