Why Ann Arbor Athletes Choose a CCSP for Sports Injury Treatment

How to Choose a Sports Chiropractor in Ann Arbor (What Actually Matters)

I'll be honest—most chiropractors can treat sports injuries. But there's a significant difference between someone who adjusts athletes occasionally and someone whose entire practice is built around understanding how athletic bodies break down and how to get them back to performance.

I've treated everyone from weekend warriors training for their first 5K to Olympic medalists preparing for the Games. The questions athletes ask when choosing a chiropractor are usually the same, whether they're running the Border-to-Border Trail or competing at the highest level. Here's what actually matters when you're looking for sports injury care in Ann Arbor.

Look for Sports Medicine Training (Not Just Experience)

Here's something most people don't know: any chiropractor can say they "work with athletes." What you want to find out is whether they have specialized training in sports medicine.

The CCSP credential (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) requires 100+ hours of postgraduate coursework in biomechanics, movement assessment, sports-specific injuries, and rehabilitation protocols. Fewer than 1,000 chiropractors nationwide hold this certification. It's not required to treat athletes, but it represents a completely different level of diagnostic precision.

When I evaluate a runner with knee pain, I'm not just looking at the knee. I'm assessing hip mobility, ankle dorsiflexion, thoracic rotation, foot mechanics, and training load. That's the CCSP approach—understanding the kinetic chain and how dysfunction in one area creates symptoms somewhere else.

If you're serious about getting back to your sport, ask whether your chiropractor has advanced sports medicine training. It makes a difference in how quickly and completely you recover.

Ask About Their Experience with Your Specific Sport

Running injuries look different from cycling injuries, which look different from basketball injuries. The movement patterns, common dysfunctions, and rehabilitation needs vary significantly by sport.

I've worked with gymnasts (I was one myself at U-M), runners, football players, and combat sport athletes. Each sport creates its own injury patterns. Runners tend toward IT band issues, plantar fasciitis, and hamstring strains. Gymnasts deal with wrist pain, shoulder impingement, and chronic ankle instability. Football players see cervical strain, shoulder trauma, and lower back dysfunction from repetitive impact.

The chiropractor you choose should understand the specific demands of your sport and the common injury mechanisms. If you're a runner and your provider doesn't ask about your weekly mileage, training surface, or shoe rotation, they're missing critical information.

Understand the Difference Between Pain Relief and Performance Recovery

This is where a lot of athletes get frustrated with healthcare. You go in with knee pain, get adjusted, feel better for a few days, then the pain returns when you try to run again.

That's pain relief. It's valuable, but it's not the same as fixing the underlying problem.

Performance recovery means identifying why you got injured in the first place. Was it a training error? A movement compensation? Muscle imbalance? Poor recovery between sessions? If we don't address the cause, the injury will return as soon as you resume training.

When I treat athletes, I'm thinking about two things: getting you out of pain and preventing it from happening again. That means we talk about training volume, movement patterns, strength deficits, and mobility restrictions. Sometimes it means scaling back training temporarily. Sometimes it means correcting form. Always, it means treating the whole system, not just the symptom.

Look for Someone Who Coordinates with Other Providers

Sports medicine isn't one-dimensional. Sometimes you need a chiropractor. Sometimes you need a physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, sports psychologist, or nutritionist.

I refer athletes to other providers regularly. If someone has a meniscus tear that needs surgical evaluation, I send them to an orthopedist. If they need strength programming beyond what I can provide, I connect them with a qualified trainer. If their injury is complicated by nutritional deficiencies or hormonal issues, we bring in other specialists.

The best sports chiropractors know their scope and aren't afraid to collaborate. Your recovery matters more than any provider's ego.

Make Sure They Treat Athletes Currently—Not Just "Used To"

Some chiropractors treated athletes years ago but now primarily see general patients. That's fine, but it means their current clinical experience may not be sports-focused.

I currently work with 50+ NFL players, have treated athletes preparing for the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, and see competitive and recreational athletes daily here in Ann Arbor. That ongoing exposure keeps my assessment skills sharp and my treatment approaches current.

When you're evaluating providers, ask: "What percentage of your current practice is athletes?" and "Do you currently work with anyone in my sport?" The answers will tell you whether sports medicine is their specialty or just one thing they do occasionally.

Look for Someone Who Respects Your Goals

Not every athlete is trying to go pro. Some people just want to run without knee pain. Others want to qualify for Boston. Some want to get back on the field after ACL surgery. Others want to deadlift 500 pounds.

Your goals matter, and your chiropractor should take them seriously.

I've worked with Olympic athletes where millimeters of movement restriction can affect performance, and I've worked with recreational runners who just want to complete a 5K without limping afterward. Both deserve the same level of diagnostic precision and individualized care—just with different end goals.

Make sure your provider understands what you're trying to achieve and designs treatment around your specific objectives, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Don't Ignore Your Gut

This one's harder to quantify, but it matters. Do you feel heard during your appointment? Does your chiropractor explain things in a way that makes sense? Do they seem genuinely interested in your recovery, or are you just another adjustment on the schedule?

Athletes know their bodies better than anyone. If something feels off in how you're being treated—whether it's the diagnosis, the approach, or just the vibe—trust that instinct.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right chiropractor for sports injuries comes down to training, experience, and approach. You want someone with advanced sports medicine credentials, current experience treating athletes in your sport, a comprehensive assessment process, and a rehabilitation philosophy that goes beyond symptom management.

As Ann Arbor's only CCSP, I bring Olympic-level biomechanical assessment to every athlete I see—whether you're training for the Games or just trying to stay active without pain. If you're dealing with a sports injury and want an evaluation from someone who understands athletic movement, give us a call at (734) 929-4523 or book with us online!

Your sport matters. Your recovery matters. Choose a provider who gets that.

Dr. Timothy Dehr, DC, CCSP
Performance Health Chiropractic
Ann Arbor's Only Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician

Former University of Michigan varsity gymnast and Big Ten Champion. Current chiropractor to 3-time Olympian Sam Mikulak, 50+ NFL players, and athletes preparing for Olympic competition. Specializing in sports injury rehabilitation and performance optimization using advanced CCSP biomechanical assessment.

Medical Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Sports injuries require individual assessment. If you're experiencing severe pain, inability to bear weight, visible deformity, or symptoms that worsen despite rest, seek immediate medical evaluation. This content does not create a doctor-patient relationship.