According to The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, they report that since September of 2008, chiropractic care has been helping disabled war veterans to compete in a triathlon contest called the “Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Series.” The group of disabled veterans, known as “Team Semper Fi,” (since all of them are former marines or sailors) came forward to validate the value of chiropractic care in improving their ability to compete against able-bodied athletes. The triathlon event involved swimming against the fierce currents from Alcatraz Island to the shores of San Francisco; biking for 18 miles; and finally running eight miles.

It should be noted that Team Semper Fi is a sports program designed to help rehabilitate injured and disabled marines and sailors. Each month, team members compete in triathlons, venture races, 5k and 10k marathons, and even cross-country races. They compete against a variety of professional athletes, amateurs, and beginners, both disabled as well as able-bodied athletes.

Eric Frazier, an Iraq War veteran, is the team’s leading hand cyclist. Frazier suffered a paralyzing injury to the spinal cord and now uses his hands and arms to propel his cycle. According to Frazier, “Competing in these events has actually made my life ten times better and has given me tremendous self-worth. After any race, my upper body is in pain because I do it all with my hands and arms. However, with chiropractic care before and after any event, I find that I perform better.”

Dan Lasko, who lost his left leg below the knee in two IED (Improvised Exploding Device) roadside explosions while serving during the war on terror in Afghanistan, added, “With my injury and a prosthetic leg, my back is always in pain.” However, before or after any event, especially for triathlons, chiropractic has helped out tremendously. Seeing a chiropractor before and after an event actually makes for an overall better athlete.

Dr. Morgan, a chiropractic medical doctor who cares for these athletes and is the staff chiropractor for the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, and affiliate chiropractor at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC, showed his respect by saying, “I salute the brave fighters who have overcome so much to compete in these athletic events. I can think of no greater honor than to provide care for those injured while in the service of their country.”