Sports chiropractic care is a specialized branch of chiropractic medicine that focuses specifically on the unique needs of athletes and active individuals. Unlike general chiropractic care that primarily addresses pain and basic function, sports chiropractic emphasizes:
- Performance optimization – Enhancing athletic capabilities through improved biomechanics
- Injury prevention – Identifying and addressing risk factors before they become problems
- Rapid recovery – Accelerating healing between training sessions and competitions
- Sport-specific treatment – Understanding the demands of your particular athletic activity.
The Athletic Difference
Why Athletes Need Specialized Chiropractic Care
Higher Physical Demands: Athletes place significantly greater stress on their musculoskeletal system than sedentary individuals. Sports chiropractic care addresses these increased demands through specialized techniques and treatment protocols.
Performance Goals: While traditional chiropractic focuses on pain relief and basic function, sports chiropractic aims to optimize performance, enhance power output, improve range of motion, and maximize athletic potential.
Time Constraints: Athletes often have limited time for recovery between training sessions or competitions. Sports chiropractic techniques are designed to deliver faster results and maintain performance during active training periods.
Injury Prevention Focus: Rather than waiting for injuries to occur, sports chiropractic emphasizes identifying and correcting biomechanical dysfunctions that could lead to future problems.
Dr. Matt’s Performance-Focused Method
Athletic Experience Meets Clinical Expertise | Former Collegiate Athlete, Current Performance Specialist
Dr. Matt Centofonti’s background as a collegiate baseball player provides unique insight into the physical and mental demands athletes face. This firsthand experience, combined with advanced training in sports chiropractic techniques, creates a treatment approach that truly understands athletic performance.
What Sets Our Approach Apart:
- Athletic perspective – Understanding performance demands from personal experience
- Sport-specific knowledge – Tailored treatments based on your sport’s requirements
- Performance integration – Treatments designed to enhance, not interrupt training
- Whole-athlete focus – Addressing physical, biomechanical, and performance factors
Comprehensive Assessment Process | Understanding Your Athletic Profile
Initial Athletic History:
- Sport-specific demands and training schedule
- Performance goals and current limitations
- Injury history and rehabilitation experiences
- Training periodization and competitive calendar
Biomechanical Evaluation:
- Movement pattern analysis specific to your sport
- Joint mobility and stability assessment
- Muscle activation and timing evaluation
- Kinetic chain efficiency examination
Performance Testing:
- Balance and proprioception evaluation
- Sport-specific movement quality assessment
- Range of motion measurements in athletic positions
- Strength testing in functional patterns
Advanced Treatment Techniques
Specialized Methods for Athletic Performance
High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Adjustments: Precise spinal and extremity adjustments designed to restore optimal joint mechanics and enhance nerve function for peak performance.
Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Using specialized tools to deliver controlled, comfortable adjustments that are particularly effective for sensitive or previously injured areas.
Extremity Adjustments: Specialized techniques for shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles that are crucial for sport-specific movements and performance.
Sports-Specific Positioning: Adjustments performed in positions that mimic your sport’s demands, ensuring treatment translates directly to improved athletic function.
