The British Chiropractic Sports Council: Chiropractors have been involved in the treatment of sports people and sports-related injuries from the very beginning of the profession. As a discipline that deals with functional disorders of the joints, it is eminently suited to being included as part of the medical back-up team of any sport.

Until recently, chiropractors tended to work on their own, making contacts and working with individuals or sporting bodies on their own initiative without reference to anyone else in the profession. It was seen that this was not the way that would give the most benefit to those who are involved in sport at whatever level. The British Chiropractic Sports Council (BCSC) was founded by the necessary enthusiastic bunch who gave willingly of their time and efforts.

International recognition: We were given support and encouragement in this by our international colleagues in the Fédèration Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport (FICS) who are based in Lausanne and are recognised by the World Health Organisation and the International Olympic Committee. They are currently in negotiation with the IOC concerning the inclusion of chiropractors in the base medical facilities for future Olympic Games. The US, Canada and New Zealand have included chiropractors in their teams for many years and many top athletes can attest to their skills. Chiropractors are working in the Polyclinic at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Prevent injury & optimise performance: The BCSC is not just concerned with the treatment of sports-related injuries but in how to prevent them in the first place and how to help optimise performance. It is possible that a person can have a mechanical dysfunction without being aware of any clinical symptoms. If that is the case then not only will they be prone to injury when applying that extra bit of effort but as they are not functioning correctly then they cannot perform to their maximum capability. Brendan Foster tells us that “when athletes are competing at a high level the care of a chiropractor is key to their preparation before an event,” and Steve Cram says “chiropractic is a fast and effective way of treating and preventing injuries. I constantly recommend chiropractic to athletes…”

Treatment in the field: The BCSC is an organisation of practically minded chiropractors who have an interest in working “in the field.”

Source: The British Chiropractic Sports Council Website www.chirosport.org