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Chiropractic and running.

RunningIt’s that time of year again. The days are getting longer (slowly), we are beginning to look forward to summer and we are becoming more motivated to get out and exercise. For some of us that means signing up for one of the many fun runs, half marathons or maybe even marathons that are held in Sydney over the next 6 months. Running is great for your fitness and for weight loss, but it can be hard on your body, especially if you haven’t done much of it in the past few months.

Chiropractic can help in several ways for you to reach your running goals, whether that’s to be able to run 5km without stopping or to get a PB in next months half marathon. It’s often of great benefit to have a chiropractic treatment before you get into training. A treatment will balance your structure, not only your spine and hips, but also your knees and very importantly your feet, joints that get used heavily when running. Being structurally balanced allows your body to function at its optimum, which means in its most efficient and strongest state. If your body is in an efficient state it can work that bit easier than if it were unbalanced and less efficient, therefore making running that bit easier. Having your body in a strong state means it is resilient. It can cope with the training and the challenges you will put your body through, with less chance of injury. It will also have the ability to adapt faster and hence reach your goals faster.

If you’ve started training and you begin to feel some strains or pains, don’t get disheartened. It doesn’t mean you need to give up running. It just means that the exercise you’re doing is challenging your body to a level where small imbalances are now showing up. These are small imbalances that would not cause any symptoms if your level of training was just a little lower. Visiting your Chiropractor can help rebalance these issues and allow you to get back to training.

What to Expect from a Chiropractic Consultation

Health In The Bay Chiro ImageWhat to Expect from a Chiropractic Consultation

Chiropractic treatments focus on restoring alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor uses massage, manipulation and other techniques to provide relief from pain, improve function and restore balance to the joints and nerves.

Chiropractic Looks at Whole Lifestyle

Your chiropractor will take is a detailed medical history, including details of any specific problems. They will ask about prior health conditions, exercise, diet and lifestyle and may recommend an x-ray or other tests.

 

Chiropractic Observes Function

They will then conduct a manual examination using palpation and observation. They will assess the range of motion and function in different areas of the spine, pelvis and body. They may ask you stand, walk or balance. They may assess:

  • Cranial nerves
  • Reflexes
  • Muscles strength
  • Balance
  • Co-ordination
  • Bilateral weight scale measurement
  • Flexibility
  • Sensation

Undergoing Chiropractic Treatment

Treatment usually involves some massage and gentle adjustment or manipulation of the spine or other areas that aren’t functioning properly. He or she may also use heat or ice and acupuncture. The treatment will be designed specifically for your symptoms. You may experience initial soreness after a treatment or find it brings immediate relief to your symptoms. You can also expect advice about posture, exercise and lifestyle.
Chiropractor Treatment Plan

Your chiropractor will devise a treatment plan, usually outlining short-term goals – generally aimed at relieving pain and limitations – and long-term goals that focus on maintaining good musculoskeletal function.

A visit to the chiropractic should bring about relief from symptoms and arm you with a plan to enhance your overall health and well-being.

 

 

 

This article was reproduced with permission from Natural Therapy Pages www.ntpages.com.au – Australia’s most visited natural health site.