The Role of Chiropractic Care in Professional Sports: An Insight – ICA ChiroCast: Sports & Fitness with Dr. Alan Palmer

In the world of professional sports, the contribution of chiropractic care is often an unsung hero. Today, we’ll dive deep into an enlightening discussion between Dr. Brant Hulsebus from the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council and Dr. Alan Palmer, a prominent chiropractor with extensive experience in professional baseball and hockey.

Introduction to Dr. Alan Palmer
Dr. Brant Hulsebus welcomes us to another engaging podcast, expressing his excitement about introducing Dr. Alan Palmer. Dr. Palmer shares his journey, beginning with his Minnesota roots and love for hockey, which played a pivotal role in shaping his career. From Scottsdale, Arizona, Dr. Palmer fondly recalls his tenure with the Arizona Coyotes (formerly Phoenix Coyotes) and the Arizona Diamondbacks, emphasizing the significant role sports have played in his practice life.

Founding Chiropractic Societies
Dr. Palmer’s introduction to professional sports chiropractic care began in the mid-nineties when he founded SIPA (a group for Major League Baseball chiropractors). Tasked with networking chiropractors in baseball by the head athletic trainer of the San Francisco Giants, Mark Lattan, Dr. Palmer faced challenges due to the lack of qualified chiropractors for traveling teams. SIPA aimed to bridge this gap through training seminars and educational workshops.

However, as Dr. Palmer’s family grew and his professional responsibilities expanded, he had to momentarily shelve SIPA. Enter Dr. Rick Bishop, who helped revive the initiative, leading to the creation of the Professional Baseball Chiropractic Society (PBCS). This society has significantly impacted baseball by placing over 30 chiropractors with minor league teams.

Professional Hockey Chiropractic Society
Inspired by the PBCS’s success, Dr. Palmer founded the Professional Hockey Chiropractic Society (PHCS). Modeled after its baseball counterpart, PHCS has provided invaluable support to hockey players by networking qualified chiropractors with major and minor league teams. Despite interruptions due to COVID-19, PHCS continues to thrive, with upcoming workshops and events, including a tour of the Chicago Blackhawks training facility.

Networking and Collaboration
Networking is crucial in sports chiropractic care, as Dr. Brant Hulsebus recounts his experience with the AHL Rockford IceHogs. The challenges of finding a reliable chiropractor while traveling often involved flipping through phone books. However, with societies like PBCS and PHCS, chiropractors can now network, share best practices, and support each other.

Importance of Staying in Your Lane
Dr. Palmer highlights the importance of specialization in multidisciplinary sports environments. Chiropractors must focus on their core competencies, build trust with medical staff, and expand their repertoire cautiously. Understanding the nuances of nutrition, anti-doping regulations, and appropriate wordage when communicating with athletes is crucial for success.

Challenges and Cultural Differences
Dr. Palmer shares anecdotes about working with international athletes unfamiliar with chiropractic care, such as Russian hockey players. These experiences underline the chiropractor’s role as both a healthcare provider and an ambassador for the profession.

Advice for Aspiring Sports Chiropractors
Both Dr. Palmer and Dr. Hulsebus emphasize the importance of perseverance and dedication for aspiring sports chiropractors. Starting from lower levels, such as high schools and junior colleges, helps build a strong foundation. Patience, humility, and a willingness to learn and grow are essential traits. Dr. Palmer’s parting words stress the value of stepping into a role of trust and responsibility, emphasizing that sports chiropractors are ambassadors for the entire profession.

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