Sports Chiropractor in Carrollton, TX
Dr. Konner and Dr. Sydney are both evidenced-based chiropractors who are able to treat both athletes and non-athletes. They each specialize in sports performance and rehabilitation, making them both great sports chiropractors.
A sports chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. They use a combination of chiropractic techniques, athletic training, and rehabilitative exercises to help athletes improve their performance, prevent injuries, and recover from injuries more quickly.
What's the Difference Between a Sports Chiropractor and a Regular Chiropractor?
While regular chiropractors provide general musculoskeletal care, a sports chiropractor is a specialized chiropractor who has received additional training and certification in treating sports-related injuries, enhancing athletic performance, and preventing future injuries through comprehensive, sport-specific treatment plans. The key differences between a sports chiropractor and a regular chiropractor are:
Training and Certification
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Regular chiropractors complete a standard 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) program focused on general chiropractic care.
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Sports chiropractors undergo additional postgraduate training (minimum 100 hours) in areas like sports medicine, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and sports-specific biomechanics. They must pass a certification exam by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) to become a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP).
Scope of Practice
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Regular chiropractors primarily focus on treating general musculoskeletal issues and pain through spinal adjustments and manipulation.
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Sports chiropractors specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries related to sports and athletic activities. Their treatments go beyond spinal adjustments and may include athletic taping, myofascial release, rehabilitation exercises, and customized treatment plans for faster recovery and injury prevention.
Treatment Approach
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Regular chiropractic treatment typically involves a short appointment (5-10 minutes) focused on spinal adjustments.
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Sports chiropractic treatment is more comprehensive, lasting 20-60 minutes, and may involve multiple therapies like adjustments, soft tissue work, exercises, and rehabilitation protocols tailored to the athlete's needs.
Common Conditions Treated by Sports Chiropractors
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Back and Neck Pain
Sports chiropractors frequently treat lower back pain, mid/upper back pain, and neck pain caused by repetitive motions, impacts, or improper biomechanics during athletic activities. Spinal adjustments and manipulations can help alleviate pain and improve spinal function.
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Muscle Strains and Sprains
Chiropractic techniques like soft tissue therapy, stretching, and joint mobilization can help treat and rehabilitate muscle strains, tight muscles, ligament sprains, and other soft tissue injuries common in sports.
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Joint Dysfunction
Sports chiropractors use adjustments and mobilizations to improve joint function and range of motion in areas like the shoulders, knees, ankles, and wrists that are prone to injury in athletes.
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Tendinitis/Tendinopathy
Conditions like tennis elbow, jumper's knee, and Achilles tendinitis can be treated with chiropractic care through techniques that reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and correct biomechanical issues.
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Overuse Injuries
Repetitive stress from training can lead to overuse injuries that chiropractors can address through adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehabilitative exercises to restore function.
What's the Difference Between a Sports Chiropractor and a Physical Therapist?
Both sports chiropractors and physical therapists can play important roles in injury rehabilitation and performance optimization for athletes. The choice between the two may depend on the specific condition, personal preferences, and the type of treatment approach desired. Here are the main differences between the two:
Education and Training
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Sports chiropractors receive a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, which involves extensive training in spinal manipulation, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system function.
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Physical therapists earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, with a focus on exercise, mobility, and hands-on therapy techniques.
Treatment Approach
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Sports chiropractors primarily use spinal adjustments, joint manipulations, and soft tissue therapies to treat musculoskeletal issues and improve nervous system function.
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Physical therapists use exercises, stretches, manual therapy techniques (like joint mobilization), and modalities (heat, ice, ultrasound) to improve mobility, strength, and function.
Areas of Focus
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Sports chiropractors concentrate on the biomechanics of the spine and joints, and how they relate to athletic performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
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Physical therapists may specialize in sports medicine, but also treat a wider range of conditions, including neurological disorders, chronic diseases, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Holistic Approach
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Sports chiropractors often take a more holistic approach, addressing diet, nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness in addition to musculoskeletal issues.
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Physical therapists primarily focus on improving physical function and mobility through targeted exercises and therapies.
TESTIMONIALS
Sio O.
