Flat beds, chiropractors and happy athletes have become a normal sight during top-level muaythai tournaments thanks to cooperation between IFMA and the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic.

As members of GAISF, this collaboration is a perfect example of GAISF members working together in a symbiotic cooperation.

Like any sport muaythai can be tough on the athletes, especially when competing a number of times during an event. It’s easy for a small niggle to become an injury if it’s not looked after properly.

Additionally these week long events take their toll on event staff and offcials alike, so the services are often also beneficial to the staff and officials working behind the scenes.

But now thanks to the expert advice and skills of the FICS chiropractors, that worry is a thing of the past for muaythai athletes and officials.

Starting last year during the 2016 World Championships in Jonkoping, Sweden , a group of chiropractors have set up in the warm-up area of large IFMA tournaments. They get to know the athletes over a few days, and work with them to target and prevent any potential injuries.

Video: Audrey Yargui speaking in Paris during the European Championships 2017.

FICS attended events including The World Games 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland and the IFMA Youth World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand as well as the European Championships in Paris during October.

In Bangkok everyone from the youngest athletes to the administrators working in the IFMA office made time to have a check-up.

It’s been a very successful partnership for muaythai athletes as they learn more about staying healthy while competing in elite-level sport.

IFMA general secretary Stephan Fox said: ‘ We are very happy to collaboarate with FICS for the good of our athletes. It’s really important they learn that there are small things which can make a difference, and enable them to continue competing safely for years to come. We are always happy to see the FICS beds setting up, and even myself I have take a few minutes for treatment. Tournaments can be hectic and it’s a great benefit to be looked after for a few minutes. We look forward to see FICS at our next event.’

Find out more about FICS on their website or follow them on FICS Instagram.