Chiropractic, Baseball, and the World Series

Play Ball! ... with Chiropractic!

 

With the World Series fast approaching, it really does amaze me how some baseball players can stay healthy and injury free with a demanding schedule which includes seven weeks of spring training, 162 games, as well as weeks of play-off and World Series games (all spanning about 10 months).  Primarily, catchers and pitchers appear to have the most strenuous positions in the game. If you look at the top players in the sport, one thing stands out in particular in keeping the players playing at a peak level…Chiropractic.  The New York Yankees have the best record in baseball, and they are arguably the most prolific baseball team in history. In 2007 the New York Times reported that the Yankees would be hiring a team Chiropractor, apparently on the advice of Yankees player Johnny Damon. Johnny Damon is one of the most injury free baseball players in history during his lengthy playing career. You can look him up on the web to view his bio, long list of awards and records, as well as some very impressive statistics.

This wouldn't be the first time the New York Yankees have utilized the team chiropractor. Back in May of 1934, a magazine from the National Chiropractic Association featured a front-page photo of New York Yankees team chiropractor (Dr. Painter) working with a ballplayer, with Babe Ruth watching on. I don't know if there's any truth of this, but I once heard that at the time, the New York Yankees asked the New York Daily News to keep quiet about the Yankees having a team chiropractor, which was from the 1920s to the 1930s. Apparently, they wanted to maintain a competitive edge by keeping the chiropractic care a secret. Perhaps coincidentally, the Yankees recorded their best season ever (1927 - World Champions) and won four World Championships (1923, 1927-1928, 1932) during the time of Dr. Erie Painter, chiropractor.

Umpires are often forgotten about when it comes to staying in top shape for the games. “It just makes sense to take care of the officials who are as critical to the sport as the players,” said Mark Letendre, A.T.C., medical director for MLB umpires and former head athletic trainer for the San Francisco Giants. “MLB umpires are finishing a game, jumping on a cramped plane and sleeping in a strange bed in a different city every three to four days for six months. Combine that with their constant bending, squatting and other distinct movements, and the season takes a true toll on their bodies.”

When the body’s joints, muscles and nerves are well-conditioned, a player performs at the top of his game and is able to stave off nagging injuries. Chiropractic adjustments enhance physical health and promote top performance. The most common problems among baseball players are rotator cuff injuries, neck, mid-back and lower back conditions, as well as hamstring pulls, which occur from running full out from a standstill position. Chiropractors adjust the involved joint to keep it mobile, reduce inflammation and break-up adhesions.

Whether you are a simply playing a pick-up game on the weekend or you are a Major League ballplayer, Chiropractic can be extremely beneficial and ensure that you will be playing at your peak level.

By Dr. David Schlute & Dr. Adam Jacobs of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco.

For more info about our chiropractic services, please visit us online at www.executiveexpresschiro.com or call (415) 392-2225.

Comments

[kollagen]

Another interesting article. I look forward to reading these blogs, they always intrigue and interest me. I am very glad to being a part of this site. Thanks for keeping us informed and God Bless!

[Dr. Kevin Smith]

Fantastic article. I've had tremendous success in helping my own athletes bounce back from injuries as well as improving their game by way of improved posture, better flexibility and better balance.

[Dr. Kevin Smith]

Awesome article. Athletes and chiropractic care make a winning combination. I don't have a sports based practice. But I do have quite a number of athletes (from high school kids to weekend warriors to minor leaguers) who need help bouncing back from injuries and optimizing their spines for a higher level of performance.