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Latest Spinal Adjustment Recovery Methods for Sports Stars

Joey Lee Chiropractor Consult Sarah

January 7, 2025

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Sports stars constantly push their bodies to the limit, making spinal health a critical factor in their performance and longevity. The latest spinal adjustment recovery methods offer these athletes cutting-edge solutions to maintain peak physical condition. From high-velocity low-amplitude thrust techniques to instrument-assisted manipulation, these advanced approaches provide targeted relief and enhanced mobility. As sports medicine evolves, the integration of complementary therapies like cryotherapy and neuromuscular re-education further amplifies the effectiveness of spinal adjustments. But how do these innovative methods truly impact an athlete's recovery time and overall performance? The answer lies in a deeper exploration of these groundbreaking techniques.

High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust Techniques

High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques are a cornerstone of chiropractic care, particularly for athletes seeking ideal performance and recovery. These techniques involve applying a quick, controlled force to specific areas of the spine to restore proper joint function and mobility. By addressing spinal misalignments, HVLA adjustments can significantly improve an athlete's range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance overall sports performance.Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of HVLA techniques in improving various aspects of athletic ability. Studies show that these adjustments can increase grip strength, enhance lower back flexibility, and reduce recovery time from sports-related injuries. Chiropractors utilise HVLA adjustments to realign vertebrae, alleviate nerve irritation, and promote the body's natural healing processes.For sports stars, HVLA techniques play an essential role in optimising spinal health and function. By employing these methods, chiropractors can help athletes return to top form more quickly and efficiently. The precise application of force during HVLA adjustments allows for targeted treatment of specific areas of concern, ensuring that athletes receive personalised care tailored to their unique needs and physical demands.

Instrument-Assisted Spinal Manipulation

Instrument-assisted spinal manipulation represents a sophisticated evolution in chiropractic care, particularly beneficial for athletes seeking precise and effective treatment. This advanced technique employs specialised adjusting tools to target vertebral misalignments with exceptional accuracy, restoring proper spinal biomechanics.The method allows chiropractors to deliver controlled, high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to the spine, promoting improved joint mobility and range of motion. Research has shown that instrument-assisted adjustments can effectively reduce muscle spasm, alleviate pain, and enhance neuromuscular function in athletes, thus helping in both recovery and performance improvement.One of the key advantages of this approach is the controlled force applied during treatment, which minimises discomfort while improving the specificity and depth of adjustments. This results in ideal spinal alignment and is especially valuable for high-level athletes who require targeted and comfortable treatment for spinal injuries and conditions.

Flexion-Distraction for Disc Issues

Athletes facing disc-related issues can find relief through flexion-distraction, a gentle chiropractic technique specifically designed to address spinal disc problems. This non-force adjustment method utilises rhythmic stretching and distraction of the spine to alleviate pressure on spinal discs, promoting healing and reducing pain.Flexion-distraction works by creating negative pressure within the disc space, which enhances nutrient flow and facilitates disc rehydration. Research demonstrates the technique's effectiveness, with studies showing up to 90% reduction in disc herniations and improved range of motion in athletes suffering from disc-related back pain.By restoring proper disc height and function, flexion-distraction enables athletes to return to their sport more rapidly while minimising the risk of future disc-related injuries. Chiropractors often integrate this technique with complementary therapies such as cold laser treatment and therapeutic exercises, providing an extensive approach to disc injury rehabilitation.The gentle nature of flexion-distraction makes it an ideal treatment option for athletes seeking non-invasive solutions to disc issues. As part of a well-rounded recovery plan, this technique can substantially contribute to an athlete's overall spinal health and performance longevity.

