Jaw realignment work and bespoke foot orthotics have helped to get a professional footballer back to form, reports Lucy Mason.
Doncaster Rovers midfielder Richard Chaplow, 30, was plagued with recurring injuries until a full body scan revealed his left leg was slightly shorter than his right.
Clifton Bradeley and chiropractor Dr Stefaan Vossen of CoreWarwick worked together to devise a treatment plan.
Richard says: “I’ve struggled with back problems, calf injuries, knee problems and recurring tears throughout my career which have affected my ability to play. Some seasons, I was only able to play 65% of my games.
“The scan revealed my shorter left leg which has had a huge impact on my body – pulling me out of alignment all the way up one side of my body, putting pressure on my back and even pulling my jaw up too high.
“Wearing a mouth splint has helped to re-align my lower jaw and bespoke insoles in my boots compensate for the shorter leg. Clifton also advised me to wear a slightly bigger football boot as tight boots are not good for the biomechanics of the feet.
“After so many years of being out of alignment, the changes made by the treatment felt strange. At first, I felt like I was leaning to one side. But the result on my game has been transformational.
“I’m match fit and able to play 95% of my games. I have more energy on the field, especially during the crucial last 20 minutes of a match. I don’t have cramp issues any more or backache and I feel better the day after a match.
“My teammates teased me at first but were the first to ask me about the treatment as soon as they were injured.”