Ally of Strength and Conditioning Department Strength and Conditioning Departments are highly concerned with all physical, biomechanical and structural information on an athlete, however, are unable to perform, interpret and provide the same testing and treatment that Chiropractors are skilled at providing. This relationship thus becomes the most important relationship for all Chiropractors interested in working with teams. As discussed in last months article, the Strength Coach and the Chiropractor should work hand in hand in reviewing each others evaluation of an athlete and the rehabilitative program should be cooperatively understood for the long term benefits of the athlete. Chiropractic Rehab Program True Chiropractic rehabilitative care can only begin with the absence of symptoms. If symptoms brought the athlete in for care, then symptoms need to be resolved prior to any rehab program.
Objective findings can come from multiple sources.
One of the more valued objective structural tests available to the Chiropractor is that of the standing x-ray. There are many marking systems which show if an athlete is structurally aligned and balanced. Some of the more popular markings used to show structural status are the gravity line, as seen on the lateral L-S view, dropped from the center of the body of L3, straight down. This gravity line should bisect the anterior third of the sacral base. If the line is anterior or posterior to this point, weight is being handled by parts of the spine not designed to handle the weight, and eventual problems are predictable.