What is a CSCS anyways?
The CSCS certification is a jumble of letters many people aren’t likely to recognize unless they’re part of the sports/training world. It stands for Certified Stength and Conditioning Specialist and it’s governed by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Those in the fitness/coaching/training worlds often recognize it as “the gold standard” in the fitness industry when it comes to credentials. Compared to other fitness credentials, the CSCS can be tougher to obtain due to a few reasons. It requires a bachelor’s degree or higher before candidates can even sit for the exam which is known to have a notoriously low pass rate due to it’s difficulty. That’s not to say there aren’t great or brilliant coaches or trainers without their CSCS, but seeing that credential means that person has a solid base of fitness and conditioning knowlege backing them up.
So how’s that help my doc take care of me?
Chiropractors, physical therapists, MDs, etc. all receive good training in healing and taking care of the body. That training is often geared towards the general population and the more common issues that present. However, most docs will specialize into certain fields so that they can treat specific populations and their unique problems more effectively. Sports docs will learn to recognize and treat many of the injuries associated with specific sports and athletes so that they can return to play faster. While this is better than telling an athlete to “rest and wait 6 weeks for returning to play,” it’s even more effective to have a sports doc that understands your training goals and how to get there.
Rehab professionals that have their CSCS have a fuller understanding of what athletes’ specific needs are for training. They’re better equiped to work along side a coach and tweak rehab plans accordingly depending on the athlete’s ability, what part of the season their in, and what their specific goals are. It reduces the amount of conflicting advice athletes can recieve from their coaches and doctors since they’re more likely to understand one another. Those docs likely have coached or still coach or train athletes, giving them firsthand experience. It helps the rehab professional understand why athletes might be having particular set-backs with lifts and how to correct them. Docs with their CSCS have a leg up on their general practioner counterparts because they have a deeper understanding of the science, physiology, and programming behind the training put into sports.
Everybody wants to be better understood, especially when they’re healing up quickly from an injury so get back and play. General practitioners may not be used to working on athletes and are more likely to give out-dated advice that may neglect aspects of the athletes rehab that need to be adressed. Even rehab professionals more familiar with sports injuries may only see the injury side of an athletes problem and miss important points in getting that athlete returned to play. Seeking out a doc with a CSCS increases your chance of adding a member to your team who will understand your athletic goals and get you back to play faster.
Wondering where to find sports doc with a CSCS? Dr. Falkner is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician with a CSCS in Clarkston, MI. Call 248-620-8910 to see how he can help you return to play faster!
