The last pair of hands on me before a race is that of a Doctor of Chiropractic. It was no different leading up to last weekend’s Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore. The result? A well fought race with the body functioning at maximum potential; emerging runner-up Singaporean was just a huge bonus.
As a national athlete also juggling a full-time job (only until recently full-time graduate school overseas), I recognize I would not be where I am today without my core support team. This tireless ensemble behind the scenes includes my father Andrew, Coach Rameshon (reigning Singaporean marathon record holder with 2h24m22s) of Flexifitness Consultancy, and chiropractor Dr. Kelvin Ng.
Chiropractic has helped me stay in top shape since 2010, when I first heard about the word “chiropractic” itself during Dr. Ng’s health talk. Have you heard of any high performance marathoner, one who runs under untold physical and emotional stresses while racing and training (sometimes running more than 160 kilometres weekly), not suffering a single training injury in more than six years? I am blessed to be that injury-free marathoner. Injuries do not have to be part and parcel of sports. In addition within the same time span, I have only fallen sick once (bounced back within 3 days without any drugs), have my mental clarity increased (graduated Summa Cum Laude as a Doctor of Chiropractic), and continued improving my run times despite the rigorous demands of graduate school (current marathon personal best of 2h32m12s). Is it just mere coincidence that all these positive changes happened since I started chiropractic care in 2010? I doubt so.
The connection between improved performance and chiropractic care is this: chiropractors are the only uniquely trained professionals who locate, analyze, and correct vertebral subluxations. Subluxations are misalignments of spinal bones which cause nerve interference, resulting in either too little or too much nerve firing. Getting my spine regularly checked helps my body to find its balance. We have to appreciate that the body is all connected, so a subluxation can cause excess tension on one side of the musculoskeletal chain, often resulting in leg length imbalance. Imagine the potential for injury even with the tiniest of leg imbalances, especially for the long-distance runner. We also have to appreciate that nerve interference not only potentially compromises the musculoskeletal system, but also the coordination of other systems like the immune system, circulatory system, and even the urinary system (see patient testimonials at https://familyhealthchiro.sg/index.php/testimonials/ashley/).
My “why” for running has been to make the most out of my own potential that I have been blessed with. On the other hand, my “why” for serving through chiropractic is to help other individuals fulfil their own optimum potential through a functioning nervous system. After my prize presentation ceremony last weekend, I had numerous patients (also running various event distances) come up to the stage area to share with me their own race success stories in part thanks to chiropractic care, which made the day even more fulfilling. Before planning that next “race” in life (literally or figuratively), do call us at 63367714 to schedule your spine check.
In health, Dr. Ashley Liew.