Two Things That Minimize Risk w/ Dr. Chris Reil (Ep. #4)

From Small Town Athlete to Elite Chiropractor: Dr. Chris Reil’s Inspiring Journey

Dr. Chris Reil’s journey to becoming an esteemed chiropractor and athletic trainer is a testament to perseverance and passion. Growing up in a small town, Dr. Reil was a multi-sport athlete in high school, but like many young students, he lacked a clear direction for his future. Initially considering a career in teaching, he soon realized it wasn't the right fit and transferred colleges, where he discovered his true calling in athletic training. His newfound passion for anatomy and physiology propelled him into a career that seamlessly combined his love for sports and rehabilitation.

In the early stages of his career, Dr. Reil worked with various sports teams, including hockey, and found immense satisfaction in the rehabilitative aspects of athletic training. While initially considering becoming a physician's assistant (PA), he decided to focus on athletic training and rehabilitation, leading him to his current practice at Elite Health and Performance. The journey wasn't straightforward. Dr. Reil’s aspiration to become a PA faced significant challenges due to the competitive nature of PA school admissions. This led him to explore chiropractic care after meeting a local chiropractor. A tour of Palmer College of Chiropractic convinced him to pursue this path, as it offered a hands-on approach and the opportunity to educate patients—something Dr. Reil deeply valued.

Building His Own Practice

Transitioning from an associate chiropractor to owning his clinic was a pivotal moment. Dr. Reil learned the business side of chiropractic care, which was crucial for running his own practice. After six to eight months as an associate, he decided to build his brand, driven by the joy he found in treating a diverse range of patients. The support from family, financial advisers, and the chiropractic community played a crucial role in his success.

Dr. Reil faced significant financial challenges while establishing his practice. He emphasizes the importance of budgeting for both personal and business finances to ensure long-term success. Starting with affordable equipment and gradually investing in upgrades as the practice grows is a strategy he advocates for young chiropractors. His approach to financial sustainability and growth has been instrumental in overcoming the initial hurdles.

Opening his practice in Bondurant, Iowa, in early 2020, Dr. Reil encountered unexpected challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, he focused on building a community around his practice and adapting to the new normal. The pandemic led to an increase in patients seeking alternative healthcare options, accelerating the growth of chiropractic care. Financial assistance through grants and PPP loans helped keep his business afloat during these challenging times.

Expanding the Practice and Emphasizing Mobility

The addition of Dr. Jake Campbell to his practice brought valuable experience and a clear structure, allowing for better growth and work-life balance. Their chiropractic rehab model, which utilizes various tools and techniques, sets them apart from competitors. Dr. Reil’s emphasis on mobility and joint health extends to patients of all ages, from young athletes to older adults, focusing on preventing degeneration and enhancing overall joint health.

Dr. Reil advocates for early joint mobilization and the use of isometric exercises for injury prevention and rehabilitation. His personal experiences and the insights gained from working with experts in joint mobility underscore the importance of preventative care. Simple activities like walking and mobility exercises can significantly reduce the need for professional care and improve overall health.

Encouraging Consistency and Financial Planning

Dr. Reil encourages patients to practice mobility exercises consistently, even in short periods, to maintain joint health. Additionally, financial planning is crucial for new chiropractors, and Dr. Reil advises seeking a second opinion on financial plans, just as patients seek second opinions for their treatment plans.

Dr. Chris Reil’s journey from a small-town athlete to an elite chiropractor is a story of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. His emphasis on patient education, financial planning, and preventative care continues to inspire and guide new chiropractors in their professional journeys. For more information and resources, visit elitehp.com and follow @elitehpia on Facebook and @elitehpuncore on Instagram.