Most of the greatest benefits achieved with Chiropractic adjustments go well beyond the alleviation of pain in the back, neck, or extremities. Many photographs capture Usain Bolt, the fastest person in the world, receiving Chiropractic care during warm ups or shortly before competition. Bolt and other athletes representing the highest levels of worldly competition make Chiropractic care a staple of their training regimen. Golfers, basketball players, wrestlers, and athletes in virtually every sport utilize the unique benefits of Chiropractic care. In addition to improving motion and reaction time, chiropractic adjustments also aid in recovery and allow athletes to push themselves in training sessions to achieve greater gains in preparation for the spotlight of competition. Coaches in all sports love Chiropractic because they know that Chiropractic care helps their athletes prevent injury and recover more fully and quickly.

Other benefits of regular Chiropractic adjustments include improved nervous system function, mobility, balance, and reaction time. These assets help maximize athletic performance in professional and recreational competitors. A study published in 2015 split a group of female athletes into two groups. One group received specific adjustments to areas of misalignment in a pelvic bone. The other group received functional muscle stretching to relieve soft tissue imbalances in the lower back. The results showed that elite female athletes receiving a Chiropractic adjustment to their pelvis experienced an increase in vertical jump height when compared to a control group. The group receiving additional stretching exhibited no change in vertical jump height while the group that received Chiropractic spinal adjustments experienced an average increase of 3.6 centimeters to their vertical jump height. Evidentiary studies continue to mirror previously produced evidence that Chiropractic adjustments unlock kinetic potential in the body.

Chiropractors do not seek to treat a condition, pain, or vertical jump height impairment. The purpose of Chiropractic adjustments focuses on restoring motion in the bones and joints of the spine. By improving movement and joint integrity, the health of nervous system impulses from brain to body improve due to the intimate connection between the spine and the brain. Appropriate alignment and movement in the spine alleviate pressure and negative feedback into and out of the brain. The brain better perceives internal and external needs as the spine becomes more well-adjusted. Every athlete of every level of competition, both professional, and recreational, deserves to understand the positive impact of whole-body health which comes from Chiropractic care. Access to regular spinal adjustments improves function and performance. Unlock greater potential with Chiropractic.

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Years ago after my wife first began getting regular Chiropractic adjustments.  As a result, her marathon time decreased by over 15 minutes. She set a new personal record of 3 hours and 16 minutes for running 26.2 miles. That’s a 16 minute improvement!

The research on Chiropractic is very profound and proves that sports performance is a key benefit of getting adjusted.

Chiropractic adjustments deliver results that no other pill, potion, lotion, or therapy can provide. In fact, a study in 2011 showed that Chiropractic increases Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a pre-cursor for energy in the body.

Higher levels of oxygen in the blood and tissues help increase healing and recovery.  This is another proven benefit from a specific Chiropractic adjustment.

A patient began bringing her two year old son into our office for Chiropractic care. The boy had been diagnosed as autistic and the previous year of his mom’s life had been a living hell. She told me that she found herself resenting her son because of his health and behavior. After just two months of care, she pulled me aside with tears in her eyes to say that her son’s behavior and health had improved. As a result, she felt the hardness and hurt inside herself transforming back into the love of a mother. Some of us cannot even fathom the idea that we could not love our children as God intended. But this is a reality for many parents and guardians.

Everyone from babies and parents to runners and golfers can experience the improved quality of life and performance that Chiropractic gives.

The research continues to prove what all people need to know: Chiropractic delivers.

The post When It Comes to Sports Performance… Chiropractic Delivers Like Nothing Else first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

New research helps explain why Chiropractic uniquely benefits short and long-distance runners.

Research published in January proved that an adjustment increased muscle strength and corticospinal excitability to muscles in elite athletes.  The increased muscle force and the increased corticospinal excitability helped athletes gain an edge over their competitors. Utilizing Chiropractic spinal adjustments as part of training also enabled athletes to train harder and with greater strength and precision.

Chiropractic care helps runners in a multitude of ways.

The component that the majority of athletes and coaches understand involves the improvement of motion and biomechanics. Chiropractic adjustments improve motion in the spine and joints, increasing the ease of movement and efficiency of body biomechanics. Greater mobility and range of motion minimizes the risk of injury within the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractic also improves postural and spinal alignment. The improvement of alignment minimizes unnecessary wear and tear on joints like good axel alignment on a car. Research also indicated that Chiropractic care maximizes muscle strength and corticospinal excitability. This means that an adjustment improves the amount of electrical activity from the brain to the body by improving alignment and movement of the spine. The increased electrical activity produces greater strength in the muscles of the leg.

The spine maintains an intimate relationship with the brain and central nervous system.

