student adjusting athlete's movement while using exercise machine

Sports Chiropractic

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Join a Growing Field

With a growing interest in chiropractic care by athletes, sports chiropractors are in demand and they’re making a difference. Consider that all National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) teams have at least one Doctor of Chiropractic on staff. All but one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 32 teams have at least one Doctor of Chiropractic on staff. Chiropractic care is also provided at major international sports events including the Olympics.

Sources: Pro Baseball Chiropractic Society, Professional Football Chiropractic Society, Professional Hockey Chiropractic Society, Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Sports Chiropractic at Palmer

Doctors of chiropractic help people feel and move better, and for athletes, that can mean the difference between playing their best and being sidelined. Sports chiropractors help athletes perform at their highest level, reduce risk of injury, and reduces recovery time from injuries. Having the confidence in the knowledge that one’s body is optimized allows athletes to perform at peak levels both physically and mentally.

Many Palmer students and alumni chose the chiropractic profession because they want to help athletes perform their best. Athletes are increasingly turning to chiropractors specializing in sports care to help them train more effectively, prevent injuries and perform at their best.

Preparing Students to Help Athletes Reach Peak Performance

Faculty clinician and student palpating patient's shoulder.

Palmer College of Chiropractic is a leader in sports chiropractic.

Sports chiropractic isn’t just an elective at Palmer – it’s integrated into all levels of the curriculum. Students who want to gain more extensive knowledge have the option to pursue additional education, training and certification.

Watch the video to hear from students

Hands-on Training

You’ll have many opportunities to provide care to athletes as a Palmer student. Every day, doctors and students at Palmer Chiropractic Clinics provide care to athletes of all types and abilities.

Students also have the opportunity to participate in Sports Council, a student club that offers additional experience working with athletes at community-based sporting events and with local minor-league athletic teams.

Sports Council chapters on all three of Palmer’s campuses are committed to preparing involved students to serve athletes in peak performance, rehabilitation and nutrition. The Palmer West Sports Council has been recognized for two consecutive years as the most active Sports Council in the nation by the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council.

Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Residency Program

At Palmer’s main campus and Palmer Florida, students have the opportunity to work directly with athletes at the Sports Performance & Rehabilitation Clinic. The Sports Injury & Rehabilitation Residency Program at Palmer’s main campus is the longest-standing program in the profession.

At Palmer, you’ll learn from the best. Students provide care to athletes under a team of chiropractors who have extensive experience caring for with high-level athletes.

As a Palmer student, you’ll gain experience using sports chiropractic methods including:

  • Diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound
  • Cold laser therapy
  • Deep shock-wave therapy
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Mechanical traction
  • Kinetic taping

Sports chiropractic isn’t limited to professional athletes. Athletes at all levels can benefit from regular chiropractic care. Sports chiropractors have been part of the care team that helped Team USA win more than 750 medals at the Olympic Games since 1980, including 314 Gold Medals! Other athletic events that utilize chiropractors include the Pan Am Games, CrossFit Games, national sports festivals, the IRONMAN triathlon and the New York and Boston Marathons.

Each year, high school athletes suffer 2 million injuries including whiplash, low-back pain and muscle strains, or sprains. From weekend warriors to pro athletes, your career as a sports chiropractor can improve athletes’ success and experience and create a rich and rewarding private practice experience.

Student and Alumni Stories

Clinic doctor and student evaluating student's form while lifting.
Two students in white coats evaluating patient's shoulder movement.
Clinic doctor and student reviewing patient's movement while exercising.

Clinic doctor and student evaluating student's form while lifting.
Two students in white coats evaluating patient's shoulder movement.