Powerlifting might not be as well known to the general public as bodybuilding, but powerlifting events still draw a solid number of enthusiastic competitors. The way to come out on top at a powerlifting competition is simple. The winner is the person who lifts the heaviest weight during a bench press, bicep curl, military press, or other exercise. Training for powerlifting competitions requires a lot of work and places the body under a lot of stress. Visiting a chiropractor who specializes in massage therapy while training for an event could help eliminate a host of aches and pains and, possibly, reduce the chance of injury.

Injury-Prone Muscles and Ligaments

The areas of common powerlifting injuries are, not surprisingly, the "shoulder, lower back and the knee" since they are greatly stressed during military presses, deadlifts, and squats, the three top powerlifting exercises. Weaknesses in those areas contribute to the injuries. In other words, a slightly strained or inflamed lower back is not going to operate at peak performance. Trying to deadlift 500 lbs of weight when the back muscles are not in 100% healthy condition increases the risk of injury.

Anyone who suffers from injuries in these areas should explore weekly sessions with a massage therapist to help alleviate and rehabilitate the problem. If the massage therapist is a licensed chiropractor, he/she may be able to provide a referral to a medical doctor upon suspecting the injury is more serious than initially believed. Access to the professional opinion of a therapist could very well help avoid a disastrous mishap during training due to an undetected significantly serious injury.

Improve Flexibility and Enhance Balance

Doing what is necessary to prevent injuries is vital as well. Massage sessions have been known to enhance flexibility, thanks to the effect on the muscles. Flexibility, in turn, contributes to improved muscular balance and posture.

A lifter who drops down very low in preparation for returning in an upright position to complete a squat must maintain correct balance. Falling over with a massive amount of weight on the barbell could lead to several injuries. The lifter does not even have to collapse to suffer an injury. Weak balance could lead to the unequal distribution of weight during the lift. Ligaments could tear as a result. Taking any and all steps to increase balance and reduce injuries is advisable.

The Right Therapist

Powerlifters are best served seeing a chiropractor or massage therapist who understands what is necessary to treat sports and weightlifting-related injuries. This way, the massage session will focus on addressing the specific concerns of a serious weightlifter.