Whether you’re training for a marathon, hitting the gym a few times a week, or just love hiking the trails around La Cañada Flintridge, staying active is essential for your health. But with movement comes the risk of injury, muscle strain, and performance plateaus.
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian specialize in helping athletes and active adults recover faster, move better, and prevent injuries through personalized chiropractic care. As part of the healthcare team working with the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Soccer Teams, they bring an elite level of insight and experience to local athletes of all levels.
Let’s take a deeper look at how chiropractic care supports athletic performance and longevity.
Why Active Bodies Need Chiropractic Support
Athletes push their bodies to the limit. While this builds strength and endurance, it can also lead to repetitive stress, joint misalignment, and soft tissue imbalances. Even small dysfunctions in the spine or extremities can affect coordination, reaction time, and muscle recruitment.
Some of the most common issues we see in active patients include:
- Low back pain
- Knee or hip pain
- Shoulder tightness
- Foot and ankle strain
- Tendonitis or repetitive-use injuries
- Decreased range of motion
Chiropractic care addresses these issues at their root by improving spinal alignment, joint mobility, and nervous system function. When your spine and joints move properly, your muscles can work more efficiently, reducing fatigue and risk of injury.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Athletes
Athletes at all levels—professional, amateur, and weekend warriors—can benefit from regular chiropractic care. Here are just a few ways we support your body in motion:
1. Faster Recovery
Injury and overtraining can lead to inflammation and joint dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce inflammation, promote circulation, and improve joint mechanics, so your body can recover more quickly between workouts or after injury.
2. Improved Range of Motion
Restricted joints don’t just feel stiff—they limit your performance. Whether you’re swinging a golf club, sprinting, or lifting weights, proper range of motion is key. Adjustments restore optimal joint movement, helping you move more freely.
3. Better Balance and Coordination
The nervous system controls every movement you make. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve communication, affecting balance and control. Chiropractic improves neurological function, allowing you to move with precision and confidence.
4. Injury Prevention
Regular chiropractic care helps identify and correct biomechanical imbalances before they become injuries. We focus on correcting movement patterns and improving posture to reduce unnecessary stress on joints and muscles.
5. Enhanced Performance
A properly aligned spine and nervous system means better muscle recruitment, faster reaction times, and more efficient movement patterns—essential for peak performance in any sport.
What to Expect at Your Visit
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to working with athletes and active adults. Your care begins with a detailed evaluation, including posture and gait analysis, mobility testing, and a discussion of your activity level and performance goals.
From there, Dr. Zimmerman or Dr. Shabazian will develop a custom care plan that may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments (spinal and extremity)
- Soft tissue therapy
- Stretching and stability exercises
- Postural training and ergonomics
- Home mobility routines
- Nutritional or recovery guidance if appropriate
We work with athletes of all backgrounds, from weekend warriors to youth athletes to professionals preparing for competition.
Real Results, On and Off the Field
Many of our athletic patients report fewer injuries, faster healing times, and improved performance when receiving consistent chiropractic care.
One of our patients, a local triathlete, struggled with recurring hip tightness and fatigue. After just a few weeks of spinal and pelvic adjustments, her stride improved, and she was able to shave several minutes off her race time.
Another patient, a recreational soccer player in his 40s, came to us with chronic knee and ankle issues. With chiropractic care focused on joint mobility and alignment, he was able to return to play without pain—and avoid the knee surgery he thought was inevitable.
We’ve seen these kinds of transformations time and again. Our experience with Olympic-level athletes gives us unique insight into how to apply advanced techniques to help everyone—from professionals to passionate amateurs—feel and perform their best.
Support for Every Type of Athlete
You don’t need to be a professional to benefit from professional-level care.
Whether you’re chasing PRs, keeping up with your kids on the soccer field, or simply enjoying your daily walks without pain, chiropractic helps support your body’s resilience and efficiency.
We regularly work with:
- Runners and cyclists
- Tennis players and golfers
- CrossFit and HIIT athletes
- Swimmers and dancers
- Hikers and recreational athletes
- Youth sports participants
Every athlete is different, which is why we tailor your care to your body, goals, and sport.
How Often Should Athletes See a Chiropractor?
The right frequency depends on your activity level, injury history, and performance goals. Some athletes benefit from weekly visits during training cycles, while others do best with maintenance care every few weeks.
We’ll help you determine what’s appropriate for your needs, whether you’re recovering from an injury, preparing for an event, or simply wanting to stay active and pain-free for life.
Train Smart. Recover Fully. Perform Better.
Athletes who include chiropractic care in their wellness plan often enjoy longer careers, fewer injuries, and better overall function. At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian bring the same high-level care they provide to Olympic soccer athletes to our local La Cañada community.
Whether you’re pushing your limits or just want to keep moving with ease, we’re here to help your body perform at its best both on and off the field.
