There were many chiropractors at this year’s Winter Olympic Games, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of them Dr. Jason Ross. Jason Ross, D.C. ART C.S.C.S. is a doctor of chiropractic and strength and conditioning coach. He is the official chiropractor for the United States Bobsled team.
SS: Thanks for the taking the time for this interview Dr. Ross. All chiropractors in the US must attend an accredited chiropractic school before they can become licensed to practice. Where did you choose to attend and why?
Dr. Ross: I Chose Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa. I chose it for a few reasons. It was the one school I had heard of before I started looking into Chiropractic. When I looked into the school I liked that that is where Chiropractic started. I also like the fact that I was able to play rugby at a high level. Finally, the cost of living in Iowa couldn’t be beat! I was broke!
SS: How did you get involved with the US Olympic Bobsled team?
Dr. Ross: I got involved through being injured playing rugby. The rehab doc that was helping me out had some bobsled ties and thought my speed/power would translate to bobsled success. He got me a try out a few months before graduating school. I went out to Lake Placid, NY for a push camp, won it and was invited to a few more. Eventually making the National Team a month before graduating from Chiropractic school. When I retired from competing, a year later, they offered me the chiropractic job with the teams.
SS: How did it feel to be at the Olympics and to walk into the arena with the US Olympic Team?
Dr. Ross: Walking up into the stadium for Opening Ceremonies was completely surreal. I cant describe how cool it was, it just blew me away, I had tried to picture what it would feel like, yet it exceeded anything I had tried to imagine it to be.
SS: heard you met Dan Obrien, a big chiropractic supporter for many years, did he ask you for an adjustment?
Dr. Ross: I did meet Dan, we got a chance to chat for a brief moment, and he described what a big believer he had for chiropractic. He said he would never have been able to compete at that level he was at without it. He said he needed one, but neither of us had the time.
SS: Do you treat the team mostly for injuries or performance enhancement?
Dr. Ross: When I’m on tour I’m treating mostly for performance and injury prevention. Some of the older guys I see every day, some of the younger athletes 2-4x a week. Even if it’s just five minutes for an alignment check and to check for any muscle tightness. Tight muscle today is tomorrows strain. I’ll work the muscle and try to figure out why that certain muscle got tight. I feel Chiropractors are the best weapon against injury.
SS: As far as I can tell there were more chiropractors at the Olympics this year than ever before. What impact do you think this has had on the Olympics and the Olympic athletes?
Dr. Ross: It’s gaining popularity every year. There was few of us on tour this year for different countries. There is a DC as head of USOC medical staff, so that helps. Basically what it comes down to is this, athletes are realizing what we can do for them and are demanding the highest possible care.
SS: Tell us more about you, how did you get introduced to chiropractic?
Dr. Ross: I was introduced to chiropractic through my mom and an injury. Playing football at Hillsdale College, I had a groin injury that plagued me into the track season. I couldn’t run full speed without pain. I did 6 months of physical therapy, had MRI, bone scan, x-rays, anti inflammatories, orthotics..etc…everything…nothing helped. I could squat 450 pounds without pain, but couldn’t sprint. I was miserable and frustrated. My mom suggested seeing a chiropractor. My first thought was, “My back is fine.” Figuring what do I have to lose, I went in and saw him. 3 adjustments later to my sacrum, I was sprinting pain free for the first time in 6 months. I was a believer.
SS: Who are some of the people you have enjoyed helping the most?
Dr. Ross: Honestly the people I enjoy helping the most are people that have had some condition that they had resigned to live with. It’s great to see people regain some hope. It’s also cool to be able to help out someone that has put a lot of time and training into something and get hurt before there event and your able to get them through it and compete.
SS: Tell us about your new office, where will it be located and what services will you be offering?
Dr. Ross: My new office will be in Grand Rapids, MI. There are only 7 ART guys in the state so there are a lot of people that need it! I will have a gym in the office to offer strength training/rehabilitation plans, yoga, massage and of course great chiropractic care and soft tissue work.
SS: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Dr. Ross and good luck with your new office!
Dr. Ross: It was my pleasure.
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