Three Reasons To See A Chiropractor After An MMA Loss
If you're an amateur or even a professional mixed martial artist, you train hard to avoid losing a match. A loss isn't just a blemish on your record — it can also leave you with serious injuries. While you may sometimes need to visit a hospital or urgent care clinic after an injury by knockout or submission, you should also think about following up by scheduling a chiropractic appointment. Whether you have a specific injury or just want a full-body assessment, your chiropractor can help you. Here are some specific injuries that the chiropractor can address.
Limb Injuries
If you were submitted in your MMA match, it's possible that your opponent did so by manipulating one of your limbs. Armbars, ankle locks, and other maneuvers that target the limbs can cause you to tap out, but the affected area may already have received some degree of trauma.
A chiropractor is the right healthcare practitioner for looking at the injured area and noting its condition. For example, a limb could have suffered a partial dislocation during the bout, which will prompt the chiropractor to adjust it into more of a natural position. He or she can also massage the surrounding muscles, which may be sore from the injury.
Back Injuries
In the event of a knockout, it's common to fall hard onto the canvas. This can leave you with back problems, especially if you were to fall awkwardly.
You can't compete at a desired level in mixed martial arts with a sore back. Not only will you lack the power and leverage to throw punches and kicks, but you'll also be uncomfortable when grappling on the ground. One or more back adjustments may be needed if the spine assessment has revealed that your spine is out of alignment.
Headaches
Headaches are common after a mixed martial arts match, especially if you were knocked out or otherwise sustained a concussion. Headaches can also affect future training, as well as your ability to be ready to fight again.
Chiropractic care is an effective way to treat headache pain, especially if it's related to a neck problem. For example, your neck can get significantly twisted when you're punched or kicked, and the misalignment of your spine and the subsequent pressure to your nerves can result in pain. You may come to view chiropractic care as a necessary component of your post-fight recovery and credit your chiropractor with helping you to overcome your injuries.
