Gymnastics Is Tough but Chiropractic Can Help
By Paul Rothbart
Gymnastics is a sport that has grown in popularity. Nearly 5 million children aged 6 and up are estimated to train and compete. Add in the high school, college and adult gymnasts, and that is quite a total. Some dream of Olympic gold, others love the workout. For many, it's just cool to be able to do backflips and fly around on the parallel bars. Gymnastics is one of the toughest sports on the body. It requires flexibility, balance, coordination, and an incredible amount of strength. Hours of training are necessary to perform at a competition level. With all of that hard work, the body needs to be cared for. Regular visits to a chiropractor can be very helpful.
Care for the Spine
Much of the flexibility used in gymnastics is on the spine. If you've ever seen some of the positions a world class gymnast takes on a balance beam, you know how flexible they have to be. To bend that way, the spine must be strong and free of subluxations. Licensed chiropractors are highly skilled in diagnosing and correcting these problems. Regular visits paired with proper training and nutrition can help gymnasts reach their goals.
Care For Upper Body Joints
Many gymnastic moves involve the upper body supporting an individual's entire weight. Handstands, hanging on the rings or parallel bars, even launching off a vaulting box put a lot of stress on shoulders, elbows, and wrist. Finding and treating joint problems is another skill chiropractors possess. Strong joints with full range of motion and great flexibility are less likely to be injured and will boost performance.
Care For Lower Body Joints
The hips, knees, and ankles are worked every bit as hard. It takes a lot of power to launch into the air. Sticking the landing looks easy when a great gymnast does it but it puts a considerable amount of force on the lower joints. Having to land with straight legs while maintaining balance is also stressful. Just as with the upper body, a chiropractor can help keep the lower joints strong and lessen the risk of injury.
Chiropractic Care For Children
Children as young as 6 participate in gymnastics. Parents may be concerned about them receiving chiropractic care. Chiropractors can and do treat children. The adjustments made are gentle and extra care is taken when working with the young.
Gymnastics is brutal on the body. If you or your child participate in this difficult sport, consider a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment is needed. Regular treatments just may be what gives you that extra edge to reach your best.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.