It is well known that all great athletes visit a chiropractor. Some are there for pain, but the vast majority are there to prevent injury and perform to their best potential.
In this study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science in Jan. 2015, thirty female students were tested to determine if adjusting had a positive effect on their vertical jump. These females had no symptoms of pain in the lower back or lower extremities. The only requirement was that there was at least a 10mm functional deficiency between the left and right leg, ie. “a short leg.” This may produce a condition that can only be corrected by your Carlsbad chiropractor, a subluxation.
The control group was treated by stretching the spinal erectors, abdominals, iliac muscle, psoas major, quadriceps, leg adductor, and quadratus lumborum to resolve muscular imbalance that could further the pelvic imbalance.
The experimental group was the Gonstead adjusting group, using the Gonstead system of analysis and adjusting. The following video is an example of an ilium adjustment similar to the ones performed in this study. In this video example the ilium has moved posterior inferior and externally on the left side. This misalignment has the tendency to create a “short leg”. This adjustment will tend to “lengthen” that leg by adjusting it in the right direction. Click HERE to see the ILIUM ADJUSTMENT VIDEO. Additionally, adjusting the lumbar can also have a positive effect on leg length inequality. Click HERE to see the LUMBAR ADJUSTMENT VIDEO. Example x-rays are HERE (note change in leg length inequality).
In the control group (the stretching group), the vertical jump increased 2%. In the Gonstead chiropractic adjustment experimental group, the vertical jump increased 15%, over 7x the stretching group.
In the control group, leg length inequality decreased 17%. In the Gonstead chiropractic adjustment control group, the leg length inequality decreased 61%, over 3x the stretching group.
| TEST | CONTROL GROUP (Stretching) | EXPERIMENT GROUP (Gonstead Chiropractic Adjustment) |
| Vertical Jump | 2% ↑ | 15% ↑ |
| Leg Length Inequality* | 17% ↓ | 61% ↓ |
* a decrease in Leg Length Inequality is desirable.
In the Gonstead chiropractic adjusting group, both the vertical jump increase and leg length inequality decrease are considered “significant” to researchers.
Athletes use chiropractic because they perform better. It’s an advantage. When the subluxation is corrected, the brain can regain proper control over the muscles and body chemistry to allow them to perform at their peak potential. This creates structural changes as demonstrated in this study and the above x-rays.
At our office we do no guesswork with your health. You may call the office to schedule a no charge consultation to see if chiropractic can help you or your kids.
Dr. Note: Just because there was significant improvement of both vertical jump and leg length inequality in the Gonstead chiropractic group, does not mean stretching should be ignored and the individual only adjusted. Structure should be corrected first, then any other stretching should be discussed with your PT or trainer. Don’t wait for years before getting help and call us today to schedule a consultation with your San Diego Gonstead Chiropractor in Carlsbad.
For Educational Purposes Only
No exercises, stretching, or traction was used on patient. Only specific Gonstead chiropractic adjustments were performed by the San Diego Gonstead Chiropractor in Carlsbad.
We also offer specialized seminars for students and practitioners: seminars@gohlclinic.com