President’s Message

Dear Esteemed Colleagues,

I hope you all enjoyed watching the 2024 Paris Olympics as much as I did and seeing Team USA podium for a record amount since 1984!  I know many of you either worked with these athletes directly at the games or during training leading to this summer, and all that effort really paid off.  I am also anxiously awaiting the Paralympic Games starting on August 28th, I greatly encourage everyone to tune in to these amazing athletes giving their all.

First, a quick note about our upcoming exams: The written exams for the CCSP® and the DACBSP® are scheduled for November 2nd, 2024. This is an important milestone for those of you working toward certification and to ensure everything goes smoothly, please remember that all exam-related documents must be submitted by September 30th, 2024. Meeting this deadline is crucial to allow us to prepare adequately and provide a seamless examination process.

Although the board has decided to not hold a practical exam this fall, I encourage you to use this time to focus on the written component, ensuring your knowledge is up-to-date and ready for the test.  If needed, we will grant extension to the 3-year time frame for completion of the practical exam.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are also deep into preparations for the 2025 Sports Sciences Symposium. This event is a fantastic opportunity for learning, networking, and growth within our community. If you know of any vendors interested in showcasing their products and services at the symposium, or any products and vendors that you love to use in your clinics, please send them to the National Office at [email protected].

Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence in sports chiropractic. Your commitment to advancing your expertise and serving athletes at all levels is what makes our community truly outstanding!

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your professional endeavors. It is with great pleasure and pride that I address you today with some exciting updates and announcements within our organization that I believe reflect the dynamic progress and continued effort toward excellence.

Announcement of New Board Members

First and foremost, I am delighted to announce the newest additions to our Board of Directors. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership within the field of sports chiropractic. Please join me in welcoming:

Meghan Faulkner
Michael Lovich (Treasurer)

I want to also extend a heartfelt welcome back to Joel Dekanich (Vice President) for his second term on the Board of Directors. I would be remiss if I did not highlight my other directors who are working alongside these wonderful members, including Allison Adams, Dale Buchberger, Travis Ehlers, Todd Narson, and our public member, Tom Arendt. Their collective knowledge, experience, and insights will certainly enhance our board’s capabilities and our mission to advance sports chiropractic care. I cannot emphasize how fortunate I am to work with such great colleagues.

Recognition of New Certificates

I am also thrilled to acknowledge the achievements of our newest certificate holders who have recently passed their CCSP® and DACBSP® exams in April. Their commitment to excellence and professional growth is commendable, and we are proud to welcome them to our esteemed group of board-certified sports chiropractors.

Completion of DACBSP® Requirements

CCSP®

I will also highlight Brandon Hardin, Charles Hughes, and Kenneth McLoud for completing either the written or practical exam toward their DACBSP® certification. We look forward to seeing you at the finish line soon!

Congratulations to each of you on this significant milestone! Your dedication to enhancing your skills and knowledge will greatly benefit the athletes, patients, and the communities you serve.

Marketing

I am very pleased to share that we have completed the marketing and value survey and we had over 300 responses! A big thank you to Michael Lovich, Todd Narson, and the rest of the Marketing and PR Committee for creating such a dynamic and important survey to help us guide our efforts to bring more value to your credentials. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond, we will begin pouring over these results in the next few weeks.

2025 Sports Science Symposium in Greenville, SC

Looking ahead, I am excited to share updates on our upcoming 2025 Sports Science Symposium, scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Greenville, South Carolina from March 27th to 29th. Alongside my co-chair Allison Adams and the National Office, our team is working diligently to create a symposium that will not only provide cutting-edge insights into sports science but also create opportunities for meaningful connections with our colleagues.

With the help of your input from the symposium survey, expect an engaging lineup of expert speakers, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities that will make this symposium an invaluable experience for all attendees. Stay tuned for more details and registration information in the coming months.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of the ACBSPTM for your unwavering support and dedication to advancing sports chiropractic care. Together, we are making significant strides in enhancing the health and performance of athletes at all levels.

I also want to take this time to celebrate and thank my predecessor, Dr. Bill Moreau, for his 30+ years of service and dedication to the ACBSPTM. During his tenure, Bill has played a significant role in advancing the achievements of what sports chiropractors can do as members of a sports medicine team, and his efforts have helped shape the direction and success of our organization.

We celebrate the dedication and commitment he has shown throughout his time on the board, and we are grateful for his leadership and the positive impact he has made.

We wish Bill all the best in his future endeavors and trust that his legacy will continue to inspire excellence within our board and beyond.

Thank you for your continued commitment and contributions to our shared mission. I look forward to seeing many of you at the 2025 Sports Science Symposium and celebrating our collective achievements.

In the realm of sports medicine, ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic play a vital role in the preservation of athlete health. With this specialized expertise, ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic possess a sports medicine background that uniquely positions these healthcare providers to address a broad range of issues, including concussions. This presidential message elucidates the significance of concussion training for ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic and the impact on athlete health.

1. Understanding Concussions:
   Concussions are complex traumatic brain injuries that demand prompt recognition and appropriate management. Sports-related concussions can lead to short- and long-term consequences if not properly addressed.
2. Unique Expertise:
   Chiropractors with sports medicine specialization as a Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians® (DACBSP®) or Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP®) bring unique skill sets to the management of concussion. Their deep understanding of musculoskeletal systems, neurology, and biomechanics enables comprehensive evaluation and targeted concussion treatment.
3. Early Detection and Assessment:
   Accurate early assessment and correct management is pivotal in managing concussions. Sports medicine certified chiropractors are equipped to conduct thorough evaluations, incorporating neurological exams, cognitive assessments, and balance tests, contributing to precise diagnoses.
4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
   Collaboration among healthcare professionals is imperative in concussion care. ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic training in sports medicine allows them to seamlessly work alongside medical doctors, psychologists, coaching staff, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to devise holistic treatment plans.
5. Personalized Treatment:
   ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic are proficient in sports medicine and can design individualized rehabilitation protocols. This includes manual therapies, exercise regimens, sports participation return to play planning, and lifestyle adjustments, all aimed at promoting optimal recovery.
6. Return-to-Play Decisions:
   Deciding when an athlete can safely return to their sport requires well informed clinical judgment. Sports medicine chiropractors are adept at monitoring concussion recovery milestones and guiding athletes through the phased return-to-play process.
7. Ongoing Education:
   Concussion science is evolving rapidly. Chiropractors with sports medicine specialization engage in continuous education, staying current with the latest research, protocols, and best practices in concussion management.
8. Athlete Advocacy:
   Chiropractors hold a unique position to advocate for athlete well-being. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about the gravity of concussions fosters a culture of safety in sports.

Conclusion:

ACBSP® certified Doctors of Chiropractic are instrumental in addressing the intricate nature of concussions in sports. Their holistic approach, multidisciplinary collaboration, and dedication to ongoing education make them indispensable in safeguarding athletes’ health and performance. The significance of concussion training for chiropractors is evident in their ability to contribute to the optimal recovery and long-term well-being of athletes.