[rochrunner]

Even though my injury is improving, I might still go see a specialist about it. It has also occurred to me that, although I haven't had that many running injuries, <i>all</i> the one's I've had have been on my left side, so maybe it would be worth getting a posture or gait analysis to see if there's a general problem there.<br><br>
I talked to some people that I know on the Hanson's team and they gave me the names of a chiropractor and a sports medicine specialist that the team uses, so I can at least start off with someone who's runner-friendly, and they're both in my current medical plan.<br><br>
But I'm wondering if anyone here has had some experience and can advise me of which way to go, since I'm not really sure what each of these specialties are best at. I have never been to a chiropractor and will admit to being a bit leery of them; I 'm sure that they are skeleto-muscular experts, but I'm a major skeptic when I hear claims such as that they can cure my allergies by manipulating my spine. But I will give him a shot if I'm more likely to get close personal attention to my problems (M.D.s can be pretty rushed).<br><br>
So does anyone here have some experience or recommendations to share?

 

[RunsTheBitterroot]

Personally I think chiropractioners are quacks. I have never been to one. Larry

 

[millbot]

Hi, font-movie-watching geeky Roch,<br><br>
I have been treated by a runner-friendly chiropractor and by a runner-friendly sports med doctor (not for the same condition). Both doctors were a lot of help, but if I had to choose one, it would be the sports medicine doc, no question about it. His diagnosis and treatment seemed much more thorough and scientific. He explained the physiology, including diagrams and models, and made sure I understood everything. Very educational.<br><br>
The chiropractor knew his specialty and his treatments were effective, but he was also eager to offer unsolicited training and lifestyle advice which seemed kind of off-the-wall, if you know what I mean. It was almost like he was looking for disciples. He got me back on track within just a few visits, and I politely ignored his "extra" advice.<br><br>
Good luck.

 

[canalrunner]

Sports medicine doctor. No question. You can figure out after that what you need. e.g. chiropractor, physio, massage therapy, surgeon, new shoes etc...

 

[riley0003]

I've used both, but for different issues. I was having some lower back & hip pain and hadn't changed anything in my workout routine, so I went to the chiropractor. He was extremely helpful, but like others above, I ignored his advice about other issues. I have a lot of trouble believing that aligning your spine has anything to do with stomach issues, sinus problems, but I will admit he really helped my back when I was having spasms etc. I did see the sports medicine doctor/ physical therapist for my calf tears.<br><br>
I too would go to the medical dr first, and then perhaps supplement with the chiropractor if necessary or warranted.<br><br>
Susan

 

[dtoce]

sports med md

 

[Labduck]

I've seen both types, and neither one helped me anymore than my general practitioner. It was my physical therapist and podiatrist who helped the most, and I got those referrals from my GP.<br><br>
Btw, I was cynical about seeing the chiro, but she was only concerned about treating my injury, and not with correcting my spine or any other type of adjustments. Kinda surprised me.

 

[tomwhite]

...bty//.......Take the Doc that's a Jock........<br><br>
......otherwise,<br>
Sports Med Md......

 

[Spareribs]

<a href="http://www.runningahead.com/groups/MastRun/Forum/066a1d3845eb49d8b0ca74302751b2f9" target="_blank">http://www.runningahead.com/groups/M...ca74302751b2f9</a>

 

[iapetus999]

I've have good luck with both. The chiropractor is great for relieving normal everyday back pain caused by working at a desk all day. However for actual injuries, the Dr's/physical therapist just have so much more all their disposal such as Estim and ultrasound. The chiropractor gets you into alignment, but the therapy strengthens you so you stay in alignment. So possibly a combination of both. Note that there can be quacks in any profession...so try to use local referrals.

 

[rochrunner]

That's what's great about this forum and RA. I was leaning towards the sports doc anyway -- especially since he's the one used by the local running team -- and you guys have pretty much confirmed my opinions. Thanks!

 

[evanflein]

Spareribs... <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br>
I was hoping you'd see this thread and post that link. That "Ask Spareribs" article was my favorite!<br>
(Doug... sports med doc... and make sure he/she is a runner! wouldn't trade mine for anything...)

 

[OrangeMat]

"Actually, you have asked the right guy, as I attended a chiropractic school briefly. (I left because I couldn’t adjust.)"<br><br><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[Figbash]

Follow your gut and head for the sports medicine doc. At at least he won't insist on setting up a payment plan the first visit.<br><br>
Tom

 

[winejunky]

Sport med doc....okay...the quack attacker, only if they know your body well(mine does) Now have you ever thought about acupuncture? Not that I've been known to get hurt every once in a while, but I use all three. I get my drugs from the "real doc".....I use my quack attacker for slight adjustment, but more for A-Stem, and I just love my acupuncturist.....I think the most relaxed I've ever been was a 2 hour session with her. She's a former college runner and has helped me tremendously with ITB and shin splints. Believe it or not she has also helped in getting me more flexible, all with little pins and some whacky oriental music. I think she also has some really strange powers from the Universe, she has one blue eye and one gray eye....

 

[Mustang Sally]

My family chiro puts my SI joint back and deals with sore back stuff.<br>
The sports doc is great when something hurts and I'm not sure what's going on. In this system here, I need a referral to see the guy, so it has to be something pretty complicated. Otherwise, I just take myself to the physio/massage therapist and get it fixed.

 

[Ileneforward]

Don't forget the old 'do it yourself' method. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
Here is one for another type of procedure.<br><a href="http://deadspin.com/365656/go-from-a-16-seed-to-a-no-seed" target="_blank">http://deadspin.com/365656/go-from-a...d-to-a-no-seed</a>