Sports Chiropractic
& Athlete Wellness
Move well. Think well. Be Well.
Elevate your game with expert sports chiropractic care. At The Well-House Chiropractic, we help athletes of all ages – from student players to weekend warriors – stay in peak condition, recover from injuries, and prevent future ones. Our Chillicothe, MO clinic takes a holistic approach to athlete wellness, combining gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and functional nutrition guidance to keep you performing at your best. Whether you’re a high school sports star or an adult who enjoys an active lifestyle, we’re here to support your goals and keep you in the game.
Improve Performance & Prevent Injuries
Athletes push their bodies to the limit. Our sports-focused chiropractic care ensures your body is aligned and functioning optimally so you can push harder without breaking down. Regular adjustments can improve joint mobility, enhance muscle balance, and even sharpen your nervous system’s efficiency. In fact, studies show that spinal adjustments influence the brain and muscles in ways that boost strength, coordination, and pain relief. By correcting misalignments (subluxations) and relieving tension, we help your body move freely and efficiently, giving you a competitive edge.
Preventive care is key: Sports chiropractic isn’t just about fixing injuries – it’s about stopping them before they happen. We identify areas of tightness or imbalance that could lead to pulls or sprains if left unchecked. For example, if we find limited hip mobility in a runner or tight shoulder muscles in a pitcher, we address it proactively with adjustments, stretching guidance, and corrective exercises. Keeping your body in proper alignment reduces wear-and-tear, so you’re less likely to get sidelined mid-season. Many pro athletes use chiropractic as a secret weapon to stay durable – in fact, about 90% of elite and Olympic athletes use chiropractic care to increase performance and reduce injury risk. Even the pros know that staying aligned means staying ahead!
Holistic athletic care: Performance isn’t just about joints and muscles. As a holistic clinic, we also advise our athletes on things like warm-up routines, nutrition, and recovery strategies. Dr. Matthew Arthaud’s background as both a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Registered Nurse means he understands the bigger picture of health. He can help you optimize your diet for better energy and healing (see our Functional Nutrition services), ensure you’re staying hydrated, and discuss ergonomics or gear (like proper footwear or support braces) if needed. This well-rounded approach means you get comprehensive care that addresses all factors affecting your performance.
Common Sports Injuries We Treat
From sudden injuries on the field to nagging aches that won’t quit, The Well-House Chiropractic is equipped to treat a wide range of sports-related conditions. Some common sports injuries and issues we help with include:
Sprains and Strains
Ankle sprains, pulled hamstrings, and other ligament or muscle injuries. We use gentle adjustments and soft tissue techniques to reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and speed healing of these acute injuries.
Knee Pain & Injuries
Shoulder & Elbow Injuries
Back and Neck Pain
Overuse Injuries
Post-Concussion Neck Issues
Not sure if we can help your specific issue? Ask us! Chances are, if your injury involves joints, muscles, or nerves, our sports chiropractic approach can play a role in your recovery. We also collaborate with other healthcare professionals – if your injury requires co-management with an orthopedist or physical therapist, we’re happy to be part of your rehab team to get you back out there.
Pre-Season Physicals & Performance Check-Ups
Before the whistle blows on a new season, make sure you’re cleared and ready to play. We provide convenient sports physical exams for student-athletes right here in our clinic. During a pre-participation physical, Dr. Arthaud will review your medical history, check vital signs, and perform the required musculoskeletal exam to ensure it’s safe for you (or your child) to join the team. We’ll fill out all your school’s required forms on the spot, so you can hit the field with confidence.
More than just a formality: As a chiropractor with an eye for movement, Dr. Arthaud goes beyond the basic checklist of a typical sports physical. He includes a posture and flexibility assessment as part of the exam – essentially a mini movement screening. Why? Because catching a potential issue (like poor shoulder mobility or an imbalance in leg strength) before the season starts can prevent injuries down the road. If we spot something concerning, we’ll let you know and recommend steps to address it (for example, specific stretches or a follow-up appointment for further evaluation). Our goal is not only to get you cleared to play, but to set you up for a successful, injury-free season.
Serving Chillicothe & beyond: We proudly serve student-athletes from Chillicothe and surrounding communities in North Missouri. Whether you need a quick sports physical or a baseline musculoskeletal check before trying out for the team, we’ve got you covered. Ready to schedule your sports physical? Give us a call or book online – we often have same-week appointments available during peak sports seasons. (Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute before practice starts – get your physical done early and avoid the rush!)
