Treatment for powerlifters is becoming more sought after as the sport grows in popularity. The sport of power lifting is increasing in popularity, with gyms installing more squat racks, benches and dead-lifting platforms. But how can Chiropractic help a power lifter?
Powerlifting consists of three lifts; the squat, the deadlift and the bench press, however many power lifters will incorporate other movements into their lifting programs such as shoulder press, front squats and safety bar squats, to name a few. Many of these lifts cause excessive compression of the spine, especially through the lower lumbar spine. This can result in low back pain and often lumbar disc injuries.
Chiropractic care can help to unload and decompress your spine, which will insure lifters longevity in the sport. There are many different techniques that chiropractors can use to help power lifters but here are just a few.
1. Chiropractic treatment
Restoring range of motion to restricted joints from repetitive lifting may alleviate, almost instantaneously, some causes of spinal pain as well as dramatically increasing ones ability to lift. The largely weight-bearing sacroiliac joints [SIJs] and lumbar spine should be paid special attention as this is where most of the loads ultimately accumulate. The hips and thoracic spine should also be assessed for proper mobility as these regions are hugely important in positioning the body correctly during the various lifts. Improving range of motion at the SIJs and hips helps with the depth of squatting. Freeing up the thoracic spine will enable a more comfortable bar position during squatting, as well as enabling better posture during squatting and dead lifting.
2. Joint mobilisation
Mobilisation techniques are similar to manipulation techniques in that they improve joint range of motion. Mobilising the hip joints will provide a very beneficial stretch to the joint capsule. When addressing lower back complaints, a lack of hip motion can cause compensatory motion in the lumbar spine which in turn leads to increased shear stress and load to the spinal soft tissues.
3. Active Release Technique
This gold standard of soft tissue treatment is extremely effective for treating muscles, ligaments and nerves throughout the body. There are areas within the body which when treated, will greatly enhance performance of powerlifters in their sport. Treating the latissimus dorsi in combination with the lumbar erector spinae and lumbopelvic fascia will reduce tissue immobility and tightness. It also restores any irregularity in the normal functioning of these structures that can cause imbalances at the lumbopelvic region.
4. Remedial massage treatment
The dreaded tightness that follows tough workout sessions in the gym is a phenomenon powerlifters know all too well. Discomfort experienced when trying to tie shoe laces, bending forward or even moving to sit down on a chair can become very frustrating. This tightness can also be the reason for not returning to the gym sooner. A regular massage can help flush the body of the metabolic by-products of exercise and see you returning to the weight lifting room earlier and with reduced potential for incurring injury.
5. Exercise rehabilitation for powerlifters
Individual rehab programs help powerlifters with any mobility or motor control (stability) issues that they have. Getting on top of these dysfunctions will help powerlifters to prevent injury and enhance their performance. These exercises may help you with decompressing the lumbar spine as well as using a back block. Competitive powerlifters in particular, should seriously consider receiving regular treatment from a health practitioner. In the same way that your car needs servicing every six months or 10,000kms (whichever occurs sooner), so too does your body. You probably use your body more so than your car so book it in for a tune-up regularly and reap the benefits of preventative therapy that keeps you lifting longer and stronger.
Competitive powerlifters in particular, should seriously consider receiving regular treatment from a health practitioner. In the same way that your car needs servicing every six months or 10,000kms (whichever occurs sooner), so too does your body. You probably use your body more so than your car so book it in for a tune-up regularly and reap the benefits of preventative therapy that keeps you lifting longer and stronger.
If you have any questions about chiropractic treatment for powerlifters, the clinic a call on (02) 99226116 or visit us at “Walker House”, Level 3, Suite 304, 161 Walker Street, North Sydney for more information.
*DISCLAIMER: This discussion does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this discussion are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this discussion is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
