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.