From marathon runners and Olympic athletes, to “weekend warriors” and active grandparents, people have a wide range of fitness goals that can be helped by chiropractic care. October is National Chiropractic Health Month and this year’s theme, “Find Your Game,” focuses on how people can achieve better health and optimal function, whether or not they participate in athletics.

Muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves, collectively known as soft tissue, make up a major portion of a person’s body mass and can be a source of pain when injured or overworked. Unfortunately, the American healthcare system has not made soft tissue injuries a treatment priority, leaving many patients with chronic problems of pain and reduced mobility. When poorly understood or ignored, soft tissue injuries can develop into limitations or pain syndromes that may be difficult to diagnose by doctors who do not specialize in this aspect of health.

Doctors of Chiropractic combine chiropractic adjustments with advanced soft tissue treatments for injury recovery and optimal performance. Graston Technique and Active Release Technique (ART) often provide answers for acute and chronic soft tissue injuries. Chiropractors trained in these techniques often combine them with chiropractic adjustments to efficiently reduce pain, restore range of motion and support optimal movement. Patients often “find their game” when they can effectively address the aches and pains that have limited their ability to perform athletic activities.

Chiropractic physicians offer additional help to patients by providing nutritional advice, exercise and lifestyle recommendations and natural approaches to managing injuries and pain. Here are some of the best ways to get the most out of chiropractic care:

Recharge: Try to sleep more each night. Go to bed at a regularly set time each night and get up at the same time each morning.

Get moving: Aim for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week. 

Stretch daily: Improving flexibility is key to avoiding injury. Get into the habit of stretching your major muscle groups each day.

Bust stress: New activities and experiences help prevent professional and personal burnout.  “Finding your game” involves discovering new activities to enjoy.

Dr. Eric Roseen is a practicing Chiropractic Physician at Visions HealthCare, 170 Worcester St. (Rt. 9), Wellesley, with a second Dedham location to open this winter. For more information, call 781-232-5400 or visit VisionsHealthCare.com. See ad on back cover and Resource Guide.