Football is a rough sport, there’s no question about that. Whiplash injuries are common in the game, but there are ways to help decrease the chance of these injuries. Along with weight training, muscle strengthening, and properly fitting gear, it is important that coaches focus on helping players to strengthen their neck muscles as well. Stretches specifically designed for football players help to develop the soft tissue surrounding the spine, allowing them to prepare for blocks and tackles that otherwise might result in neck injury.

For questions regarding specific exercises and stretching, or to follow-up on a previous injury, contact The Winchester Institute at 614-760-5555 or at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com

Fitness balls come in all sizes and shapes, and made their way into many homes a few years ago. For those of you that have them lying around in your basement, dig out the stability ball and use it to help strengthen your core. To do this, have your feet flat on the floor with your knees at a right angle and hip width apart. Keep your back straight, arms crossed and engage your core muscles. Lean back until you feel your abdominal muscles tighten and then hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times or until you feel you can no longer hold good form while performing the exercise.

If you have any questions about the exercise described above, or if you would like more information about how to tone up your core, contact us at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com or 614-760-5555.

A 2011 study published in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that there is an increased risk for young athletes when over-scheduling of athletic events does not allow for proper rest and recovery between practices and events. The study recommends considering the intensity of workouts and competitions in a 48 hour period, as well as recovery time and sleep before over-scheduling your child’s activities. Over-use injuries increased when children were not given adequate healing time between sporting activities.

If you or your child have had an over-use injury, contact The Winchester Institute at 614-760-5555 or www.thewinchesterinstitute.com to have one of our doctor’s examine the injury and provide quality recommendations for care.

Crunches and sit-ups can often cause a flare-up to an old injury in the low back. Instead of doing crunches or sit-ups, try the “superman” exercise instead. Start by lying on your stomach with arms and legs stretched out. Engage your core and bring hands and feet slightly off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat after a short break. This actively works the abs without strain to the low back.

For questions on this exercise or if you are looking for more core strengthening exercises, call The Winchester Institute at 614-760-5555 or contact us online at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com.

One of the most common complaints the doctors at The Winchester Institute hear is that patients have lost flexibility. Whether you’ve had an injury or just need to increase your range of motion, yoga may be a great option for you.

The Winchester Institute now offers a variety of yoga classes. Visit us at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com or call 614-760-5555 for more information.

Remember the colorful tape that made its appearance on many of the athletes in the last round of summer Olympics? This tape is called Kinesio tape and it is applied to injured areas to help with structural and functional support and can also help with swelling of injured areas.

The doctors at The Winchester Institute have implemented the use of Kinesio taping to help provide support to injured areas to aid in healing. Contact us at 614-760-5555 or www.thewinchesterinstitute.com for more information.

Did you know that The Winchester Institute not only offers rehabilitation, but also offers personal training for those who need a kick-start to their work out? Our trainers will work with you to help attain your goals, whatever they may be.

Call The Winchester Institute at 614-760-5555 or visit us at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com for information about individual and group personal training sessions.

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is common among runners as well as pregnant women, those who wear shoes without proper support as well as overweight individuals.
Dr. Winchester and Dr. Sneyd, along with the rehab specialists, deep-tissue massage therapists and customized Footlevelers scans, have many tools to help relieve that painful, burning sensation in your feet. Contact us at 614-760-5555 or www.thewinchesterinstitute.com.

“I did a lot to stay in the game, but regular visits to my chiropractor were among the most important.”
–Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice understands the importance of chiropractic care. Chiropractic, along with proper exercise and nutrition are the winning combination for more and more athletes around the world. Dr. Winchester and Dr. Sneyd have a passion to help you perform your best in the sport you love. Contact The Winchester Institute at www.thewinchesterinstitute.com or 614-760-5555 to set up your check-up today.