A Descriptive Study of Sports Chiropractors

Abstract BACKGROUND:This paper describes the education and case management profile of sports chiropractors with the Federation of International Sports Chiropractors (FICS) postgraduate qualification: International chiropractic sport science practitioner (ICSSP). The ICSSP is the predominant international sports chiropractic qualification.METHODS:A 39-item web-based survey examining practitioner, practice and clinical management characteristics was distributed via email to all sports chiropractors who hold an ICSSP (n = 240) in 2015. RESULTS:The survey response rate was 64% (n = 154). The average age of the chiropractors was 31-40 years, just over three quarters were male and have been in practice for 5-10 years. The majority of respondents were based in North America.Sports chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions with multimodal care (active and passive) and treat professional, semi-professional and Olympic athletes. Sports chiropractors have referral and co-management relationships with a range of conventional and allied health providers.CONCLUSIONS: There is often a lack of knowledge and misinformation about the background of sports chiropractors. This study refutes a number of commonly held misbeliefs, and describes a workforce that is well educated, treat high-level athletes, utilise a multimodal approach to management, treat a wide variety of non-spinal musculoskeletal conditions, frequently prescribe rehabilitative exercise, and refer to and co-manage with other members of the sports medicine team.Trial registration: This study was approved by the RMIT University, SEH College Human Ethics Advisory Network (ASEHAPP 52-14 AMES)