Muscle Energy Techniques

Whilst many spinal adjustment techniques rely on external manipulation, muscle energy techniques (METs) harness the power of an athlete's own muscular contractions to facilitate recovery and improve joint function. This innovative approach has gained traction in sports medicine due to its effectiveness in enhancing range of motion, flexibility, and pain reduction.METs operate on a simple principle: the patient contracts a specific muscle group, then relaxes it, allowing the joint to move through an increased range of motion. This process can yield remarkable results, with studies demonstrating improvements of up to 10 degrees in both spinal and extremity mobility among athletes.The benefits of METs extend beyond immediate mobility gains. Research indicates that incorporating these techniques into rehabilitation programmes can dramatically reduce lower back pain and improve spinal mobility within 4-6 sessions. This accelerated recovery timeline is particularly advantageous for athletes impatient to return to competition following spinal adjustments or injuries.

Myofascial Release for Surrounding Tissues

Complementing muscle energy techniques, myofascial release offers a targeted approach to addressing soft tissue restrictions that often accompany spinal misalignments. This therapeutic method focuses on the connective tissue surrounding muscles, joints, and bones, aiming to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance athletic performance.The application of manual pressure and gentle stretching to fascial restrictions promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and restores proper muscle function. Research has demonstrated that myofascial release can greatly improve range of motion, flexibility, and recovery time following sports-related injuries. By incorporating this technique into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation exercises, practitioners can maximise the body's natural healing process.Elite athletes frequently utilise myofascial release techniques, such as foam rolling and massage, to maintain ideal musculoskeletal health and reduce the risk of future injuries. This proactive approach to tissue maintenance has become an integral part of many sports recovery programmes. By addressing fascial restrictions, athletes can experience improved performance, reduced pain, and enhanced overall physical function, making myofascial release an invaluable tool in the arsenal of spinal adjustment recovery methods.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching

As a cornerstone of advanced rehabilitation techniques, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching offers a potent method for enhancing flexibility and range of motion following spinal adjustments. This technique engages the proprioceptive system to improve muscle activation and flexibility, utilising a combination of passive stretching, isometric contraction, and active contraction phases. This multi-phase approach elicits a greater neuromuscular response, resulting in increased range of motion.Research demonstrates that PNF stretching can increase joint range of motion by up to 8 degrees more than static stretching alone, making it particularly effective for major muscle groups such as the hamstrings and quadriceps. Specific PNF techniques, including contract-relax and hold-relax, are employed to optimise mobility in these areas.For professional athletes recovering from spinal adjustments, incorporating PNF stretching into post-workout recovery routines can yield significant benefits. This method helps optimise muscle function, reduce injury risk, and enhance overall performance. By integrating PNF stretching with other rehabilitation techniques, sports stars can expedite their recovery process and maintain peak physical condition, ensuring they are ready to return to competitive play with improved flexibility and reduced risk of reinjury.

Kinesio Taping for Stabilisation

Kinesio taping stands out as an innovative method for providing dynamic support and stability to athletes recovering from spinal adjustments. This technique utilises elastic therapeutic tape to support injured muscles and joints whilst allowing natural movement. Research indicates that kinesio taping can effectively reduce pain, improve joint range of motion, and enhance proprioception in athletes recovering from various musculoskeletal injuries.The tape's elastic properties enable it to provide supportive lift, reducing inflammation and accelerating the body's healing process. Sports chiropractors frequently incorporate kinesio taping techniques to complement chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapies, offering a thorough approach to sports injury recovery.Athletes who incorporate kinesio taping into their rehabilitation programmes alongside chiropractic care report improved performance, reduced reinjury rates, and better training outcomes. The tape's ability to provide dynamic stability whilst enabling continued training and competition makes it particularly valuable for athletes recovering from spinal adjustments. By integrating kinesio taping with other recovery methods, sports stars can optimise their healing process and maintain peak performance levels throughout their rehabilitation journey.

Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy Applications

Cryotherapy and thermotherapy represent two fundamental approaches in the arsenal of spinal adjustment recovery methods. These contrasting techniques offer unique benefits in managing inflammation, pain, and promoting healing in injured areas.Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, works by constricting blood vessels and slowing metabolic processes in affected regions. This reduction in blood flow helps alleviate inflammation and pain, making it particularly effective in the acute stages of injury. Conversely, thermotherapy increases blood circulation to injured tissues, facilitating healing and muscle relaxation. The increased blood flow delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the affected area, accelerating the recovery process.Many sports medicine professionals advocate for contrast therapy, which alternates between cryotherapy and thermotherapy. This approach enhances circulation and expedites recovery by capitalising on the benefits of both techniques. Professional sports teams have embraced these methods, utilising cryotherapy chambers and cold plunge pools to aid athletes in recovering from intense training and competition.Research indicates that when used in conjunction with other sports medicine treatments, cryotherapy and thermotherapy can reduce recovery time by up to 30% and enhance athletic performance. This significant improvement in recovery speed and efficacy has made these techniques invaluable tools in spinal adjustment recovery protocols for sports stars.

Neuromuscular Re-education Exercises

Neuromuscular re-education exercises play a crucial role in the recovery process following spinal adjustments, particularly for athletes. These exercises are designed to retrain the brain and muscles to work together more efficiently, improving coordination and reducing the risk of future injuries. By incorporating techniques such as balance exercises, proprioceptive drills, and perturbation training, athletes can restore proper motor control and joint stability.Research has shown that athletes who include neuromuscular re-education exercises in their rehabilitation programmes experience faster recovery times and lower recurrence rates of sports-related injuries. When integrated into a thorough chiropractic care plan, these exercises enhance an athlete's kinaesthetic awareness, muscle activation patterns, and overall movement efficiency.

Functional Movement Screening Integration

As an integral component of post-adjustment recovery, Functional Movement Screening (FMS) provides chiropractors and athletes with valuable insights into movement patterns and potential areas of weakness. This thorough assessment tool evaluates mobility, stability, and coordination, helping to identify asymmetries and deficiencies that may predispose athletes to injury. By incorporating FMS into the chiropractic assessment process, practitioners can develop targeted treatment plans that address underlying movement issues and enhance athletic performance.The integration of FMS results with chiropractic care allows for the creation of personalised rehabilitation programmes. These programmes typically involve a combination of chiropractic adjustments, corrective exercises, and neuromuscular re-education techniques. This synergistic approach optimises neuromuscular control, spinal alignment, and overall sports readiness for elite athletes. Research has demonstrated that athletes who undergo FMS-informed chiropractic care show significant improvements in movement patterns, flexibility, and functional capacity. By addressing movement deficiencies and imbalances identified through FMS, chiropractors can help mitigate future injury risks and promote long-term athletic success. The combination of FMS and chiropractic intervention represents a cutting-edge approach to sports recovery and performance enhancement.

Testimonials

Real Stories, Real
Results

Sarah T.
"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalised approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
Sarah T.

