3 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Runners

It’s clear that our early ancestors relied heavily on our ability to run. For instance, tribes would often convey messages to different villages via runners. Furthermore, foot-racing was one of the earliest forms of sport and was used as a way to prove one’s fortitude.

In modern times, running is no longer a necessity. In fact, today, running is almost exclusively used as a form of exercise/sport. But for those that love to run, there is nothing on Earth they’d rather be doing.

For this reason, runners need to have a way to remain strong and healthy. Chiropractic care is one of the best ways for runners to keep their bodies in top shape so that they can continue to perform the activity they love.

 

Improved Range of Motion

Running is a total-body activity. When one joint is stiff, the entire running motion is deeply affected. This is especially true with regard to the spine. 

With every stride, runners impart enormous levels of stress throughout their spines. If the spine is functioning as it should, this is not a problem. However, with a subluxated vertebra, runners often experience issues throughout their upper and lower backs.

These subluxations can cause decreased range of motion both in the spine and throughout other areas of the body. Thankfully, by performing targeted manipulations, chiropractors can unlock these restricted areas of the body.

In turn, runners are then able to reach further with every step and propel themselves with more force. More range of motion is always a good thing when it comes to athletic pursuits of any kind.

With regular chiropractic care, runners can be sure that they are taking a huge step in improving their range of motion and their mile times!

 

Reduced Pain

Running typically makes people feel much better mentally and physically. That being said, runners have to deal with many aches and pains. 

Runners can suffer from both acute and chronic injuries. For example, a week of long runs might result in some short-term foot pain that resolves after a few days of rest. In other cases, runners might start to develop deep, aching pain in their hips that gets worse over time.

Both of these types of injuries can be effectively treated through chiropractic care. 

By performing manipulations on the spine, chiropractors can help to reestablish connections between painful body areas and the nervous system. As a result, these body regions are soon able to heal and the runner can get back to work!

 

Increased Focus

Our central nervous systems have oversight over every process in our body. From facilitating resting digestive activity to controlling our muscles during athletic endeavors; our brains and spines are constantly monitoring us. 

Therefore, when something goes wrong with this system, such as a spinal subluxation, we are unable to perform at our best. Our focus is disrupted and, instead of keeping our attention on finishing the race under a certain time, we’re focused on how our bodies aren’t moving the way we want them to.

The realization of how important the brain-body connection is to athletic performance has led to a huge increase in sports psychology, meditative practice, and, of course, chiropractic care. Chiropractors evaluate patients’ spines and perform the perfect treatments to improve their alignment.

For those runners looking for a new chiropractor to improve your focus, increase your range of motion, and decrease your pain: you’re in luck! Keystone Chiropractic is home to the best chiropractors in Plano, TX. We’ve helped many patients achieve their goals and we’d be happy to help you. Book your appointment today.