Proper alignment and movement help maximize the function of the spine and nervous system. The rigorous training involved with daily running creates a need for routine nervous system maintenance. Wear and tear on the spine and body biomechanics from hitting the pavement necessitate proper care for the spine and posture.

The most foundational aspect of training involves the body’s ability to continually work, recover, and improve on the previous day, week, and month. Passionate runners deserve every opportunity to maximize training and recovery while limiting the risk of injury. Healing and repair between long runs or short bouts of intense training require the body to be functioning at optimal levels. Key components like nutrition, sleep, and running biomechanics become more enhanced and productive when combined with Chiropractic. Running for recreation or competition become metaphors for longevity and endurance on both the track and in real life. Chiropractic offers the opportunity to not only perform at peak levels but also maintain a long-term lifestyle that allows runners to maintain their passion and their health into advanced age. Whether training for a race or for the long-term life experience, Chiropractic helps finish the race well.

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When I was in grad school, it was nothing for me to go on a long run in the morning and then hit the weights pretty heavily in the afternoon. Exercise is my Prozac and increasing the stress levels, just means I need more exercise to combat it.  Some years later, I have been forced to dial it back a bit and have also changed the type of workouts I perform.  When I was younger, it was all about aesthetics for me.  My main motivation for working out was to look good and feel good.  I exercised for image, but now I perform exercises for functional strength and stamina.

It was just over a year ago that I decided to listen to the advice of friends and join a CrossFit box.  I’ll be the first to say that early on (especially before I joined), I wasn’t a big fan of CrossFit because I had a tainted view of what it was.  I would even talk about it negatively with patients until I experienced it firsthand for myself.

As far as running is concerned, I love running. Not because it feels good on my body, but because its very nature calms my mind. When I developed an awful case of plantar fasciitis a few years ago, it was time to change that up. Obviously, I couldn’t run for awhile however, I fell in love with biking. I still run on occasion with my big dog trotting not too far behind but mainly I bike. My feet, knees and back feel better now and I find it a great stress reliever.  As you age, runners need to focus on strength building and rest days from running.

As for feeling better in the morning post exercise, we really need to stretch after our workouts. When you are younger, you can get away without stretching for a short time but take advantage of that too much when you are young and you develop really shortened muscles and a lot of stiffness that doesn’t have to be there. Does stretching always feel good? Absolutely not but you still need to do it. As far as how far to push yourself; if you can’t breathe there, you shouldn’t be there.

One last thing, don’t underestimate recovery days. I fully subscribe to the theory of “everyone needs to break a sweat every single day”. However, some of those days I do it by hitting up a big Three Rivers Park and going on a seven-mile walk. Though I would feel as if I cheated the workout gods when I was 23 by walking, now, that definitely counts as exercise.

The biggest thing you can do to keep your body limber, fit and injury-free is to change what you do every day. Using different muscles and joints in different directions is the key to spreading out the force and keeping your body healthy as you (we) age.

The post How Should My Exercise Routines Change as I Age? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” While Confucius may not have been a runner, his wisdom applies to the practice of it. A 2013 study shows that even five to 10 minutes a day of slower-paced running (or jogging) is enough to add years to your life. Running has numerous health benefits that not only make you look better, but feel better too.

Running is like the superfood of exercise. Even a moderate running routine will:

• Increase lung capacity
• Lower or prevent high blood pressure
• Make your immune system stronger
• Build bone density and strengthen joints
• Relieve stress
• Improve sleep quality
• Clear up skin
• Reduce the risk of certain cancers

For most runners, it’s more about how running makes them feel than it is to stay in shape. “Runner’s high” is a very real thing, and the hormones that are released while running give a boost to confidence and can reduce or eliminate depression. In addition, when you run, you reduce stress. Not to mention, it can lessen or get rid of common stress-related health issues, like “bad belly fat” and tension headaches, which also contributes to better health and a longer life.

While it’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise, every little bit helps. As little as 50 minutes of aerobic activity is enough to have a positive impact. Studies show that the “sweet spot” for reaping the maximum level of benefits is 2.5 hours of running per week. Have you tried running and it just isn’t for you? Walking, cycling, and even the elliptical machine, if done regularly, will improve health and longevity.

As with all things, moderation is key, especially when beginning a new diet or workout plan. The benefits of running are numerous, but make sure to have the right gear and the right information before you begin. Speaking to your physician and working with your chiropractor to promote your new (or ongoing) fitness plan is sure to boost its success.  If you have questions regarding your new exercise routine or just want to speak about your health in general, give us a call at 918-940-4630 and you will be set-up with a consultation with Dr. Ring.  We love meeting new people and help to empower change in their lives.  Until then, get outside and get moving; your body and mind will thank you.

The post How Does Running Impact Your Health? first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.