On July 10, Stuart Yoss, DC, CCSP, ART delivered a presentation to the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) Rehab Club. Nearly 40 attendees gathered to hear an industry leader in professional sports chiropractic speak about working with professional athletes and teams, Active Release Technique (ART), owning a practice and more.

Dr. Yoss has been practicing since 1995. In addition to treating professional athletes from across the country, he is currently the official team chiropractor for several Chicago sports teams including the Blackhawks, the Bears and the Bulls.

“In the world of sports chiropractic, there are three important things to keep in mind,” Dr. Yoss said. They include open communication, particularly with head athletic trainers, respecting professional boundaries and developing solid relationships.

While doctors of chiropractic certainly perform adjustments, certified ART practitioners use this non-invasive, hands-on therapy technique to treat soft tissue injuries and nerve issues. ART helps ease pain, focus on patient mobility and restore function. It can also speed patient recovery after an injury faster than some traditional therapy methods and can be an effective alternative to surgery.

“It’s a natural complement to traditional chiropractic techniques,” Dr. Yoss said. “One of the best things about our jobs as chiropractors,” he said, “Is first, you never have the same twice. And second, you get to make a real difference in the lives of your patients. When that happens, people will want to help you.”

Some of his advice for future DCs includes:

• Taking full advantage of all that social media and Internet advertising have to offer to build their practices.
• When first in professional practice, seek out opportunities to work with local/youth sports teams to develop patient trust and build community contacts.
• Communicate with your patients’ primary care physicians; it aids in the benefit of a successful treatment plan, helps educate the medical community as to what chiropractors do, and how they differ from physical therapists.
• Become certified in ART – now that many athletes know about it, they are seeking it out as a non-surgical treatment option.
• Don’t undervalue yourselves! As a Chiropractor, treat musculoskeletal issues that many MDs do not.

“You have to put in the work and become the expert in your community. That will help you build a solid practice, and people will start referring to you,” he added. “Persistence pays off.”

National University offers numerous professional and academic student organizations that frequently host guest speakers, technique practice sessions, professional development seminars and more. Participation in one or more such groups not only helps tomorrow’s health care practitioners stay abreast of topics in their future field, but helps build professional networks prior to graduation, as well as form lifelong connections.

Two of Dr. Yoss’ practice associates at Bannockburn Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center are NUHS alumni: Laura Kaeske Nieder, DC (’95) and Brian J. Allen, DC (’05), CSCS, ART.