Bruising tackles and bone-crushing hits are all too familiar among football players at all levels – from the National Football League (NFL) to Pop Warner youth football. Too frequently, the physical nature of football results in injuries, ranging from head and spine trauma, to bone fractures, to muscle and ligament damage.
“While athletes can never predict how and when injury will occur, doctors of chiropractic can assist in treating acute and chronic injuries, as well as introducing preventive measures designed to optimize performance and reduce injury risk,” says Dr. Sol Cogan, Detroit Lions Team Chiropractor and President of the Pro Football Chiropractic Society. “Prior to game time, and especially after the game, receiving chiropractic adjustments can enhance flexibility, range of motion, structural alignment and bio-mechanics, ensuring that the athlete’s body will recover quickly and function at its highest possible level.” Every NFL team provides the care of a doctor of chiropractic for its players.

Repeated hits to the body commonly lead to injuries including strains, sprains and stingers, which may result in severe aches and pains and loss of proper function. As preventive care specialists, doctors of chiropractic suggest football players, of all ages, take the following steps to properly prepare for games:

1.    Dynamic warm up and stretching before practice and games
2.    Wear appropriate equipment while making sure all gear fits properly
3.    Maintain good nutrition to achieve necessary energy levels
4.    Hydrate to prevent overheating and cramping
5.    Rest the body before and after activity, using ice for any inflammation
6.    Discuss all of your symptoms with coaches, trainers and doctors

“Taking a preventive approach with a training routine that includes chiropractic care stacks the deck in the player’s favor – helping athletes recover from injury (or collision induced trauma) by restoring optimal function and reducing the risk of re-injury, and ultimately achieving peak performance on the field,” concludes Cogan.

While Dr. Cogan works with the Detroit Lions, Dr. Cohen sees many young and old football players in San Francisco. He has had great success with helping Financial District business professionals who used to play high school and college football that still suffer from chronic or acute injuries, and getting the players back on the field.
“I see bankers or lawyers who played football when they were younger and now that they are in there 30′s and 40′s they can really feel it when they wake in the morning or if they sit in a long meeting. ProActive Chiropractic gives them many tools along with treatment to keep them active and enjoying life.”

Schedule a complimentary consultation today to meet with Dr. Cohen and discuss if he can help you.