Common Sports-Related Issues We Address
Spinal Conditions in Athletes | Optimizing the Foundation of Athletic Performance
Lower Back Pain and Dysfunction:
- Facet joint restrictions affecting rotation and extension
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction impacting power transfer
- Lumbar spine stiffness limiting athletic movement
- Postural compensation patterns from sport demands
Mid-Back (Thoracic) Issues:
- Thoracic spine restrictions limiting shoulder mobility
- Rib dysfunction affecting breathing and trunk rotation
- Postural adaptations from sport-specific positions
- Mid-back pain from repetitive sport movements
Neck and Cervical Spine Problems:
- Cervical joint restrictions affecting head position
- Neck pain from contact sports or repetitive stress
- Headaches related to cervical dysfunction
- Upper cervical issues affecting balance and coordination
Extremity Joint Dysfunction | Optimizing Performance Throughout the Kinetic Chain
Shoulder Complex Issues:
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dysfunction
- Shoulder impingement and mobility restrictions
- Scapular dyskinesis affecting shoulder blade movement
- Glenohumeral joint restrictions limiting overhead motion
Hip and Pelvis Dysfunction:
- Hip joint restrictions affecting stride length and power
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction impacting force transfer
- Hip flexor tightness limiting hip extension
- Piriformis syndrome and deep hip rotator issues
Knee and Ankle Problems:
- Patellofemoral dysfunction affecting knee tracking
- Ankle mobility restrictions limiting squat depth
- Foot and ankle alignment issues affecting gait
- Lower leg compensation patterns from hip or back dysfunction
Sport-Specific Injury Patterns | Addressing Common Athletic Injuries
Overuse Injuries:
- Repetitive stress injuries from training volume
- Biomechanical inefficiencies leading to tissue breakdown
- Compensation patterns creating secondary problems
- Recovery deficits from inadequate rest or treatment
Acute Sport Injuries:
- Traumatic injuries affecting joint mechanics
- Joint sprains and subluxations
- Muscle strains and pulls
- Impact injuries from contact sports
How Sports Chiropractic Enhances Athletic Performance
Biomechanical Optimization | Improving Movement Efficiency and Power Output
Enhanced Range of Motion: Optimal joint mobility is crucial for athletic performance. Our treatments restore and maintain the range of motion necessary for sport-specific movements, allowing athletes to achieve proper technique and maximum power output.
Improved Kinetic Chain Function: Athletic movements depend on efficient energy transfer through the kinetic chain. By optimizing spinal and extremity joint function, we enhance the body’s ability to generate, transfer, and control forces during athletic activities.
Better Movement Patterns: Correcting joint dysfunctions helps restore proper movement patterns, reducing energy waste and improving performance efficiency while decreasing injury risk.
Neurological Enhancement | Optimizing Nervous System Function for Peak Performance
Improved Proprioception: Joint adjustments enhance proprioceptive feedback, improving body awareness and coordination crucial for athletic performance and injury prevention.
Enhanced Motor Control: Optimal joint mechanics support better motor control and movement precision, leading to improved technique and consistency in athletic performance.
Faster Reaction Times: Improved nervous system function can lead to faster reaction times and better reflexes, providing competitive advantages in many sports.
Recovery and Adaptation | Supporting Training Adaptations and Recovery
Reduced Inflammation: Proper joint mechanics reduce abnormal stress and inflammation, allowing for better recovery between training sessions.
Enhanced Blood Flow: Improved joint mobility and reduced muscle tension enhance circulation, supporting nutrient delivery and waste removal crucial for recovery.
Better Sleep Quality: Reduced pain and improved nervous system function often lead to better sleep quality, which is essential for athletic recovery and performance.
Tailored Treatment for Different Sports
Golf Performance Optimization | Maximizing Distance, Accuracy, and Consistency
Golf-Specific Considerations:
- Thoracic spine mobility for proper shoulder turn
- Hip internal rotation for weight transfer
- Cervical spine function for head position stability
- Wrist and elbow mechanics for club control
Common Golf-Related Issues We Treat:
- Lower back pain from repetitive rotation
- Shoulder impingement from overhead swing positions
- Elbow pain from grip and swing mechanics
- Hip restrictions limiting weight shift and power
Baseball and Throwing Sports | Optimizing the Throwing Kinetic Chain
Throwing-Specific Focus:
- Spinal rotation and extension for trunk power
- Shoulder girdle mobility and stability
- Hip and pelvis function for ground force generation
- Ankle and foot mechanics for stride leg stability
Throwing Athlete Treatments:
- Shoulder and elbow joint optimization
- Thoracic spine mobility for trunk rotation
- Hip flexibility for stride mechanics
- Core stability for power transfer
Running and Endurance Sports | Enhancing Efficiency and Preventing Overuse Injuries
Running-Specific Applications:
- Pelvic alignment for efficient gait patterns
- Hip extension mobility for stride length
- Ankle dorsiflexion for proper foot strike
- Thoracic spine mobility for arm swing efficiency
Endurance Athlete Focus:
- Injury prevention through biomechanical optimization
- Postural optimization for aerobic efficiency
- Joint mobility maintenance during high-volume training
- Recovery enhancement between training sessions
Strength Training and CrossFit | Supporting Heavy Lifting and Complex Movements
Strength Sport Considerations:
- Spinal alignment for safe heavy lifting
- Hip and ankle mobility for squat depth
- Thoracic extension for overhead positioning
- Shoulder stability for pressing movements
CrossFit-Specific Applications:
- Injury prevention through proper biomechanics
- Movement quality maintenance during high-intensity training
- Joint mobility for complex Olympic lifting movements
- Recovery support for frequent training sessions
Comprehensive Athletic Care
Combined Treatment Approaches | Maximizing Results Through Service Integration
Sports Chiropractic + Advanced Soft Tissue Therapy: Combining precise joint adjustments with targeted soft tissue work addresses both joint mechanics and muscle function, providing comprehensive treatment for optimal results.
