Dr. Heather Karls is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner. She is a member of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. We asked her some questions you may have on Chiropractic and Sports Injuries.
What is Sports Chiropractic and why is it different than other forms of chiropractic care?
Sports Chiropractors have advanced training in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries, which are injuries more commonly associated with sports than you might see in the general patient population. These tend to be extremity injuries such as tennis or golf elbow, ankle sprains, shin splints, ACL sprains in gymnastics and basketball, patellofemoral syndrome or even Turf toe in football. All of these are injuries a sports chiropractor has advanced training in treating. In addition, sports chiropractic can improve flexibility when needed and therefore enhance performance.
Why did you choose to practice Sports Chiropractic?
Athletes care about results: quick, efficient, long term healing results. I like to work with people who are highly motivated to get better and understand the importance of good health. And I love sports!
Is Sports Chiropractic a new Specialty?
According to the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council, United States Olympic athletes began working with sports chiropractors in 1976. In 1980, the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Division of Sports Medicine officially appointed its first sports chiropractor.
What if I am not an athlete but I hurt my shoulder? Can Sports Chiropractic help me?
Yes! I love to work with anyone who values their health and is trying to become more active. Whether you are an elite athlete, professional, amateur, former or armchair sports athlete, or you are just starting a new workout program, the principles of injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation can apply to you.
Does my insurance cover Sports Chiropractic?
This is very dependent on your insurance plan. Most insurance companies cover sports injuries as they would any other injury. There are some, such as Medicare and other Federal and State assistance plans that do not cover any treatment of the extremities by a Doctor of Chiropractic. In those cases, we can work with you to set up a payment plan.
How do I get started?
Call us to schedule an appointment at 651-699-8610. At your first visit, you will be asked about your injury and how it happened. If you would like to talk about injury prevention, chiropractic is an excellent way to help keep your body moving properly for all the activities you would like to do now and in the future.
