In this episode of the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council podcast, Dr. Brant Hulsebus of Rockford, Illinois, welcomes Dr. Kyle Hoeft of Fishers, Indiana, for a discussion on NSAID use and athletic performance.

The episode reviews the research paper:

“Is Physical Performance Affected by Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Use? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”
The Physician & Sportsmedicine
June 2024; Vol. 52; No. 3; pp. 207–216.

NSAIDs are commonly used by athletes before and after games, training, and competition. But do they actually improve performance? According to the discussion in this episode, the research does not support NSAIDs as a performance enhancer. Dr. Hulsebus and Dr. Hoeft discuss how regular NSAID use may fail to improve strength or physical performance and may raise concerns for athletes trying to recover, adapt, and improve.

The conversation also explains how sports chiropractors look at the cause of an athlete’s pain instead of only covering symptoms. Dr. Hoeft discusses how ankle and foot mechanics can contribute to knee pain, while Dr. Hulsebus explains how spinal and extremity function, biomechanics, and nervous system communication all matter when caring for athletes.

This episode is for chiropractors, students, athletes, coaches, trainers, and anyone interested in sports chiropractic and performance-based care.

Topics include:

• NSAID use in sports
• Athletic performance and pain relief
• Strength and muscle recovery
• Sports chiropractic care
• Extremity adjusting
• Ankle, knee, and spine biomechanics
• Helping athletes stay mobile and perform naturally
• The role of the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council

Hosted by Dr. Brant Hulsebus, Rockford, Illinois
Guest: Dr. Kyle Hoeft, Fishers, Indiana

To learn more about the ICA Sports and Fitness Science Council, visit the International Chiropractors Association at:
https://www.chiropractic.org/