Sports chiropractic within Australia has a chequered historical background of unorthodox\r\nindividualistic displays of egocentric treatment approaches that emphasise specific technique\r\npreference and individual prowess rather than standardised evidence based management. This\r\nsituation has changed in recent years with the acceptance of many within sports chiropractic to\r\noperate under an evidence informed banner and to embrace a research culture. Despite recent\r\ndevelopments within the sports chiropractic movement, the profession is still plagued by a minority\r\nof practitioners continuing to espouse certain marginal and outlandish technique systems that\r\nbeleaguer the mainstream core of sports chiropractic as a cohesive and homogeneous group.\r\nModern chiropractic management is frequently multimodal in nature and incorporates components\r\nof passive and active care. Such management typically incorporates spinal and peripheral\r\nmanipulation, mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises.\r\nExternally, sports chiropractic has faced hurdles too, with a lack of recognition and acceptance by\r\norganized and orthodox sports medical groups. Whilst some arguments against the inclusion of\r\nchiropractic may be legitimate due to its historical baggage, much of the argument appears to be\r\nanti-competitive, insecure and driven by a closed-shop mentality.sequently, chiropractic as a\r\nprofession still remains a pariah to the organised sports medicine world. Add to this an uncertain\r\ncontinuing education system, a lack of protection for the title ''sports chiropractor'', a lack of a\r\nrecognized specialist status and a lack of support from traditional chiropractic, the challenges for\r\nthe growth and acceptance of the sports chiropractor are considerable. This article outlines the\r\nhistorical and current challenges, both internal and external, faced by sports chiropractic within\r\nAustralia and proposes positive changes that will assist in recognition and inclusion of sports\r\nchiropractic in both chiropractic and multi-disciplinary sports medicine alike.
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