Statement of Purpose

A primary objective of the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic is to facilitate the integration of chiropractic principals and practice into the Sports Arena. FICS is based on the premise that applied chiropractic will enhance athletic performance and prevent injuries.

FICS is committed to:

• strengthening the presence and position of chiropractic within the realm of all sports activities;
• rendering chiropractic services to all athletes who need and desire them;
• participating and providing leadership in the development of chiropractic as applied to sports;
• cultivating understanding and relationships with other healthcare providers and sport related organizations;
• providing continual educational upgrading through course instruction and publications;
• affirming professional proficiency, confidence and conduct;
• increasing public awareness regarding the benefits of chiropractic care; and

• fostering a unique, distinct profession that serves as health care advantage to all.

The Basis of chiropractic

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. It is based on the premise that health is a state of optimum physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. Chiropractic approach considers man an integrated being, a balance between structural, chemical and mental elements.

The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. The Doctor of Chiropractic is a physician who gives special attention to spinal mechanics, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional and emotional relationships.

Specific athletic considerations

The body of an athlete is a high-intensity, biomechanical linkage system that, because of its fine tuning, is extremely sensitive to any change in function. The sports chiropractor is eminently qualified to assess these changes and to intercede in the care of these individuals at the preparatory, preventive and therapeutic levels.

Chiropractic Paradigm

Purpose - The purpose of chiropractic is to optimize health.

Principle - The body's innate recuperative power is affected by and integrated through the nervous system.

Practice - The practice of chiropractic includes:

• establishing a diagnosis;

• facilitating neurological and biomechanical integrity through appropriate chiropractic case management; and

• promoting health.

Scope of Practice

Since human function is neurologically integrated, Doctors of Chiropractic evaluate and facilitate biomechanical and neuro-biological function and integrity through the use of appropriate conservative, diagnostic and chiropractic care procedures.

Practice

A chiropractor is a primary healthcare provider, and as such, is to be considered a portal of entry to the health care delivery system. Chiropractors recognize the value and responsibility of working in cooperation with other healthcare practitioners when in the best interest of the patient.

The practice of chiropractic is the utilization of the relationship between the musculoskeletal structures of the body, the spinal column and the nervous system, in the restoration and maintenance of health.

diagnostic

• Chiropractors employ the education, knowledge, diagnostic skill, and clinical judgment necessary to determine appropriate chiropractic care and management;
• conduct a systematic physical, neurologic and orthopedic examination, using methods, techniques and instruments standard with all health professionals;

• this also includes a postural and spinal analysis unique to chiropractic diagnosis which focuses particular attention on the functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity -"the vertebral subluxation complex";

• as primary healthcare providers, chiropractors must have access to diagnostic procedures and /or referral to medical and paramedical qualified personnel.

case management

• Doctors of Chiropractic establish a doctor/patient relationship;
• utilize the specific vertebral "adjustment" and other clinical procedures unique to the chiropractic discipline;

• manipulate articulations and adjacent tissues of the body;

• are competent and may employ first aid, hygienic, nutritional and rehabilitative procedures when necessary, and may also use other conservative patient care procedures;
• when in presence of acute or chronic conditions hazardous for the wellbeing of the athlete, Doctors of Chiropractic must refer to medical and/or paramedical personnel if available

health promotion

• Chiropractors advise and educate patients and communities in structural and spinal hygiene and healthful living practices.

Position of FICS

The International Federation of Sports Chiropractic
therefore stands assured that:

the application of these unique principles and practice procedures can be of great contribution to the safety and well being of all sport participants.