Chiropractic for Student Athletes (Youth Sports)
Growing bodies need special care. If you have a child or teen in sports, you might worry about things like growth plate injuries, repeated falls, or the toll of intense training on a young body. Rest assured, chiropractic care is very safe and gentle for kids and adolescents – and it can be a game-changer for their athletic development. Here’s how we support our young athletes:
Safe, Gentle Techniques
Children are not just small adults; their joints and growth plates are still developing. Dr. Arthaud uses low-force adjustment techniques tailored for younger frames. Often, a light pressure or use of a handheld instrument is all that’s needed to correct a misalignment. There’s no aggressive “cracking” for a little one – treatments are comfortable and effective, putting both the child and the parent at ease.
Injury Prevention During Growth Spurts
Rapid growth can temporarily make kids less coordinated and more injury-prone (ever notice a teen suddenly clumsy after a growth spurt?). Regular chiropractic check-ups during growth phases ensure the spine and limbs stay aligned as they lengthen. This can help improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of trips, falls, or joint injuries. We often see that kids under care experience fewer sprains and strains, even as they ramp up their training.
Common Youth Sports Issues
Young athletes can face unique issues like Sever’s disease (heel pain from growth plate stress), Osgood-Schlatter (knee pain), Little League elbow, and other developmental conditions. Our approach can help manage these conditions by relieving pressure on affected areas and promoting proper alignment. We also educate kids on stretching and form – for example, teaching a teen pitcher shoulder stretches to avoid Little League shoulder, or showing a young gymnast core exercises to protect their back.
Confidence and Education
A first chiropractic visit can be a bit intimidating for a child. We take the time to explain everything in kid-friendly terms and even make it fun. Dr. Arthaud often demonstrates an adjustment on a model spine or shows how the table moves, so young patients know what to expect. By making kids comfortable, we help them build positive habits around self-care and body awareness that can last a lifetime. Many parents tell us their kids look forward to visits because they know it helps them play and feel better!
Parents, when your athlete is under our care, we consider you part of the team too. We’ll communicate what we’re doing and why, answer all your questions, and give tips for at-home care (like icing instructions or specific stretches). Our family-friendly clinic environment welcomes kids of all ages – feel free to bring along siblings, and we’ll make it a positive experience for everyone. When it comes to keeping young athletes healthy, it truly takes a village, and we’re honored to be on your child’s wellness team.
Success Stories: Back in the Game
We’ve been fortunate to help many athletes in Chillicothe and beyond overcome injuries and achieve new personal bests. Here are a couple of examples of how holistic chiropractic care made a difference:
Training Tips & Wellness Advice for Athletes
We love educating our athletes so they can take charge of their health. Here are a few of Dr. Arthaud’s top tips for staying in peak condition and avoiding injuries:
Warm Up & Stretch
Never skip a warm-up! Start with light cardio to get blood flowing, then do dynamic stretches targeting major muscle groups. Pay special attention to areas prone to tightness, like hip flexors, hamstrings, and shoulders. Adequate warm-ups improve your flexibility and can significantly reduce injury risk.
Stay Hydrated & Eat for Recovery
Water is your best friend whether you’re on the field or in the gym. Dehydration can hurt performance and increase cramp risk, so drink water throughout the day (not just during practice). After intense exercise, refuel with a mix of protein and healthy carbs to repair muscle tissue. (Need guidance on sports nutrition? Our functional nutrition counseling can help you optimize your diet for performance.)
Rest and Listen to Your Body
Hard training days are important, but so are rest days. Your body needs time to recover and rebuild. Pay attention to aches and pains – they are warning signals. Don’t push through severe or sharp pain. Early care can prevent a minor issue from turning into a major layoff. If something doesn’t feel right, consider getting it checked sooner rather than later. Often a quick adjustment or therapy can resolve an issue before it knocks you out of play.
By following these tips – and staying consistent with any care plan we design for you – you’ll set yourself up for success on and off the field. Little habits, like stretching daily or using proper form, make a big difference over a season. We’re always here to provide personalized advice, so feel free to ask Dr. Arthaud or our team any questions during your visits. Your success is our success!
Ready to run faster, jump higher, and recover quicker?
Don’t let pain or stiffness hold you back from the activities you love. The Well-House Chiropractic is here to keep you moving at your best, whether you’re aiming for a state championship or just a healthier, active life. Contact us today to schedule your chiropractic sports evaluation or to learn more about how we can help you or your young athlete. We offer flexible appointment times to fit your training schedule, and new patients are always welcome. Get back in the game with a healthier, stronger you – starting now!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Sports Chiropractic at The Well-House
Is chiropractic care safe for student athletes and children in sports?
