Since Wrangler Sports Chiropractic (WSC) DCs began treating rodeo contestants in 1994 under the auspices of the Wrangler Jeans and Shirt Company, an ever-increasing number of rodeo competitors have been treated by the participating doctors. In 1995, the WSC chiropractors treated cowboys in 301 rodeos across America, offering 11,076 treatments. This is quite an elevation compared with 1994, when Wrangler SportsChiropractic DCs "only" worked 274 rodeos and performed 8,878 treatments. The WSC doctors will be even busier in 1996: they are scheduled to work 350 of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeos out of the 800 scheduled.
The chiropractors report that the most frequent complaints they hear from rodeo competitors continue to be low back pain and neck discomfort. Rodeo support personnel have reported that the cowboys ask immediately if the DCs are there and are available to treat them.
In conjunction with the on-site treatment division, WSC has a research division which encourages doctors to document their clinical work with the rough riders, data which may provide the basis for future studies. The WSC, through its educational division, is currently performing a retrospective evaluation on the effectiveness of manipulation after lumbar epidural steroid injection. The study's primary provider of chiropractic manipulations has been Laney Nelson, DC; the "injectionist" is Charles Bova, MD. Both doctors are from the Salt Lake City, Utah area. Don Aspergren, DC, research director for WSC, is the principal investigator coordinating the data gathering. Dr. Aspergren calls the study results "encouraging." The paper is approaching the submission stage for publication. Prospective studies are also underway in Denver and Salt Lake City.
The funding for WSC research has been culled from 12 sponsors, more than half of which are chiropractic companies.
Chiropractors who are interested in joining the more than 400 WSC participating doctors are encouraged to contact the national office in Tacoma, Washington, at (206) 566-0940.
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
