The Creek Chiropractic & Wellness
Athlete Care in Battle Creek
Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to get back on the field after a nagging strain, Dr. Leatherman builds your rehab around the sport you love and the goals that matter to you. Athletes across the Battle Creek area come to us because we treat the whole athlete, not just the injured part, with a clear, staged plan that moves from pain control to performance, so you return stronger than before the injury.
Conditions we work with
Discover Chiropractic Solutions for Athlete Care Conditions
We specialize in supporting athletes with targeted and restorative sports chiropractic care. Our experienced team helps alleviate performance-limiting issues like joint stiffness, muscle strain, structural imbalances, and repetitive motion injuries, promoting faster recovery, enhanced mobility, and peak athletic performance.
- Faster Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Enhanced Performance & Mobility
- Targeted Pain & Discomfort Relief
Why patients choose it
Who can benefit from athlete care
- Whole-athlete approach: treats the injury in the context of your sport and movement
- Clear staged plan with milestones, not vague "rest and wait" advice
- Reduces re-injury risk by correcting the movement fault that caused it
- Combines hands-on care and rehab into every visit
- Works for weekend warriors and competitive athletes at every level
- Honest timelines and referrals when imaging or specialist input is needed
How it works
What to expect during your athlete care visit
- Step 1
Thorough injury and movement exam
Dr. Leatherman evaluates the injured structure alongside sport-specific movement patterns to find the root cause, not just the pain site, and rule out anything that needs imaging or referral.
- Step 2
A staged return-to-sport plan
You receive a clear, phased roadmap, from pain control through tissue loading to full performance, with honest milestones so you always know where you stand and what unlocks the next stage.
- Step 3
Hands-on care plus progressive rehab
Each visit combines adjustments, soft-tissue work, and sport-appropriate exercise so the injured tissue heals correctly and the movement pattern driving the injury gets corrected for good.
What it helps
Related conditions we treat with athlete care
Explore more
Related services
Do you treat weekend warriors or just competitive athletes?+
Both. Whether you run 5Ks or compete year-round, we build a rehab plan around your sport and your goals.
What kinds of sports injuries do you treat?+
We treat sprains, strains, overuse injuries, shoulder and rotator-cuff problems, hip and knee pain, elbow and wrist issues, low back and sciatica from sport, and plantar fasciitis, essentially the full range of musculoskeletal injuries athletes encounter.
Will I need to stop training completely during rehab?+
Not always. Depending on your injury and how far along you are in recovery, we often modify training rather than stopping it entirely. The goal is to keep you as active as safely possible while the tissue heals.
How long until I can return to my sport?+
It depends on the injury and your baseline. After your exam Dr. Leatherman gives you honest, specific milestones — not a vague timeframe — so you know exactly what you need to hit before each phase of your return.
Does sports rehab hurt?+
Hands-on treatment can involve some therapeutic discomfort, especially in the early stages, but we work within your tolerance. Progressive loading is calibrated so the tissue adapts without being overwhelmed.
Is chiropractic care safe for athletes?+
Yes. We screen every patient thoroughly before beginning care. Adjustments, soft-tissue work, and sport rehab are all evidence-based, non-invasive approaches that are widely used at every level of athletics.
Will my insurance cover athlete care and sports rehab?+
Many major plans cover chiropractic and rehab services. We verify your benefits before your first visit and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs. Affordable self-pay options are available as well.
Do you use any special techniques for athletes?+
Yes, depending on your injury, we may incorporate active-release technique, dry needling, kinesio taping, or other sport-specific therapies alongside chiropractic adjustments and progressive rehab exercises.
Can you help prevent injuries, not just treat them?+
Absolutely. Performance support and injury prevention, addressing mobility restrictions, movement faults, and muscle imbalances before they become injuries, is a core part of what we do with athletes.
Do I need a referral from my physician or coach?+
No referral is required in Michigan. You can book directly, and if we find anything that warrants coordination with your team physician, physical therapist, or specialist, we'll make that happen.
Disclaimer: We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body's innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.