Yes – when provided by a qualified practitioner, chiropractic care is very safe for children and teens. We use gentle, low-force techniques for young athletes, adapting to their size and development. There’s no cracking or high pressure needed to adjust kids. In fact, many parents find that their children recover from sports injuries faster with chiropractic care and even avoid future injuries due to improved alignment and balance. We always put safety first and will tailor every treatment to the individual child’s age, comfort, and specific needs.
How can a sports chiropractor improve athletic performance?
A well-aligned body simply moves and functions better. By correcting misalignments in the spine and extremities, chiropractic care helps optimize your range of motion, balance, and coordination. Athletes often report they run faster, jump higher, or lift more comfortably after regular adjustments because their joints are moving freely without restriction. Additionally, chiropractic can enhance nervous system function – meaning your brain can communicate with your muscles more efficiently. This leads to quicker reaction times and better muscle activation. Even subtle improvements in how your body moves can translate into better performance on the field or court. Professional teams recognize this – virtually all NFL teams and most pro sports teams use chiropractic to keep their athletes in peak condition.
What types of sports injuries can chiropractors treat?
Sports chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal injuries – essentially problems with the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. We commonly treat sprained ankles, pulled muscles, knee and shoulder injuries (like ACL strains, meniscus irritation, rotator cuff issues), tennis or golfer’s elbow, wrist injuries, neck and back pain (including disc injuries or whiplash), and more. We can also help manage and rehab overuse injuries such as shin splints or tendonitis. If you have an acute injury (like a fracture or concussion), you should first get emergency or primary medical care. But once you’re stable, chiropractic can be part of your rehabilitation team to restore alignment, mobility, and function as you heal. We work alongside your physician or physical therapist’s recommendations to get you fully back to 100%.
I’m not a competitive athlete – I just play sports on weekends. Can I still benefit from sports chiropractic?
Absolutely! “Weekend warriors” and recreational athletes put their bodies through stress too. In fact, if you’re not training every day, you might be more prone to Monday morning aches after the weekend. Chiropractic care can help hobby athletes stay injury-free and enjoy their activities more. Whether you’re in a local softball league, love golfing on Sundays, or are working through a Couch-to-5k running plan, we can help your body handle the demands. Regular adjustments will keep your spine and joints aligned, improving your flexibility and reducing post-exercise soreness. Think of us as maintenance for your active lifestyle – you don’t have to be a pro to treat your body like one!
Do you offer sports physicals and how are they different at a chiropractic office?
Yes, we offer sports physical exams for students (also known as pre-participation physicals). You can book a sports physical with Dr. Arthaud just as you would with a family doctor. The exam will cover all the required checks – vital signs, heart/lung auscultation, vision, orthopedic screening, etc., to ensure it’s safe for the student to play. The advantage of getting a sports physical here is our musculoskeletal expertise: we pay extra attention to posture, joint function, and any existing aches or past injuries. It’s like a physical + a mini alignment check. If we find any issues (for example, tight hamstrings or slight scoliosis curvature), we’ll let you know and offer guidance or treatment options. We’ll still complete your school’s form like any other provider. Many families choose us for sports physicals because we can often schedule them sooner than busy primary care clinics, and you get personalized attention rather than a quick “assembly line” exam. Plus, if any follow-up care is needed (say we discover a mild scoliosis or recommend an orthotic), you’re already in the right place to address it!
How often should an athlete see a chiropractor?
The ideal frequency can vary depending on the athlete’s sport, level, and individual body. For general maintenance and injury prevention, many athletes benefit from an adjustment about once a month during their active season. This keeps small misalignments from accumulating and addresses minor issues before they flare up. During heavy training or if dealing with a particular injury, we might recommend weekly visits (or even a couple of times a week for a short period) to resolve the issue and keep you on track. Once you’re stable, we’ll taper back to a maintenance schedule. Youth athletes in growth spurts might also come a bit more frequently, as their bodies are changing quickly. Dr. Arthaud will create a customized plan based on your needs – some athletes even like to pop in for a tune-up right before or after a big event. Remember, chiropractic is like tune-ups for your body’s engine – regular care can improve longevity and performance, but we’ll never over-schedule you. It’s all about what keeps you feeling and performing your best.