My friend from flag football recommended Dr. Konner to me and now I'd recommend any sports friend to him. I waited until my pain kept me up at night to actually go. I came in with years long injuries, a previous PT regiment and continuing to do sports through these problems. After a few months of Dr. Konner's holistic plan of exercises, adjustments and dry needling, all my pain and mobility issues have significantly reduced. He understands how to work with an active sports lifestyle and recovery.
Do professional athletes see chiropractors?
Yes, professional athletes frequently rely on chiropractic care to help prevent injuries, manage pain, and enhance their athletic performance.
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An estimated 90% of all world-class professional athletes routinely use chiropractic care. This includes athletes from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, and Olympic teams.
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All NFL teams employ on-staff chiropractors, with each team chiropractor performing 16,320 to 27,200 adjustments per football season. 77% of NFL athletic trainers have referred players to chiropractors.
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72% of PGA golfers and the majority of NBA, MLB and NHL teams utilize chiropractic services.
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Chiropractic care provides several benefits for professional athletes: Improved performance and recovery times Many elite athletes like Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Venus Williams have credited chiropractic care for helping extend their careers and improve performance.
How often should an athlete see a chiropractor?
Athletes should see a chiropractor regularly, with the frequency depending on their
specific needs and goals. Here are some general guidelines:
For Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement
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For athletes not currently injured, visiting a chiropractor once every 2-4 weeks can help maintain proper spinal alignment, reduce injury risk, and optimize nerve function for peak performance.
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Many professional athletes, including an estimated 90% of world-class athletes, utilize regular chiropractic care as part of their training regimen to prevent injuries and enhance performance.
For Injury Recovery
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Athletes recovering from an acute injury may need to see a chiropractor 2-3 times per week initially to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing.
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As the injury improves, the frequency can be reduced to once per week or once every 2 weeks.
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Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine and restore proper nerve function, which is essential for healing and recovery.
For Affecting Frequency
The optimal frequency depends on various factors:
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The athlete's age, sport, training intensity, and injury history
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Whether the goal is injury prevention, performance enhancement, or injury recovery
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The severity and chronicity of any existing injuries or conditions
An experienced sports chiropractor can evaluate the athlete's needs and develop a
customized treatment plan with an appropriate visit schedule.
What are the benefits of a sports chiropractor?
Chiropractors can be highly beneficial for athletes and sports performance in several ways:
Injury Prevention
Chiropractors help identify and correct imbalances and areas of restricted movement that could lead to injury. By keeping the body balanced and functioning optimally, the risk of sports-related injuries is reduced.
Improved Performance
Spinal adjustments and other chiropractic techniques can improve range of motion, flexibility, balance, coordination, and muscle strength - all key factors for enhanced athletic performance. Studies have shown performance increases of up to 30% in areas like eye-hand coordination after receiving chiropractic care.
Faster Recovery
Chiropractic care helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing by restoring proper nerve function and blood flow. Techniques like massage, stretching, shockwave and dry needling are used to break down scar tissue and release muscle tension, allowing athletes to recover more quickly from injuries.
Drug-Free Treatment
Chiropractors offer a non-invasive, drug-free approach to treating sports injuries and optimizing performance. This avoids the risks and side effects associated with medications or surgery.
MEET THE DOCTOR
Dr. Konner Ackerman, DC, CCSP®, MS, ATC
Dr. Konner Ackerman is the owner of Elevation Spine and Sports Medicine. He previously won the 2021 Addison Reader’s Award for Favorite Chiropractor for his previous clinic. He is motivated to assist his patients with a sports medicine approach to chiropractic care for the spine and extremities. He utilizes his skills to help individuals of all ages and activity levels to decrease pain and improve daily activities that a patient may be struggling with. He believes in an evidence-informed, holistic and wellness approach to patient care. He begins with a detailed medical history and exam and follows up with explaining an individualized treatment program to help each patient improve.
Dr. Konner Ackerman graduated from the University of Western States in Portland, Oregon with honors of Magna Cum Laude where he earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic, Master of Science in Sports Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a Major in Athletic Training. He was also a competitive gymnast of fifteen years, which included competing for the University of Michigan where he won two Big Ten Conference Team Championships and two NCAA Team Championships.
He has experience covering PBA tournaments where he worked with national team members at the Olympic Training Center. He also has experience working with a variety of sports at the elite and collegiate level as well as both a chiropractor and athletic trainer. This includes football, lacrosse, soccer, gymnastics and softball. He is also a member of the National Athletic Training Association (NATA).
