To reach their peak potential, athletes put their bodies through a great deal. It’s no surprise that athletes often feel sore or suffer from many injuries. The American Physical Therapy Association reports more than 8.6 million athletic injuries each year. Because of this, most athletes are well overdue for a chiropractic adjustment.

Here are three benefits of chiropractic care and why athletes should incorporate regular visits into their routine:

Proper Alignment Means Unlimited Motion

At its core, chiropractic care is about making sure the body’s muscles and bones are properly aligned with the spine. To make sure a full range of motion is achievable, chiropractors focus on making sure the body is in proper alignment. If an athlete experiences stiffness or pain because they aren’t properly aligned, a chiropractor can address the issues immediately before a more severe injury develops.

Pain Reduction

Chiropractic sessions have been proven to help relieve pain in many sports injuries–from tennis elbow to shoulder instability in hockey players. The American Chiropractic Association reports that nearly 70 percent of patients experience relief from lower back pain after their chiropractic appointments.

Non-Invasive, Opioid-Free Treatment Options

Avoiding opioids or other painkillers is at the forefront of most chiropractors’ minds. To curb the number of adults who rely on painkillers, many studies have looked at chiropractic adjustments as a way to relieve pain in both athletes and adults in general. One study found patients who sought chiropractic care decreased their likelihood of relying on opioids to treat pain by 90 percent.

If you’ve never visited a chiropractor, this variety of care may seem like an unnecessary part of your health. The truth is there are numerous benefits– especially to athletes. Chiropractic care can help prevent injuries in addition to ease the amount of time recuperating after an injury.

If you’re an athlete trying to reach goals, schedule an appointment with Crossroads Chiropractic to stay pain-free as you train.