Sports Chiropractic
At Alpha Sports Performance Medicine
What Is Sports Chiropractic?
Sports chiropractic is a specialized branch of chiropractic care focused on the unique demands of athletic performance. Unlike traditional chiropractic, which primarily addresses spinal pain in the general population, sports chiropractic takes a biomechanical, performance-first approach — analyzing how the musculoskeletal system affects movement efficiency, injury risk, and recovery speed.
At Alpha Sports Performance Medicine, our sports chiropractors work with athletes across all sports and skill levels — from youth athletes to professional competitors. Dr. Ben Bumguardner, D.C., C.C.S.P., has provided care to Team USA track & field and bobsled athletes.
What to Expect
Your first visit includes a comprehensive movement assessment and health history review. We look beyond symptoms to identify root causes — compensatory patterns, joint restrictions, and muscular imbalances that may be limiting your performance or setting you up for injury.
A typical sports chiropractic session may include:
- Spinal and extremity adjustments — precision manipulation to restore joint mobility and nervous system communication
- Soft tissue work — to release tension in muscles and fascia that limit movement
- Functional movement assessment — evaluating how you move under load and at speed
- Corrective exercise prescription — targeted exercises to reinforce gains between sessions
- Sport-specific modifications — technique advice tailored to your athletic demands
Who Benefits
Sports chiropractic is beneficial for:
- Football players managing contact injuries and repetitive stress
- Track & field athletes optimizing stride mechanics and managing tendon issues
- Youth athletes building sound movement foundations before growth plate injuries occur
- CrossFit and weightlifting athletes addressing overhead mobility and lumbar load
- Endurance athletes (runners, cyclists, triathletes) managing overuse syndromes
- Post-game recovery and in-season maintenance for any sport
Video: Sports Chiropractic at Alpha Sports
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports chiropractic safe for kids and youth athletes?
Yes. Sports chiropractic for youth athletes uses age-appropriate, gentle techniques. Early intervention can correct movement patterns before they become ingrained, potentially preventing future injury. Our practitioners adjust technique based on each patient’s age, development stage, and sport.
How is sports chiropractic different from regular chiropractic?
Sports chiropractic adds a performance lens to traditional care. We emphasize extremity adjustments (ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists), biomechanical screening, sport-specific functional work, and return-to-play protocols that general practitioners may not provide.
How often should an athlete get adjusted?
It depends on your training load, sport, and current condition. In-season athletes with high training volume often benefit from weekly maintenance care. Off-season athletes typically do well with bi-weekly or monthly visits focused on performance optimization. We’ll recommend a frequency based on your individual assessment.
Does sports chiropractic hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Adjustments are precise and controlled. Some temporary soreness after a first visit is normal, similar to how muscles respond after a new workout stimulus. Most athletes report feeling significantly better within 24–48 hours.
Can I continue training during sports chiropractic care?
In most cases, yes. We design care plans that support your training schedule rather than interrupt it. We’ll advise on any modifications needed during acute injury phases.
Do I need a referral to see a sports chiropractor?
No referral is needed. You can book directly through Jane App. If your insurance requires a referral, we recommend confirming with your provider in advance.