Chiropractic and Massage for Stunt Doubles

Stunt doubles sustain many injuries in their line of work. Fortunately, chiropractic and massage may help.

Stunt Doubles Injuries

Stunt doubles are body doubles that are used in television and movie filming for scenes that are particularly dangerous, or for physically complicated scenes. They might be needed to jump from a vehicle or building or follow choreography in specialized fight scenes. The principle actor may be unable to perform these tasks for physical or contractual reasons. “Stunties” are not the same as daredevils, who “perform stunts for the stake of the stunt”. Stunt doubles have harnesses, wires, and other protective gear that can be edited from the video.¹ Sometimes, though, stunt doubles can get seriously injured. During the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe, David Holmes, “suffered serious spinal injuries” during a flying sequence that contained an explosion.² Some stunt doubles have died. Others have broken various bones, injured vertebrae, have sustained back and neck injuries, and have damaged or torn muscles.³

Chiropractic and Massage

Chiropractors aim to keep the body working optimally and in full alignment. They can also help with injury recovery and rehabilitation. Some chiropractors are salaried practitioners who work for television shows and on movie sets.⁴ In the recent Hunger Games movie, Jennifer Lawrence, the star of the film, utilized a chiropractor, Dr. Joseph Horrigan. Horrigan has served as medical consultant and athletic performance consultant in other film projects, as well. Lawrence actually performed the stunts for the Katniss Everdeen character without a stunt double. Chiropractors can have “a positive influence on the health and performance of actors in movies”.⁵ In the first World Stunt Awards, one stunt performer, Jill Brown, thanked a chiropractor in her speech for “keeping her body working”.⁶ Massage therapists work to reduce stress and tension, and they can help with proper blood circulation. Massage therapists have also been employed for the treatment of film crews. From performing chair massage to other relaxation techniques, massage therapists on set have “become as commonplace as the catering table”. They can help both the cast and crew with stress reduction and soothing strained muscles.⁷ Chiropractic and massage are approaches to healthcare that focus on holistic treatments and overall well-being, without reliance on medication and surgeries. In addition to treatments, they can advise clients on nutrition and exercise.⁸ With all of the stress and injuries on movie sets, massage and chiropractic could be valuable services.