How Chiropractic Care Can Boost Sporting Performance & Recovery
Every day in practice I see, as a sports chiropractor in Chatswood, people who play, or have played sport. At Family Chiropractic Chatswood we have had the privilege of looking after representative players in rugby, football, and netball. People at the top of their game and medalling in martial arts and cross fit. Adults, teen and kids striving to make regionals, state and nationals in swimming, athletics, gymnastics, and rowing. Plus every weekend warrior wanting to be able to do a marathon, a half marathon, do an ocean swim (or just learn to swim); those who play school and club sport; and those who just love to exercise.
When we think about improving our sporting performance, most of us picture training harder — more laps, more time at the gym, lifting more, running faster, or eating better. But there’s another key player that often gets overlooked: your nervous system. It’s the control centre that keeps every muscle, joint and movement working together.
At our clinic, we don’t just focus on helping you recover from pain or injury. We work to fine-tune the connection between your brain and body — helping you perform at your best, whether you’re competing nationally or just love your weekend sport.
Why the Nervous System Matters in sports chiropractic
- Your brain sends messages to your muscles through your nervous system.
- When that communication is clear, you move better, react faster and stay stronger for longer.
- When it’s not (due to things like injury, stress, or what chiropractors call subluxation), performance can dip — coordination, timing, and power can all be affected.
What the Research Show for sports chiropractic
Recent research — including studies published in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal and by Dr. Heidi Haavik and her team at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic — has explored how adjustments may boost performance by improving brain–body communication.
- A competitive swimmer in one study noticed not only less discomfort, but also better performance after chiropractic care. Times dropped without extra time in the pool!
- Other studies found changes in how efficiently the brain activates muscles. This means faster reactions and stronger contractions.
- Improvements have also been seen in core stability and muscle control, which are key for every athlete.
The Chiropractic Edge
While physiotherapy often focuses on rehab after injury, chiropractic care not only looks to help with the injured athlete, it also aims to enhance performance before issues arise — helping your body work at its absolute best.
Because when your nervous system performs better… you perform better.
