Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

The best athletes don’t have the strongest backs in the world by chance or because they won the genetic lottery. Their spines are strong and capable of handling stress at the highest level because they prioritize caring for their back. But what are the top athletes in the world doing to ensure their spine can handle the rigors of professional competition? In today’s blog, we shine a light on some of the ways the best athletes in the world care for their spines on and off the field.

Professional Spine Care

Here’s a look at some of the ways Olympians and the best athletes in the world get their spines game-ready.

• Strength Training – The best athletes in the world put their backs through pretty rigorous strength training programs. They target specific muscle groups in the gym or with the help of an athletic trainer, but they also focus on the muscle groups that support the spinal complex as a whole. That means plenty of strength training for the hips, glutes, pelvis and core muscles. Athletes have to ensure their backs are strong enough for competition, and that begins with a strength training program during the offseason and when necessary during the season.
• Recovery – All athletes spend time in the gym getting stronger, but the best athletes prioritize their recovery periods as well. These athletes make sure their bodies have what they need to recover after competition. This includes keys aspects like: replenishing liquids lost to sweat, getting at least 8 hours of continuous sleep a night, fueling their body with nutrients from essential food groups, staying active on recovery days without overstressing the body. Recovering so that your body is ready for the next game is just as important as helping it get stronger through a strength training program.
• Ideal Form And Mechanics – The best athletes typically have great form, and that’s something we always share with youth athletes. Having inefficient form or posture that puts additional strain on your spine only increases your injury risk. Even the best athletes are regularly working with coaches, trainers, sports medicine therapists or spinal clinics to assess and improve their posture, mechanics and dynamic movement patterns.
• Stretching – Top athletes also put themselves through an involved stretching and warm-up routine prior to practices and games to prepare their back and their bodies for the stress that’s to come. Many young athletes overlook the stretching process or don’t take it very seriously because they are naturally pretty loose and limber, but you need to take this time to help your body prepare for the high levels of stress it’ll be under during competition. Do some static and dynamic stretches to really help transition muscles from an inactive to an active state.
• Varied Exercise – The best athletes in the world aren’t going through the same exercise routines day in and day out. They may focus on strength one day, endurance the next and flexibility/mobility the following day. This is why you see college football players taking ballet classes or top athletes doing hot yoga sessions, because varying their exercise routines targets different muscle groups and improves their overall athleticism. You should strive to do the same and mix up your exercise routine to challenge different muscle groups so that no one area is underdeveloped or overworked.

We’ve helped athletes of all skill levels improve their spinal function and take their game to the next level, and we can do the same for you. Whether you’re nursing an old back injury or you’re looking to perfect your form, connect with Dr. Sinicropi to improve the strength and function of your spine. Give us a call today for all your spine care needs at (651) 430-3800.

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