Adjustments improve Strength
In 2014, a groundbreaking study conducted by the Center for Chiropractic Research in Auckland, New Zealand, investigated how spinal health and chiropractic care affect muscle strength and fatigue. The study focused on students, measuring the strength of their leg muscles and the efficiency of the brain’s contraction signals before and after a chiropractic adjustment. The results were remarkable.
Students who received chiropractic care were able to generate 16% more force in their leg muscles following an adjustment, compared to those who did not. Even more fascinating, the students who received chiropractic adjustments did not experience the same level of muscle fatigue during the testing as those in the control group. This demonstrated that chiropractic care has the ability to reduce fatigue and improve the body’s strength, even during repeated muscle contractions.
Chiropractic Adjustments Affect the Nervous System
The findings of this study suggest that chiropractic adjustments don’t just impact the spine—they also improve the way the nervous system communicates with the muscles. The central nervous system plays a critical role in muscle strength and endurance by sending signals from the brain to the muscles. When the spine is misaligned, these signals can be disrupted, leading to reduced strength, fatigue, and muscle inefficiency.
By realigning the spine and correcting subluxations (misalignments), chiropractic care helps restore proper nerve function. This allows the brain to communicate more effectively with the muscles, improving strength, endurance, and the body’s ability to perform at a higher level.
Chiropractic Care vs. Strength Training
What’s even more exciting is that the effects of chiropractic care on muscle strength and endurance were found to be similar to those seen in strength training. In a separate study conducted by the same research group, they compared the effects of three weeks of endurance training and strength training on muscle strength and central nervous system function. The results were comparable to the findings from the chiropractic study after just one session.
This suggests that chiropractic care can have a similar impact on your strength as a dedicated strength training programme, without requiring weeks of effort. This is a particularly exciting finding for athletes and those looking to boost their performance without the strain and time commitment of traditional training.
Benefits for Elite Athletes
Chiropractic care doesn’t just benefit those new to exercise—it also has a profound impact on elite athletes. A follow-up study with top athletes revealed that even they experienced improvements in strength and reductions in fatigue following a single chiropractic adjustment. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, chiropractic care can enhance your performance by ensuring your nervous system and musculoskeletal system are functioning optimally.
What Does This Mean for You?
Whether you’re looking to improve your athletic performance, recover from an injury, or simply enhance your overall strength and vitality, chiropractic care can make a significant difference. At Thame Chiropractic Clinic, we take a holistic approach to health and fitness. We understand the powerful connection between your spine, nervous system, and muscle function. Through precise and gentle adjustments, we help restore proper alignment and balance, enabling you to move better, feel stronger, and perform at your best.
