Athletes push their bodies to the limit, chasing that extra edge in every practice and competition. But when injuries strike, the road to recovery can feel like a detour from peak performance. That's where sports chiropractors in Santa Fe, NM, step in. Dr. Brian Short, DC, a dedicated practitioner with years of experience helping local runners, cyclists, and team players, knows firsthand how targeted chiropractic care can shave weeks off healing time. By focusing on the body's natural alignment and function, these experts turn setbacks into comebacks faster than traditional methods alone.

Spotting and Addressing the Root of Sports Injuries

Every athlete's injury tells a story. A twisted ankle from trail running or a nagging shoulder tweak from overhead serves in tennis isn't just surface-level pain—it's often tied to imbalances elsewhere in the body. Sports chiropractors like Dr. Short start by listening closely to an athlete's history and routine. They perform hands-on assessments to pinpoint misalignments in the spine, joints, or muscles that might have contributed to the issue.

This detective work goes beyond X-rays or MRIs. Dr. Short explains that many sports injuries stem from subtle shifts in posture or gait developed over months of training. For instance, a Santa Fe marathoner might develop lower back strain from uneven terrain on local paths. By realigning the pelvis early, a chiropractor prevents compensatory patterns that slow recovery. This proactive approach means athletes spend less time sidelined and more time building strength.

Hands-On Techniques That Accelerate Healing

Once the cause is clear, treatment gets to work. Sports chiropractors use a mix of gentle adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehab exercises tailored to the sport. Dr. Short often employs spinal manipulation to restore joint mobility, which boosts blood flow and nerve signals right away. Imagine a soccer player with a hamstring pull: A quick adjustment to the hips can ease tension, allowing the muscle to relax and repair without added scar tissue.

Beyond adjustments, tools like the Graston technique—using stainless steel instruments to break down adhesions—come into play for stubborn knots. Or consider active release therapy, where the chiropractor works the tissue while the athlete moves, mimicking game-day motions. These methods reduce inflammation faster than rest alone, cutting recovery from six weeks to three for many patients. Dr. Short has seen cyclists return to the foothills trails pain-free after just a few sessions, thanks to this integrated care.

Building Resilience to Prevent Future Setbacks

Recovery isn't just about fixing what's broken; it's about fortifying the foundation. Sports chiropractors in Santa Fe, NM, like Dr. Short, weave in preventive strategies during sessions. This might include custom stretches for a climber's tight forearms or core stability drills for a basketball guard prone to ankle rolls. By improving overall biomechanics, athletes not only heal quickly but also lower their risk of re-injury.

Dr Brian Short DC: From Injury to Comeback

Partnering with a sports chiropractor in Santa Fe, NM, means reclaiming time and confidence on the field or trail. Dr. Brian Short, DC, invites Santa Fe athletes to discover how these proven methods can fuel their fastest recoveries yet. Ready to lace up sooner? Reach out today for a consultation and get back to what you love.

Contact Information:

Dr Brian Short DC

1444C S St Francis Dr
Santa Fe, NM 87505
United States

Contact Dr Brian Short DC
(505) 660-2080
https://docshort.com/