You’re an athlete looking for a chiropractor. You find one who says they work with athletes—but does that mean they have specialized training in sports chiropractic?

Not necessarily.

There is a difference between being a chiropractor who treats athletes and becoming a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®).

A Chiropractor Who Treats Athletes

Any licensed chiropractor may treat athletes as part of their patient population. Through clinical experience, continuing education, and an interest in sports medicine, a chiropractor can develop significant experience working with active individuals.

However, treating athletes alone does not mean the chiropractor has completed a formal postgraduate sports chiropractic certification.

What Is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician®?

A Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®) has pursued additional postgraduate education and examination requirements focused specifically on the needs of athletes.

This training builds upon chiropractic doctoral education with additional emphasis on areas relevant to sports injuries, extremity evaluation, rehabilitation, emergency procedures, athletic performance, and return-to-play considerations.

The difference, therefore, isn’t simply who we treat—it’s additional training in how we evaluate and manage the unique needs of athletes.

Why Does This Matter for Athletes?

For an athlete, getting out of pain is often only part of the goal.

We also have to ask: Why did the injury happen? How is it affecting movement and performance? What demands will the athlete face when they return to their sport? And are they actually ready to return?

That requires looking beyond just the spine. The shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, muscles, and other soft tissues can all contribute to pain, movement limitations, and performance.

Sports-focused chiropractic care can also involve working alongside athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning professionals, physicians, and other members of the sports medicine team.

So, What’s the Difference?

A chiropractor does not have to hold a CCSP® credential to provide quality care to athletes. There are excellent chiropractors with years of experience working with athletic populations.

The CCSP® credential, however, represents something additional: a chiropractor who has chosen to pursue formal postgraduate education specifically focused on sports chiropractic and the care of athletes.

When you're trying to get back to the gym, field, court, or the activities you love, knowing the training and qualifications of the healthcare professionals on your team can help you make a more informed decision about your care.

Because treating an athlete and understanding the demands of an athlete aren’t always the same thing.
- Aaron Guitroz-Lane 
Chiropractic Intern at HealthRock Chiropractic & Sports Medicine
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If you’ve ever gone looking for a magnesium supplement, you’ve probably realized pretty quickly that there are a lot of options. Two you’ll commonly see are magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate. They both provide magnesium, but the reason you choose one over the other may be different.

Magnesium is an important mineral involved in muscle and nerve function, energy production, bone health, and normal muscle contraction and relaxation—all things that matter when we’re talking about how your body moves, functions, and recovers.

Magnesium Citrate

Magnesium citrate is commonly used when someone wants to increase their magnesium intake while also supporting bowel regularity. It draws water into the intestines, which is why it can have a laxative effect.

For someone dealing with occasional constipation, that may be helpful. If that’s not your goal, however, the GI effects may make another form a better choice.

Magnesium Glycinate

Magnesium glycinate is magnesium combined with the amino acid glycine. It tends to be well tolerated and less likely to cause loose stools than magnesium citrate.

Because of its tolerability, glycinate is a popular choice for people looking for an everyday magnesium supplement, particularly when the goal involves supporting normal muscle function and recovery.

Which One Is Better?

Neither is automatically “better.” It depends on why you’re taking it.

If bowel regularity is part of the goal, citrate may be worth considering. If you’re looking for a magnesium supplement that is generally easier on the digestive system, glycinate may be the better option.

And remember—supplements should supplement what your body needs, not replace a balanced diet or appropriate healthcare. If you take medications, have kidney problems, are pregnant, or have other medical concerns, talk with your healthcare provider before starting a magnesium supplement.

Your body works hard for you. Give it the tools it needs to move, recover, and function well.

your health, 
Aaron Guitroz-Lane 
Chiropractic Intern at HealthRock Chiropractic & Sports Medicine