Baseball is a game of precision, repetition, and power — but also one that puts enormous strain on the body. Swinging, pitching, diving, and throwing thousands of times a year can take a toll on muscles, joints, and the spine. That’s why so many professional baseball players and teams now include chiropractic care as part of their performance and recovery strategy.
From reducing back pain to improving mobility, a skilled chiropractor can make the difference between injury and longevity on the field.
Why Chiropractic Care Matters in Baseball
Even though baseball isn’t a contact sport, it’s full of repetitive stress. Pitchers often develop shoulder or elbow tension, hitters deal with tight lower backs, and catchers experience constant strain through their hips and knees.
A chiropractor focuses on restoring spinal and joint alignment, helping players move more efficiently and reduce muscle fatigue. Proper alignment also helps improve nerve communication, coordination, and overall balance — all vital for hitting, throwing, and sprinting.
Common reasons baseball players visit a chiropractor include:
- Back or neck pain after long travel or games
- Shoulder or elbow stiffness from throwing
- Tight hips or lower back from rotational movement
- Preventative maintenance to avoid injuries
MLB Teams That Use Chiropractors
Chiropractic care is now standard across professional baseball. Nearly every Major League Baseball team has a chiropractor as part of its medical staff. Teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, and Atlanta Braves have long credited chiropractic care for helping players recover faster and stay game-ready.
During their championship years, several teams highlighted their chiropractors as crucial members of their performance teams. Players like Barry Bonds, Chris Carpenter, and Ben Weber have all publicly supported chiropractic care for improving flexibility and reducing pain during long seasons.
Seattle Mariners: A Local Example of Chiropractic Success
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Mariners are one of the many MLB teams that rely on chiropractic care for player health and performance.
Dr. Curt Rindal: The Mariners’ Chiropractor
Since 2012, Dr. Curt Rindal has served as the official team chiropractor for the Seattle Mariners. A former professional baseball player himself, Dr. Rindal brings both athletic insight and advanced chiropractic expertise to the team.
He provides treatments that go beyond traditional spinal adjustments, including:
- Active Release Techniques (ART)
- Graston soft-tissue therapy
- Neurological muscle activation
- Sports-specific alignment work
These techniques help players maintain proper motion through the spine, shoulders, and hips — areas that take a beating throughout a 162-game season. Mariners players have credited Dr. Rindal’s care for helping them recover faster between games and maintain better mobility on the field.
Minor League Affiliates Benefit Too
The Mariners’ dedication to chiropractic health doesn’t stop at the major-league level. Chiropractors such as Dr. Darren Beavers support the organization’s minor league affiliates, helping younger players stay healthy and develop good movement patterns early in their careers.
How Chiropractors Fit Into a Baseball Team’s Medical Team
In Major League Baseball, chiropractors work closely with athletic trainers, physical therapists, and team doctors. Their focus is on keeping the body aligned and functioning at its best.
Here’s how a chiropractor supports a team’s medical program:
- Injury Prevention:By maintaining spinal and joint alignment, chiropractors help prevent overuse injuries before they happen.
- Faster Recovery:Adjustments can help reduce inflammation and muscle tension, promoting faster healing between games.
- Improved Range of Motion:Regular care keeps players’ movements fluid and efficient — essential for both pitchers and hitters.
- Enhanced Performance:Proper alignment supports better balance, reaction time, and swing mechanics.
Chiropractic Care Beyond the Big Leagues
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to benefit from chiropractic care. Whether you’re a weekend baseball player, a Little League coach, or just someone who loves staying active, regular chiropractic adjustments can help you:
- Move better
- Recover faster
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Stay active longer
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care has become a trusted tool in professional baseball for one reason — it works. From the Seattle Mariners to championship teams across the league, players and coaches rely on chiropractors to keep their bodies healthy and performing at the highest level.
If you’re feeling the wear and tear from sports, work, or daily life, a visit Moore Chiropractic could be your next step toward better movement, less pain, and improved performance.