Superbowl Sunday is around the corner, and you can bet that the athletes and coaches aren’t the only ones working hard for the run at the championship. In addition to the coaches, trainers, and so on, we mustn’t forget the chiropractic doctors and massage therapists behind the scenes helping athletes reach their optimal state.
Every team in the NFL has 1-3 chiropractors on staff to support their athletes. Many players use massage therapy to heal from hits and training, and as injury prevention. Players’ bodies go through intense stress in training, practice, and games, especially those players taking the most tackles. Hits can do a lot to mis-align the spine and other joints (not to mention any of the muscle and tissue injuries that can occur). Chiropractors and massage therapists work to prevent injury, manage pain, and keep the athletes in alignment so they can perform and feel their best.
Notable chiropractic supporters include former Dallas Cowboy Emmet Smith, the Patriots’ Tom Brady, and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice who even became the spokesman for the Foundation of Chiropractic Progress. Jerry is quoted saying: “I did a lot of things to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor made all the difference.”
So as we watch in the championships in anticipation and see the come down to one winner, keep in mind those behind the scenes working to ensure the safety and well-being of the teams and athletes while helping them stay in the game!