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
mike li
Great knowledge and experience , Great job Jason!!Definitely will recommend
N “Neens” A
Wow! What an amazing experience! Dr Joey is absolutely brilliant! He was able to diagnose & treat a multitude of issues I have with my neck, back, shoulders & ankle. He was compassionate and understanding with all my concerns and I am forever grateful! There aren’t enough gold stars to show how amazing he is!
DJ NIKCO
I travel 2 hours each way every 2 weeks to see Jason and its worth it! He works with the whole body and is able to give detailed answers to all my questions. My injury was super complex as I have seen many specialists but no one has made any progress but now with jason I continue to see improvement each session! High Recommend.
Ralph
Good vibes as soon as you walk in,professional service,attention to details in adressing issues and providing plenty of explanation and a professional approach to move forward.muchly recommended 👍
Lyle Tacadena
Jason! He knows his stuff! I've had knee pain for months and with one treatment, the pain went from 90% to 10%. Hoping he can work his magic on the rest of the body. Amazing work and THANK YOU!
Shanny Ho
Thankyou Jason for your wealth of knowledge. I saw Jason as a new patient for a chronic issue I have had for quite a few years! It has stopped me from moving as much as I have in the past as the pain associated afterwards was always debilitating: tightness in the hips, pain on pressure on the heel of the foot. Just with the treatment provided in one session it feels better the day after with weight on the heel and my hip feels much more agile. Hopefully with the next couple of appointments I’ll be back to cycling and lifting !
Gordon Holloway
With my experience with Jason great personality very reliable and trustworthy he listens to your problems and I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you.
Ramzy Shublaq
Easily the best of the best in the business. I have been seeing Jason for over a year and he has helped me more than any other health practitioner. I am also a PT and currently refer a lot of my clients in to him, and they have all had glowing reviews and feedback. Thanks Jason ✌🏼
CHUNG-WEI TSAO
Thanks to Jason's treatment, I feel liberated after each session, and he also tells me how I can take care of myself, which is very useful , I wish I could meet him earlier.
Country life “Dragon” In Sydney
Jason is amazing i felt releif from a long time neck shoulder and foot pain from first session , he take his time treating his patients , very professional. i have been with my previous chiropractor for years spend too much money and i didn’t benefit , thank westside clinic for best service and treatment
Steve L
I had the pleasure of visiting Jason this past Saturday, and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Jason is not only incredibly skilled but also honest and informative. I appreciated how he took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood the treatment plan. What impressed me most was Jason's dedication to his craft and his genuine concern for his patients' well-being. He didn't rush through the session; instead, he took the time to address my concerns and tailor the treatment to my specific needs. I purposely waited more than 24 hours before writing this review to let the effects of the session settle and to give an honest opinion after a workout. I can confidently say that I feel a significant improvement, and I am grateful for Jason's expertise. If you're looking for a chiropractor who combines skill with a caring attitude, I highly recommend Jason. Thank you, Jason, for a truly exceptional experience!
Raffi Omer
Dr Jason Lee the man with full knowledge and experience. Highly recommend this place. If don't want to drag your pain with continuous appointments please come and visit place your well see the difference in 2 sessions..
John
Jason addressed my neck and shoulder issue in just one session and is now making significant improvements to my lower back. His expertise is evident, and I highly recommend him.
Jason Fong

Have been visiting Jason at Westside Sports Chiropractic for several months now and am really impressed with his thorough assessment and treatment. He takes the time to understand the root cause and focuses on correcting that, not just a short term fix. I've seen a lot of improvement in my condition so far. Would highly recommend.

Tim Booth

Jason is fantastic. He knows his stuff and every issue I have brought to him has been solved with a logical approach and with confidence.I wish I had found him much sooner then I did.Highly recommended.

Travelling Soldier

Jason is a wholistic health professional. Saw him for a long standing shoulder pain. Clear ultrasounds and x-rays. He accurately diagnosed the underlying cause and offered rapid yet sustainable relief in just one session. Now looking at rehab with him in the on-site gym and continue to strength and conditioning long term. Glad I called in !

Oscar Marulanda

I’ve been in treatment with Jason for over a year. I went with a back injury and Jason basically “fixed” me. Along the way, he has provided guidance and advice about how to improve my back.Recently, I have sessions with Joey. His skills and experience are aligned with Jason’s which made you feel comfortable that either one of them is equally doing the best for you.I’ve recommended Jason to my mum, brother and brother-in-law. They all agree that Jason has miracle hands.

Daniel Eishou

Iv had 2 sessions with Jason, iv had neck/shoulder a shoulder issue for years now. He has no joke found the issue given me things to work on and only after 2 sessions it actually feels it's getting better. Very knowledgeable and the session is worth it.

Sarah T.

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"

John Lee

"I've been struggling with chronic shoulder pain for years, but after just a few sessions at Westside Sports Chiro, I've experienced a dramatic improvement. Their personalized approach and advanced techniques have truly made a difference in my recovery. I couldn't be happier with the results!"

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