What is a CCSP ®?

As you may have noticed a few of our chiropractors have the letters “CCSP ®” after their names, but didn’t know the relevance to the care you receive. 

  

It refers to a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner (or Physician, depending on the state board).  We’re often asked by patients ‘what is a CCSP ®? This certification gives chiropractors specialized knowledge of sports injuries, in turn helping athletes to optimize their athletic performance. Overall, a CCSP ® has a well developed and advanced understanding of neurological and musculoskeletal function.  Additionally, they possess a greater understanding of how it affects performance when an tissue has been overly stressed or injured.  The CCSP ® is the initial certification in sports related care for chiropractic. Advanced training is noted by possession of the DACBSP ®, or the Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.  The DACBSP ® will be covered in a later post!

 

There are a few different options to obtain this. Licensed chiropractors may complete 100 hours of post-grad education in the CCSP ® program through a chiropractic college, already possess an ATC (athletic training certification), obtain a masters in sports science and rehabilitation, or complete 1 year of a sports medicine residency.  After this has been completed, candidates must take a board certified, CCSP ® written exam.  All CCSP ® certificates are issued by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP).

 

Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioners (Physicians)® lead the pack in sports rehabilitation. Many programs are associated with members who have served on the medical staff with the United States Olympic Committee. ACBSP holds their registrants accountable: they are up to date in the latest chiropractic and sports medicine research and treatment techniques, requiring an additional 12 hours of sports medicine related studies, on top of their active state license requirements.

 

These chiropractors tend to focus on more than just the spine. They emphasize joint function and how it associates with muscle and other connective tissues.  Treatment of extremity dysfunction is a primary focus, too.  Functional movement is emphasized – if you can’t move properly you’re likely to experience compensatory pain. Overall, the primary focus during treatment is to return the patient back to their daily routine, whether that be back into the game, work or play. Our primary goal is to return our patients back to their routines as quickly and safely as possible.

 

Check out a recent interview with Clinic Director, Dr. Holmes and Chiropractor, Dr. Merhaut!