Chiropractic for the Sporting Athlete
By Dr. Mo Mommersteeg, Chiropractor
Athletes push their bodies to the limit. Whether you’re competing professionally or training as a weekend warrior, maintaining peak performance and preventing injury is crucial. But when pain, stiffness, or injury strikes, performance can be compromised. This is where sports chiropractic in Townsville can make a real difference.
At Momentum Health & Chiro, our chiropractors work with athletes of all levels across Townsville and North Queensland. We assess injuries, manage pain, and create personalised rehabilitation plans that help you recover faster and perform at your best.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What sports chiropractic is
How chiropractors assess and treat athletic injuries
Common treatment techniques
The role of rehabilitation and prevention in long-term performance
What Is Sports Chiropractic?
A sports chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries related to physical activity. Unlike general injury management, sports chiropractic focuses on the biomechanics of movement and athletic performance.
The goal isn’t just to relieve pain — it’s to identify the root cause of dysfunction, restore optimal movement, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
How Chiropractors Assess Sports Injuries
Every successful treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment. At our Townsville chiropractic clinic, we use a combination of techniques to understand the full picture of an athlete’s injury or pain:
Patient History: Reviewing past injuries, training load, and performance goals.
Physical Examination: Assessing joint mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, and posture, along with special orthopedic tests.
Diagnostic Imaging: If needed, X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasound may be recommended for a deeper look at structural issues.
This assessment allows our chiropractors to design a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan tailored to each athlete’s unique needs.
Chiropractic Treatment for Athletes
Once the cause of pain or injury is identified, treatment may include:
Manual Adjustments: Controlled joint movements to restore alignment, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release, cupping, or instrument-assisted therapy to reduce tightness, scar tissue, and adhesions.
Dry Needling: Targeted treatment to improve blood flow, release muscle tension, and reduce inflammation.
Rehabilitation Exercises: Custom strength, flexibility, and stability training to restore function and prevent recurrence.
At Momentum Health & Chiro in Townsville, we combine these techniques to deliver comprehensive care for both recovery and performance.
Injury Prevention and Long-Term Care
Chiropractic care isn’t just about recovery — it’s also about prevention. Athletes benefit from education on:
Proper warm-up and cool-down techniques
Correct exercise form and biomechanics
Balancing training with rest and recovery
Nutrition guidance to support healing and performance
Why Athletes in Townsville Choose Chiropractic
From pain management to peak performance, chiropractic plays an essential role in an athlete’s health journey. Benefits include:
Faster recovery from injuries
Reduced risk of re-injury
Improved strength, mobility, and flexibility
Enhanced athletic performance
Whether you’re recovering from a sprained ankle, managing shoulder pain, or simply looking to stay at the top of your game, our Townsville sports chiropractors can support your goals.
Chiropractic care is more than just “back cracking.” For athletes in Townsville and across Queensland, it’s a holistic approach to performance, injury recovery, and long-term health. Whether you’re a professional competitor or a casual runner, integrating chiropractic into your training routine can help you stay strong, resilient, and ready for the next challenge.
