Chiropractic at 2008 Beijing Olympics
Several
news stories reported on chiropractors going to the
Beijing Olympics to work with the athletes. One
such story appearing in the August 06, 2008
Business Wire, noted that four Doctors of
Chiropractic have joined the 62-member U.S. Olympic
healthcare team in Beijing, China. The article notes
that since the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake
Placid, New York, chiropractors have provided
chiropractic care to the Olympic athletes.
This year chiropractors
will assume an even greater role in the integrated
healthcare team, which includes medical doctors,
massage therapists, and certified athletic trainers.
One of the Chiropractors going to Beijing, Dr. Ted
Forcum commented, "Chiropractic fulfills a niche
need, not only by treating injuries but also by
aiding in recovery and positively impacting athletic
performance."
“Chiropractic takes a
non-invasive, drug-free approach to healthcare, a
position that is now highly regarded among Olympic
athletes and their trainers who must meet strict
eligibility requirements to qualify for the Olympic
Games,” adds Dr. Forcum. “Chiropractic care is
particularly valuable for pain management, and
offers athletes highly effective solutions for
achieving optimal performance without the use of
prescription drugs.”
Anther story on August
10, 2008 in Chad.co.uk, out of the United Kingdom,
reports that Dr. Thomas Jeppesen from Mansfield
England is also helping the athletes of Britain.
Just prior to his departure, Dr. Jeppesen commented,
"It's something new and it's a really exciting
opportunity. To be able to work with top athletes
will be a great experience and it will be good to
see the effects our work has on them. We are aiming
to be there supporting and helping the athletes and
getting the best out of their bodies during the
game." In addition, a July 24, 2008 Market Watch
article reported that Dr. Camille Reagan is the
chiropractor with the Columbian Olympic team.
The Foundation for
Chiropractic Progress noted that the nations of
Sweden, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada,
Brazil, China, and others will have chiropractors
with their staffs to help their respective athletes.