About the BCSC

Chiropractors have been involved in the treatment of sports people and sports-related injuries from the very beginning of the profession. As a discipline that deals with functional disorders of the joints it is eminently suited to being included as part of the medical back-up team of any sport.

Until recently chiropractors tended to work on their own, making contacts and working with individuals or sporting bodies on their own initiative without reference to any one else in the profession. It was seen that this was not the way that would give the most benefit to those who are involved in sport at whatever level. The British Chiropractic Sports Council (BCSC) was founded by the necessary enthusiastic bunch who gave willingly of their time and efforts.

International recognition

We were given support and encouragement in this by our international colleagues in the Fédèration Internationale de Chiropratique du Sport (FICS) who are based in Lausanne and are recognised by the World Health Organisation and the International Olympic Committee. They are currently in negotiation with the IOC concerning the inclusion of chiropractors in the base medical facilities for future Olympic Games. The US, Canada and New Zealand have included chiropractors in their teams for many years and many top athletes can attest to their skills.

Prevent injury & enhance performance

The BCSC is not just concerned with the treatment of sports-related injuries but in how to prevent them in the first place and how to help enhance performance. It is possible that a person can have a mechanical dysfunction without being aware of any clinical symptoms. If that is the case then not only will they be prone to injury when applying that extra bit of effort but as they are not functioning correctly then they cannot perform to their maximum capability. Brendan Foster tells us that "when athletes are competing at a high level the care of a chiropractor is key to their preparation before an event," and Steve Cram says "chiropractic is a fast and effective way of treating and preventing injuries. I constantly recommend chiropractic to athletes..."

Treatment in the field

As an organisation we are aware that the care of athletes in the clinical setting, away from competition, is different from their management at an event. Some chiropractors do not want, or have not got the time, to attend meetings or events so wish only to work in their own clinics or in specialist sports injury facilities. The BCSC is an organisation of practically minded chiropractors who have an interest in working "in the field."

Qualifications

A post-graduate certificate programme has been in existence for several years and this has now been superseded by the International Chiropractic Sports Science Diploma. This has been developed by FICS in collaboration with the Sports Science Institute of the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). In future, the possession of this diploma will be necessary in order to get accreditation at International Sports events and Olympic Games. The importance of further education cannot be emphasised enough and the BCSC is also working closely with the College of Chiropractors Faculty for Sport & Exercise in the improvement of the certificate programme in this country and the development of diploma and M.Sc. courses. We also have in our membership chiropractors who have taken or are taking the M.Sc.(Sports Medicine) course at Nottingham University, the MSc Sport Injury (Medicine) course at Sheffield University and the M.Sc.(Exercise in Sport) at Bristol University.

Experience

We also recognise the benefits of experience. Full membership of the BCSC is only granted to those who have been in practice as a chiropractor for at least five years with a minimum of three years association with a sports club or organisation and must have gained a post-graduate certificate in sports chiropractic. For those who do not possess these qualifications then associate membership allows them to gain the necessary experience and knowledge from the full members.

Our membership includes chiropractors with experience in many different sports. They have competed and worked at all levels, including international. Experience and knowledge are growing rapidly as the benefits of having a chiropractor on the team are beginning to be recognised by more and more sports people and organisations.