The aim of martial arts is to harness your body’s power, balance, speed and coordination to become the best version of yourself. That only works if your body is functioning well, and every fighter picks up niggles along the way. Chiropractic for martial arts is one option many athletes use as part of their recovery and injury-prevention toolkit. Here is what it involves, what it may help with and how it fits into a sensible training routine at Hammers Gym in Nunawading.
What chiropractic care actually is
The biggest misconception about chiropractic is that it is all about back pain and the “crack and crunch”. Modern chiropractic covers a broad range of approaches, many of which are gentle, and it is typically focused on how your joints, muscles and nervous system work together. Chiropractors registered in Australia complete a five-year university qualification and are regulated health practitioners.
Combined with rehabilitation exercises, good nutrition and sensible training loads, chiropractic care is one of several approaches (alongside physiotherapy, osteopathy, massage and sports medicine) that martial artists use to recover from injury and reduce the chance of it coming back.
Why martial artists consider chiropractic
Striking, clinching, grappling and the repeated impact of pad and bag work place unusual demands on the body. Balance, coordination and the ability to move freely through full ranges of motion are central to performance, and when something is stiff, sore or not moving well it shows up in your technique. The theory behind chiropractic for martial arts is that keeping the spine and joints moving well supports the nervous system’s ability to control movement efficiently.
Issues fighters commonly seek help for
Martial artists often seek assessment from a chiropractor or other allied health professional for problems such as:
- Back and neck pain
- Tension-type headaches
- Ankle, knee and other joint pain
- Poor balance or coordination
- Disc-related back injuries
- Groin strains
- Hamstring and calf strains
- Shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tendinopathy
Evidence for chiropractic care is strongest for some types of musculoskeletal pain, particularly lower back pain. For other issues, results vary from person to person, so a good practitioner will assess you properly, be honest about what they can help with and refer you elsewhere if needed.
Do not ignore pain
Whatever approach you choose, the most important message is this: ignoring pain or injury tends to lead to a bigger injury later. Fighters are good at pushing through discomfort, and that is a strength, but it is also how a minor strain becomes months on the sidelines. Getting a niggle assessed early, whether by a chiropractor, physio or doctor, and following a proper rehab plan keeps you training.
How chiropractic fits with your training
Treatment on its own is rarely enough. The fighters who stay healthiest combine any hands-on care with the fundamentals: a thorough warm-up before every session, regular strength training to build resilient muscles and joints, mobility and stretching work (our yoga classes are ideal for this), adequate sleep and sensible increases in training load. Recovery tools such as the sauna and spa facilities at Hammers Gym also help many members manage soreness.
Finding a practitioner
Over the years many of our trainers and members have seen the team at Happy Healthy Bodies Chiropractic in Ringwood and Doncaster, who have also held spinal screening sessions at Hammers Gym from time to time. Ask our staff for a current recommendation, and always choose a registered practitioner who takes a thorough history before treating you. If you have a serious or persistent injury, see your GP first.
Train smart at Hammers Gym
Chiropractic for martial arts is one tool among many. The rest comes down to how you train. Our Muay Thai and kickboxing and boxing coaches emphasise good technique and sensible progression, and our personal trainers can build strength and mobility programs that keep you fighting fit. Hammers Gym is in Nunawading, minutes from Mitcham, Blackburn, Box Hill and Doncaster, and open 24/7. Start with a free trial or contact us to find out more.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.