Behind the Scenes with Dr. Eric Blum: Chiropractic in Elite Sports

By Dr. Brant Hulsebus

When it comes to sports chiropractic, few practitioners have seen more behind-the-scenes action than Dr. Eric Blum. From Olympic arenas to Major League Baseball clubhouses, Dr. Blum has played a crucial role in keeping elite athletes performing at their best. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him on the ICA Sports & Fitness Science Podcast to learn more about his fascinating journey—and the important lessons he’s learned along the way.

From College Swimmer to Olympic Chiropractor

Dr. Blum’s path to chiropractic began with a personal sports injury. A college swimmer at the University of Arizona, his career was cut short by a severe knee injury. That experience not only introduced him to chiropractic care but also sparked a lifelong passion for helping athletes.

Leveraging his swimming background, he began working with elite swimmers, including those at Arizona and USC. Over time, his skills and reputation grew, leading him to work with USA Swimming and international athletes—eventually culminating in the opportunity to support a Tunisian Olympic swimmer at the Tokyo Games.

Unlike traditional team roles, Dr. Blum traveled solo with his athlete, giving him the unique experience of being coach, therapist, sports psychologist, and chiropractor all in one. “When it’s just one athlete, the dynamic changes,” he said. “We could explore, take in events—it was intense, but also incredibly rewarding.”

Chiropractic on a Global Stage

Working internationally brings unique challenges. While chiropractic care is gaining global traction, Dr. Blum often found himself explaining and demonstrating his role to others in the sports medicine world. “You wear many hats,” he explained. “You're adjusting, doing soft tissue work, helping with recovery protocols. Sometimes, you’re even coaching.”

He also travels with modern tools like portable PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) devices, which complement his hands-on work and give him an edge in athlete recovery.

From Baseball Stadiums to Concert Stages

Dr. Blum’s reach extends well beyond swimming. Through mentorship and key connections—particularly within the Pro Baseball Chiropractic Society—he found himself working with the LA Dodgers, treating legendary athletes like Clayton Kershaw. His experience in Major League Baseball also includes a World Series ring from 2017, despite the infamous Houston Astros controversy.

“I didn’t start out in baseball,” he recalled. “A call came out of the blue—next thing I knew, I was on a plane to treat a major leaguer.” That athlete? None other than Steve Finley, who was enrolled in chiropractic school at the time.

He’s even taken his skills on tour, treating performers and dancers during major concert events, often finding that once one person experiences results, others quickly follow.

Advice for Aspiring Sports Chiropractors

One recurring theme in our conversation was humility and teamwork. “Stay in your lane,” Dr. Blum advised. “Every team is different. Some want you to just adjust. Others want help with soft tissue work, recovery, or performance strategies. The key is respecting the team dynamic and communicating clearly with trainers and staff.”

He emphasized that getting into professional sports is often about timing and relationships, not just credentials. Volunteering with local teams, offering seminars, and building trust can open unexpected doors.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Blum’s story is a powerful reminder that excellence in sports chiropractic isn’t just about skill—it’s about service, relationships, and readiness. Whether you’re treating Olympians, professional athletes, or weekend warriors, showing up with humility and expertise can take you far.

As BJ Palmer once said, “You never know how far reaching something you think, say, or do today will affect the lives of millions tomorrow.”

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