This summer, I’m honored to travel to Chengdu, China where I’ll serve as part of the international medical team at The World Games—a global multi-sport event showcasing elite athletes in disciplines like karate, flying disc, tug-of-war, and artistic roller skating. While many people are familiar with the Olympics, The World Games gives the spotlight to sports you won’t always see on primetime television—but that demand just as much skill, power, and passion.
Behind these world-class athletes is a team of support professionals, and I’m excited to join them in my role as a sports chiropractor.
What Are The World Games?
The World Games is an international event held every four years, bringing together athletes from more than 100 countries to compete in sports not featured in the Olympic Games. Think of it as the Olympics’ equally impressive, lesser-known sibling. It’s a chance to see everything from wushu to inline hockey, all at an incredibly high level of competition.
In 2025, the event will take place in Chengdu from August 7-17. Over 3,500 athletes will gather here—and I’ll be right alongside them in the treatment rooms, helping them move, recover, and perform at their best.
What Will I Do as a Sports Chiropractor?
As a sports chiropractor, my job isn’t just about treating injuries—though there will be plenty of those to manage throughout the week. It’s about helping athletes prepare for peak performance, move more efficiently, and recover faster. Here’s what I’ll be doing daily:
- Pre-competition support: Adjustments, mobility work, and muscle activation to prepare the body for optimal function
- On-site injury management: Quick and effective care for joint or muscle issues that surface during competition
- Post-event recovery: Techniques to minimize soreness, improve circulation, and enhance the body’s natural healing
- Performance tuning: Identifying imbalances or restrictions that could limit athletic output—and correcting them fast
In a high-pressure, fast-paced environment like this, I’ll be collaborating with an international team of healthcare providers, all focused on one goal: supporting these incredible athletes as they chase their dreams.
Holding my ticket to Chengdu
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions I’ve received so far:
Which team will you work with?
I’ll be assigned to a specific sport throughout its full competition window (usually 4–5 days). After that, I’ll rotate to another sport. This setup allows for continuity of care, which is so important when working with high-level athletes.
How did you get selected?
I’ll be going as part of the FICS (International Federation of Sports Chiropractic) delegation. FICS selected 45 chiropractors from all over the world based on experience, years in practice, and contributions to the sports chiropractic field. I’m honored to have made the list.
Who pays for this?
This is a volunteer position. I cover my own flight, but once I arrive, all expenses—housing in the athlete village, meals, and transportation to and from events—are covered.
Why spend 3 weeks of your summer on this instead of going on vacation?
Because this is bigger than me. Volunteering at the World Games gives me the chance to raise awareness about chiropractic care on a global stage, demonstrate our value to other health professionals, and contribute to the movement pushing for chiropractic to be included in the Olympic Games.
What are you most looking forward to?
Learning from other chiropractors from around the world! These events always leave me inspired with new techniques, taping strategies, and approaches to treating sports injuries that I can bring back to serve my patients even better.
Will you have time to travel and relax while you’re there?
Not much! I expect to be working from sunrise to sunset most days, caring for athletes before, during, and after their competitions. However, I am taking a small detour: I’ll be arriving in Beijing a day early to squeeze in 36 hours of exploring before heading to the athlete village in Chengdu.
I’ll be sharing updates during and after the event, so if you’re curious about what really goes on behind the scenes at The World Games, follow along on social media!