Sports Chiropractic + Movement Analysis: SFMA assessment identifies movement dysfunctions that can be addressed through specific chiropractic techniques, ensuring treatments target the root cause of performance limitations.
Sports Chiropractic + Corrective Exercise: Joint adjustments followed by specific exercises help maintain treatment benefits and build strength in newly optimized movement patterns.
Sport-Specific Integration
Specialized Combinations for Different Athletic Demands
Golf Performance Package: TPI-certified golf assessment combined with golf-specific chiropractic treatments and movement optimization for comprehensive golf performance enhancement.
Baseball/Throwing Sports Program: Throwing mechanics analysis integrated with sports chiropractic care focused on kinetic chain optimization for throwing athletes.
Strength Training Support: Movement analysis and chiropractic care specifically designed to support heavy lifting, Olympic lifting, and CrossFit training demands.
Your Sports Chiropractic Experience
Initial Consultation and Examination | Comprehensive Athletic Assessment
Athletic History and Goals:
- Detailed discussion of your sport and performance goals
- Training history and current schedule
- Previous injuries and treatment experiences
- Performance limitations and areas of concern
Physical Examination:
- Orthopedic and neurological testing
- Sport-specific movement assessment
- Joint mobility and stability evaluation
- Muscle strength and activation testing
Treatment Planning:
- Explanation of findings and their impact on performance
- Individualized treatment plan development
- Timeline and expectation setting
- Integration with training schedule
Treatment Sessions | Focused, Results-Oriented Care
Hands-On Treatment:
- Specific adjustments based on examination findings
- Sport-specific positioning and techniques
- Progress assessment and plan modifications
- Education and home care recommendations
Performance Integration:
- Treatment timing around training and competition
- Advice on training modifications if needed
- Return-to-sport guidance when appropriate
- Performance enhancement strategies
Progress Monitoring | Objective Tracking of Improvements
Measurable Outcomes:
- Range of motion improvements
- Pain reduction scales
- Functional movement assessments
- Sport-specific performance markers
Treatment Adjustments:
- Regular reassessment of treatment goals
- Plan modifications based on progress
- Integration of new techniques as needed
- Maintenance care planning for long-term success
Austin’s Premier Sports Chiropractic Specialist
Experience That Makes the Difference
Former Collegiate Baseball Player: Dr. Matt’s personal experience as a collegiate athlete provides insight into the physical and mental demands of competitive sports that can’t be learned from textbooks alone.
TPI Level 2 Certified: As both a TPI Medical Level 2 and Fitness Level 2 certified provider, Dr. Matt combines sports chiropractic expertise with specialized golf performance knowledge.
Continuing Education Leadership: Regular attendance at sports medicine conferences and advanced training ensures Dr. Matt stays current with the latest developments in athletic performance and injury management.
Results-Focused Approach | Performance Enhancement, Not Just Pain Relief
Athletic Performance Goals: While pain relief is important, Dr. Matt’s primary focus is optimizing athletic performance and helping athletes reach their full potential.
Evidence-Based Treatments: All treatment approaches are based on current research and proven methodologies in sports medicine and chiropractic care.
Measurable Outcomes: Treatment success is measured not just by symptom relief, but by improvements in athletic performance metrics and functional capabilities.
Local Athletic Community Trust| Serving Austin Area Athletes
CrossFit Lake Travis Partnership: Trusted by Coach Karli and the athletes at CrossFit Lake Travis, demonstrating proven results with serious fitness athletes.
