Holly Cook
Tyler Fowler didn’t travel to Beijing to treat Olympic athletes;
instead, the Lone Tree chiropractor recently traveled to California
to treat volleyball players during the Manhattan Beach Open.
He got to treat Misty May-Treanor, 2008 Beijing Olympic gold
medalist.
“I had an opportunity to talk to Treanor,” Fowler said. “And I
have to agree with her that the Manhattan Beach Open is like the
Wimbeldon of beach volleyball,” he said. “I was honored to be asked
to bring my special skills to the medical team.”
The medical team hired for the Association of Volleyball
Professionals tour included orthopedic surgeons, sports
chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists and athletic
trainers.
“Our goal was simple,” Fowler said. “It was helping each athlete
perform their best during the competition.”
Fowler was asked to be on the medical team because of his
knowledge of sports medicine and athletic training, and for his
chiropractic experience using the Graston technique.
The Graston technique is a form of treatment that allows Fowler
to effectively break down scar tissue that can build up in muscles,
using a stainless steel instrument to detect areas of scar
tissue.
“It goes beyond pain relief, though,” Fowler said. “It helps to
restore normal muscle and joint function. I typically see
recoveries that are 20-50 percent faster and better than with other
manual processes.”
Fowler is one of few practitioners in Colorado to use the
technique. He said he was called on to use Graston several
times.
Treating Treanor with the technique was the highlight of his
trip to the Manhattan Open.
“Being able to contribute to the final victory was a memory I’ll
hold for a long time,” he said. “Having the skills and experience
treating sports injuries was critical to helping this great player
prepare for the next match. It was challenging, but so
rewarding.”
He also will hold onto his newfound respect for beach volleyball
players.
“I carried an athletic training bag and radio as I strolled the
13 courts on the beach so I could respond quickly if called on to
treat an injury,” he said. “Walking on the beach sand was tough and
I can a whole new respect for the fitness the athletes must have in
order to compete at such a high level.”
Fowler hopes to continue to treat athletes during 18 stops
across the country during in 2009.
For more on Fowler and the Graston technique, visit www.chirodimensions.com.
