Chiropractic care is something that can benefit everyone. However, according to Overland Park, Kansas-based chiropractor Dr. Justin Grabouski, athletes may find even greater benefits with chiropractic care than they might think. This isn’t coming from Grabouski as a care provider but as an athlete who found relief through chiropractic himself.
Q: We understand that chiropractic was not your original career path. What changed?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: I started college on a baseball scholarship with plans to pursue a medical degree. But fate stepped in, and I had a serious injury that kept me off the field. I was young and had an important season ahead, and knew I needed to find a solution to my pain. I saw many orthopedic specialists and physical therapists, but the pain wasn’t going away. Finally, one of my athletic trainers recommended that I visit a sports chiropractor. When I mentioned it to my mom, dad, and siblings, they weren’t really on board. Thankfully, my grandfather was already visiting a chiropractor and encouraged me to make an appointment. By following my chiropractor’s treatment plan, I felt better than I had since the injury. I started shadowing my chiropractor, and the rest really is history.
Q: How does a sports chiropractor make a difference?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: Contrary to popular belief, a chiropractor does not just work on the back. A few of the most common complaints we treat in our Overland Park office include tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, golfer’s elbow, knee injuries, stress fractures, sprains, and, of course, shoulder, back, and neck pain.
Q: Where did you go to chiropractic school?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: I chose the College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University – Kansas City here in Overland Park. I wanted to be close to family, and CUKC wasn’t really that far from where I grew up in Nebraska. I am glad I made that choice as I love the Overland Park and Johnson County community, and having the school nearby our office has provided me a chance to give back to current students by mentoring them, allowing them to shadow, and hosting classes in our office..
Q: How does your own experience as an injured athlete affect the quality of care you give to your own patients now?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: Like most chiropractors, I like to tell people that chiropractic chose me, not the other way around. Had it not been for my injury, I would’ve gone on to practice medicine, and I might not have been quite as happy. I find that having lived the experience that many of my sports patients are going through now makes it possible to provide more compassionate care. I know what my patients are going through, and, from personal experience, I am passionate about chiropractic care and all the benefits it has for athletes.
Q: If you had one piece of advice to give future sports chiropractors, what would it be?
Dr. Justin Grabouski: I think the best advice you can give anyone entering any profession is to go into it with your whole heart. Help people. Make sure that your patients know they can come to you when they need you. Although chiropractic is a hands-on profession, you have to put your entire heart and soul into it. I think that my experience as an athlete that received chiropractic care helps me do just that.
Dr. Justin Grabouski of Grabouski Chiropractic is a family, personal injury, pediatric, and sports chiropractor in Overland Park, Kansas. He has helped top athletes from all sports compete pain-free and recover from accidents and injuries. Contact the office online or email GrabouskiChiropractic@gmail.com for more information or to schedule a visit.
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