Local Sports Community: Active involvement with area sports teams, golf courses, and athletic facilities throughout the Lake Travis and Austin regions.
Athlete Referral Network: Many current patients are referrals from other satisfied athletes who have experienced significant performance improvements.
Common Questions About Sports Chiropractic
How is sports chiropractic different from regular chiropractic care?
Sports chiropractic specifically focuses on athletic performance enhancement and the unique demands athletes place on their bodies. While traditional chiropractic primarily addresses pain and basic function, sports chiropractic emphasizes performance optimization, injury prevention, and rapid recovery to maintain training schedules.
Do I need to be a competitive athlete to benefit from sports chiropractic?
Not at all! Sports chiropractic benefits anyone who engages in regular physical activity, from weekend warriors to recreational athletes to fitness enthusiasts. The techniques and approaches are valuable for anyone looking to optimize their movement and physical performance.
How often should athletes receive sports chiropractic care?
This varies based on sport demands, training intensity, competition schedule, and individual needs. Some athletes benefit from weekly sessions during heavy training periods, while others may need treatment only monthly for maintenance. Dr. Matt will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.
Will chiropractic adjustments interfere with my training?
When performed by a sports chiropractic specialist, adjustments should enhance rather than interfere with training. Dr. Matt understands training periodization and competition schedules, timing treatments to support rather than disrupt athletic performance.
How quickly will I see results from sports chiropractic treatment?
Many athletes notice immediate improvements in range of motion and comfort following treatment. Performance benefits may be noticed within 1-2 weeks of consistent care, though this varies based on the individual and the specific issues being addressed.
Can sports chiropractic help with chronic issues that haven’t responded to other treatments?
Often, yes. The specialized assessment and treatment approaches used in sports chiropractic may identify and address issues that weren’t found or treated effectively with other approaches. The sport-specific focus often reveals performance-limiting factors that general treatments miss.
Do you work with other healthcare providers?
Absolutely. Dr. Matt maintains excellent relationships with physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, and other healthcare providers throughout the Austin area. Collaborative care often provides the best outcomes for athletes with complex needs.
Serving Austin’s Athletic Community
Primary Service Areas:
- Spicewood, TX – Our state-of-the-art clinic location
- Lakeway – Convenient access for Lake Travis area athletes
- Lake Travis Region – Comprehensive coverage of lakeside communities
- Bee Cave – Supporting Hill Country’s active population
- West Austin – Accessible for central Austin athletes
- Steiner Ranch – Local community athletic support
Athletes We Serve:
- High school and college athletes from local schools and universities
- Adult recreational athletes participating in leagues and competitions
- Weekend warriors maintaining active lifestyles
- Masters athletes competing in age-group events
- Youth athletes developing proper movement foundations
- Professional and semi-professional athletes seeking performance optimization
Sports We Specialize In:
- Golf – TPI certified expertise for Lake Travis area golfers
- Baseball and softball – Throwing mechanics and injury prevention
- CrossFit and strength training – Movement quality and performance
- Running and endurance sports – Efficiency and injury prevention
- Tennis and racquet sports – Shoulder and elbow optimization
- Swimming – Stroke mechanics and injury prevention
- Cycling – Position optimization and overuse injury treatment
- Team sports – Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball
Schedule Your Sports Chiropractic Assessment
Don’t let pain, restrictions, or performance plateaus limit your athletic potential.
Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue, looking to prevent injuries, or want to take your performance to the next level, Dr. Matt’s sports chiropractic expertise can help you achieve your goals.
What You’ll Receive:
- Comprehensive athletic assessment – Understanding your unique needs and goals
- Sport-specific treatmentpor – Tailored to your athletic demands
- Performance optimization strategies – Beyond just pain relief
- Injury prevention education – Keeping you healthy long-term
- Integration with training – Supporting, not disrupting, your athletic pursuits
Perfect for:
- Athletes experiencing pain or movement restrictions
- Performance-focused individuals seeking optimization
- Injury prevention minded athletes
- Post-injury athletes returning to sport
- Anyone frustrated with traditional treatment approaches
