Chiropractic Care’s Olympic Journey
Chiropractic doctors first began treating Olympic athletes in 1976, with the first chiropractor appointed to a USA team in 1980. Since then, Team USA has consistently utilized chiropractic care, requiring their physicians to hold a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certificate and have experience as a team physician. Additionally, extensive volunteer hours at Olympic training facilities are mandatory. Our very own Dr. Iselborn went through this rigorous process, where his skills, interactions with athletes, and work ethic were thoroughly evaluated. Only the best are chosen to work at events and championships nationally and globally, and eventually, to accompany Team USA to the Olympic Games.
Dr. Iselborn’s Journey: A Tale of Dedication and Expertise
Dr. Iselborn’s journey started at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He was then invited to the World Championships and the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2011, where he worked in the US Medical Clinic treating athletes for five weeks. The following year, he was invited to join the medical staff for the London Olympic Games. His role involved overseeing any US athlete needing care from 6 am to midnight. Reflecting on this experience, Dr. Iselborn said, “You have to be driven to do it. If you love sports and your country, there’s nothing cooler. It was the highlight of my career.”
Being selected to serve as a chiropractor for Team USA is a significant honor and a testament to Dr. Iselborn’s dedication, expertise, and exceptional skills in sports medicine. The selection process is highly competitive, with only the most qualified and committed professionals chosen to support the athletes. Dr. Iselborn’s inclusion in this elite group underscores his remarkable contribution to the field and his unwavering commitment to the health and performance of Olympic athletes.
Dr. Iselborn’s exemplary work continued beyond London 2012. In 2015, he reset Olympic Beach Volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings’ shoulder in Gstaad, Switzerland, after she dislocated it during an FIVB event. This critical moment for Kerri Walsh Jennings was part of her preparation for the Rio 2016 games, where she would go on to win a 4th Gold Medal for Team USA.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Olympians
Olympic athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt have credited their chiropractors for improving their performance and recovery. This is likely due to the adaptability of chiropractic care to meet various needs. Chiropractors evaluate and diagnose musculoskeletal injuries, administer soft tissue manipulation (massage, IASTM, cupping, Active Release Technique), perform spinal adjustments, stretching, rehabilitation, and acupuncture/dry needling. “We’re part of the sports medicine team,” says Dr. Iselborn. Even minor adjustments can significantly improve an athlete’s performance, as the difference between gold and silver can be just milliseconds.
During the 2012 London and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, Team USA recorded more encounters with chiropractors than any other healthcare providers. This is significant considering the multifunctional health team that includes nutritionists, sports psychologists, physical therapists, massage therapists, athletic trainers, strength coaches, holistic practitioners, and more.
Dr. Iselborn’s Experience and the Impact of Chiropractic Care
Dr. Iselborn lost count of the number of athletes he treated daily, but noted that they all had previous chiropractic treatment. Research shows that spinal manipulation can improve range of motion, reduce pain and muscle spasms, enhance muscular contraction, and improve spinal excitability for 30-60 minutes post-adjustment. These benefits are crucial for Olympians. Combining spinal adjustments with other chiropractic modalities can significantly increase the chances of winning gold.
Chiropractors provide fast relief, which is essential for athletes competing over multiple days. Chiropractic care can treat patients the same day and in between events, providing a cascading effect. For instance, adjusting the pelvis can benefit the knee and surrounding muscles, while adjusting the neck can benefit the biceps. Spinal alignment assists with overall muscle balance.
Studies have shown that spinal manipulation combined with muscle stretching offers greater benefits than stretching alone. The same applies to combining spinal manipulation and rehabilitation. At the Sports Recovery Annex, we use a multidisciplinary approach, including chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitation, stretching, and other holistic therapies to efficiently heal our patients. We pride ourselves on providing Olympic-level treatment to our patients. As your official medical team, we dedicate our efforts to help you achieve optimal health and continue doing what you love, whether it’s athletics or daily life. Go Team USA!
Experience the same Olympic-level care as elite athletes. Book your appointment at the Sports Recovery Annex today and start your journey to optimal health! Whether you’re an athlete aiming for the gold or someone seeking to improve your everyday life, we are here to help you thrive. Don’t wait—your optimal health awaits!
