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Dr Warren van Zyl treating Springbok Rugby captain John Smit during his work as team chiropractor for professional athletes

Sports Injuries & Chiropractic Care

My introduction to sports injuries began in November 1994 on the Springbok rugby tour of the UK & Ireland. One of my first patients was the captain, Francois Pienaar, and I was asked by team physiotherapist Evan Speechly to examine and treat Francois’s knee. That moment began a journey of working with professional athletes and deepening my focus on and understanding of sports chiropractic.

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While chiropractic is often associated with the spine, many chiropractors, including myself, also specialise in treating the extremities: shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet. These areas are just as important for both injury recovery and performance.

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Alongside my private practice, I served as team chiropractor for the Sharks Rugby team for 15 years and provided ad hoc care for the Proteas cricket team. My additional qualification as a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) has given me extensive experience in helping athletes prevent injuries, recover effectively, and perform at their best.

Chiropractic for Injury Prevention & Recovery

• Corrects underlying joint and spinal misalignments that may contribute to recurring injuries.
• Restores proper biomechanics to reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Supports faster healing and rehabilitation of both spinal and extremity injuries.
• Improves circulation and tissue recovery following muscle or joint strain.
• Reduces inflammation and promotes better joint stability during recovery.

Dr Warren van Zyl providing chiropractic care to Springbok Rugby captain Francois Pienaar as part of sports injury assessment and recovery treatment

Chiropractic for Sports Performance Enhancement

  • Improves mobility, flexibility, and balance.

  • Enhances nervous system function, coordination, and reaction time.

  • Helps athletes - from professionals to weekend runners - perform at their best. Corrects underlying joint and spinal misalignments that may contribute to recurring injuries.​

The same principles that benefit professional athletes also apply to people who participate in sports such as golf, padel, tennis, cycling, running and gym. Chiropractic care supports your body’s ability to stay active, recover well, and keep performing at your best.

Dr Warren van Zyl with the Sharks Rugby team after their 2008 Currie Cup championship win, serving as team chiropractor
Signed team photo of the 1994 South African Springbok Rugby squad, from the Scotland, Wales, and Ireland tour, displayed in Dr Warren van Zyl’s practice
Signed action photograph of Springbok rugby player André Joubert with a personal message to Dr Warren van Zyl

Dr Warren van Zyl, Chiropractor  
Plett Opposite Astron Energy Garage, 82 Longships Dr, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa  
Tel: +27 72 421 7718  
Serving patients from Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and the broader Garden Route region

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