Sports injuries are a major economic and health burden, with an estimated cost of $1.65–2 billion dollars each year and approximately 40,000 people in Canada over the age of 15 years old being hospitalized due to a sporting injury. Several health care professionals provide musculoskeletal sports injury management in the community; with a recent study finding 49.5% of Chiropractors report often treating athletes or sports people.

The aim of one study was to describe the workforce characteristics of chiropractors involved in treating sports injuries. A 91-item web-based questionnaire collected information about practitioner and practise characteristics of chiropractors. Descriptive statistics summarized the frequency of practitioner (e.g. age, gender, education), patient characteristics, caseload and management approaches, as well as beliefs about identity and role as a chiropractic sub-discipline.

Chiropractors were typically male with advanced education beyond chiropractic credentials. Amateur or semi-professional sports people comprise 65.6 % of Sports Chiropractors’ caseload. Athletes were most likely to present with a lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) disorder (hip, knee, ankle or foot). Of these, 42.6 % were co-managed with another health care practitioner; treated via multiple modalities, most commonly being soft tissue, trigger point and spinal manipulation. Approximately 86% of Sports Chiropractors work alongside another health care practitioner, with 60% working alongside a massage therapist or chiropractor and 27% working alongside a physiotherapist. Half of Sports Chiropractors provide sideline emergency assessment.

Sports Chiropractors exists for a diverse range of competitive athletes, typically at non-elite levels. These athletes present almost exclusively with MSK complaints (diverse bodily regions), which are typically managed using a multidimensional approach.

If you have sustained a sports injury, we welcome you at PRI clinic. With over 35 years of experience, we have rehabilitated many amateur and professional athletes. To book an appointment, call or e-mail:

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com