How My Chiropractic and Athletic Therapy Journey Began
People often ask how I got into chiropractic and athletic therapy. The truth is, it started early. Back in grade 8, I found weight training. Like many teenagers, I wanted to build muscle. At first, it was about getting stronger and maybe attracting some attention. But as I kept training, I became fascinated by how my body responded.
I noticed how strength training not only helped me perform better in sports but also made me feel better in general. Even at that young age, I was thinking ahead. I did not want to grow older and struggle with basic things like standing up from a chair or climbing stairs. That early drive to stay strong and independent planted a seed that would grow over the years.
Building a Passion for Strength, Movement, and Injury Recovery
Sports were a big part of my life. I went to a small school where I could play basketball, volleyball, track and field, and even some rowing. Later, I picked up Ultimate Frisbee. Staying active was part of who I was.
As I moved toward graduation, I faced a decision. I was good at math and physics, so engineering was a real option. But I kept feeling pulled toward helping people move better. The idea of athletic therapy appealed to me, even though it was not very well known at the time.
Discovering Athletic Therapy in Winnipeg
For a school project, I shadowed a physiotherapy student at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. I watched them work with stroke survivors, burn patients, and individuals recovering from paralysis. I had great respect for what they did, but I realized that wasn’t where I saw myself. My passion was in movement, strength, and helping people return to activity stronger than before.
A family friend introduced me to an athletic therapist working at Pan Am Clinic. The moment I walked into the clinic, saw the treatment tables and weight equipment, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do.
Early Experience Treating Sports Injuries
I enrolled in physical education at the University of Manitoba, eventually entering the athletic therapy internship program. During my internship, I worked with university athletes in football, wrestling, and volleyball. Each sport brought different challenges: contact injuries in football, repetitive strain injuries in volleyball, and combative injuries in wrestling.
I also took extra courses in anatomy, osteology, nutrition, and psychology. I wanted to deepen my understanding of how the human body worked. That curiosity still drives me today.
What Led Me Toward Chiropractic Care
In 2000, I certified as an athletic therapist and started working right away. Early on, I taught anatomy at the Professional Institute of Massage Therapy, which helped me learn how to explain complex topics in a simple, clear way. That teaching experience later helped me educate my patients.
While working at several clinics owned by chiropractors, I encountered a situation that changed my career path. I was treating a patient with tight neck muscles. Despite all my manual therapy and soft tissue work, the tightness wouldn’t release. One of the chiropractors assessed and adjusted the patient. Right after that adjustment, the muscles loosened up immediately.
At that moment, I realized there was a tool I didn’t have that could complement my existing skills.
Seeing the Power of Chiropractic Adjustments Firsthand
That experience opened my eyes. Chiropractic adjustments offered something manual therapy alone could not. It was not about replacing what I was doing but adding another effective tool to help my patients.
I decided to return to school and become a chiropractor, combining both disciplines to better serve my patients.
Becoming a Chiropractor to Help Patients Move Better
My wife and I moved to Minneapolis, where I attended Northwestern Health Sciences University. Chiropractic school expanded my knowledge in many areas. I learned how to assess not only muscles and joints but also the nervous system, internal organs, and overall health systems.
I graduated at the top of my class and returned to Winnipeg, ready to blend chiropractic care with my background in athletic therapy.
Returning to Winnipeg to Practice Chiropractic and Athletic Therapy
Back in Winnipeg, I began working at Precision Movement and Therapies (then Downtown Chiropractic) and at Galley Chiropractic in St. Vital. I have been working with the same teams ever since.
Expanding My Skills with Soft Tissue Therapy and Acupuncture
Over time, I continued to learn new techniques to better help my patients. I added acupuncture, Active Release, fascial manipulation, functional movement screening, and various soft tissue therapies. My goal has always been to keep adding skills that allow me to treat a wide range of issues.
How I Help Winnipeg Patients with Back Pain, Neck Pain, and Injuries
Today, my practice helps patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and joint issues. Some patients need chiropractic adjustments. Others need soft tissue therapy, rehab exercises, or movement retraining. Often it is a combination.
Every patient is unique. My role is to figure out what each person needs, explain the plan clearly, and work together to help them move better and feel better.
Educating Patients to Take Control of Their Health
One thing I value deeply is patient education. When you understand why you hurt and what we are doing to address it, you feel empowered. You take ownership of your health. That is part of why I started this podcast and write these blog posts. I want people to feel confident in managing their own health journey.
If you are in Winnipeg and struggling with back pain, neck pain, or any musculoskeletal issue, I am here to help. My approach combines chiropractic care, athletic therapy, manual therapy, exercise, and education to help you move and feel your best.
Originally posted on June 24, 2025 @ 2:13 pm