Treating Professional Athletes: My Journey

As a high school and collegiate athlete, I always dreamed of one day working with professional athletes. To me, they carried an aura—an almost larger-than-life presence that set them apart. When I graduated from Chiropractic College, one of my goals was clear: I wanted to treat a professional athlete or even be part of a professional team’s medical staff.

That dream first came true during my third associateship. After bouncing around practices in New York City and Reading, PA, I found myself in a sports chiropractic clinic in West Chester, PA. From the moment I walked in, I knew this was different. The energy, the focus, the connections to high schools and colleges—it lit a fire inside me. I also quickly realized how much I still had to learn about sports injuries and performance care.

The most exciting part? This practice was the official chiropractic provider for the Philadelphia Union, an MLS team. I’ll never forget my first time working a Union game. My boss showed me around, introduced me to the staff, and gave me the chance to treat some of the players. It was a thrill, a rush, and a moment I’ll never forget—I had achieved a career milestone I’d been chasing for years.

Over time, my role with the Union grew. I was trusted to attend practices and games on my own, which built my confidence and gave me invaluable experience. Perhaps the best part of that chapter was seeing how a professional sports medicine team functioned. I collaborated with medical doctors, orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, and athletic trainers, gaining unique insight into high-level athlete care.

That experience pushed me to deepen my knowledge. I enrolled in a year-long sports chiropractic program that included monthly classes, field hours, and a board exam. Eventually, I earned two certifications: Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and International Chiropractic Sports Certification (ICSC). These credentials not only sharpened my clinical skills but also gave me opportunities to treat athletes at events across the globe.

While at that West Chester practice, I was fortunate to work with Olympians, professional tennis players, Premier League soccer players, NHL athletes, and world-class ice skaters. But eventually, I knew it was time to carve my own path. I opened my own sports chiropractic clinic in Malvern, PA, which connected me with local high schools, colleges, and professional athletes. During that time, I treated Olympic runners, NHL and NFL players, and even served as the team chiropractor for the Philadelphia Flyers for a game. It felt like I was living my dream.

One of the challenges of treating professional athletes, though, is that sometimes care has to be kept discreet. Organizations often want to protect their “assets,” which can create barriers to open collaboration. Because of that, I’ve always prioritized clear communication, obtaining verbal consent before every treatment, and making sure athletes fully understand the care they’re receiving.

Eventually, family life took priority, and we moved to Bethlehem, PA. I sold my portion of the Malvern practice and opened Valley Sports Chiropractic here in town. Bethlehem is home to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate of the Phillies) and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL affiliate of the Flyers). Breaking into those networks has been tough, especially with local hospitals sponsoring nearly every team and event. But that hasn’t stopped me from trying.

Looking back, my journey has been one of gratitude and growth. I achieved a goal I once thought was out of reach—treating professional athletes—and gained experience that continues to shape how I practice today. Right now, my focus is on building within my community, helping athletes of all ages perform at their best. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe one day I’ll find myself back on the sidelines of a professional team.

For now, I’m proud of the path I’ve taken and the athletes I’ve helped along the way. If you have questions about working with professional athletes or want to know more about my journey, I’d love to share my experiences with you.