Whether you’re a runner with a nagging IT band, a surfer with a locked-up shoulder, or a gym-goer who can’t shake that hip flexor pull — the right treatment gets you back faster than rest alone.
ART Certified provider
No referral needed
Most PPO insurance accepted
M.S. Nutrition included
ART CertifiedActive Release Techniques
Same & Next-Day ApptsDon’t wait weeks to be seen
Sports Family BackgroundProfessional sports medicine roots
Call (858) 558-3111UTC · 5151 Shoreham Pl, Ste 175
Most sports pain isn’t just a joint problem — it’s scar tissue, adhesions, and nerve irritation layered on top of each other. That’s why Dr. Loewenstein combines chiropractic adjustments with Active Release Techniques (ART) to address both at once.
ART is a patented, hands-on soft tissue method that treats muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. During a session, Dr. Loewenstein applies precise tension to a specific tissue while you move through a full range of motion — breaking up the dense scar tissue and adhesions that build up from overuse, repetitive strain, or acute injury. ART targets the exact tissue causing the problem, not just the area that hurts.
Who we treat
You don’t need to compete professionally to benefit. If you use your body actively and something hurts, that’s reason enough.
Runners & triathletes
Cyclists
Surfers & paddlers
Gym-goers & CrossFit
UCSD & USD student athletes
Weekend warriors
Yoga & Pilates practitioners
These aren’t the only conditions we treat — but they’re the ones where the combination of chiropractic adjustments and ART makes the biggest difference, fastest.
01
Runners & Cyclists
IT Band Syndrome
That sharp, stabbing lateral knee pain that shows up on mile 4 of a long run. IT band syndrome develops from dense adhesions between the iliotibial band and the underlying muscle — ART breaks those up, while chiropractic restores the hip and sacroiliac mechanics that let it keep firing.
02
Runners, Court Athletes
Plantar Fasciitis
The stabbing heel pain that hits hardest with your first steps in the morning. ART releases the chronic tension within the plantar fascia and the tight calf and foot muscles pulling on it, while chiropractic restores ankle and subtalar joint mobility to stop overloading the fascia in the first place.
03
Swimmers, Surfers, Lifters
Shoulder Impingement
Pain and pinching on overhead movements — reaching, throwing, pressing. The rotator cuff tendons get compressed under the acromion when mechanics break down. ART targets adhesions in the rotator cuff and capsule; chiropractic restores proper glenohumeral and thoracic spine movement to take the pressure off.
04
Runners, Cyclists, Gym-Goers
Runner’s Knee (PFPS)
Aching, grinding anterior knee pain that gets worse going downstairs or after long runs. Poor patellar tracking is the culprit — usually driven by tight lateral quads and hip dysfunction. ART releases the structures pulling the kneecap off-track; chiropractic corrects the upstream hip and SI joint mechanics.
05
Sprinters, Cyclists, Kickers
Hip Flexor Strain
Deep groin or anterior hip pain that just won’t go away with rest. Hip flexor strains form scar tissue at the myotendinous junction that rest alone can’t resolve. ART locates and releases the adhesions within the muscle belly, restoring full length and power to the iliopsoas and rectus femoris complex.
+
And more
Other Sports Injuries
Shin splints, ankle sprains, tennis/golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendinopathy, SI joint pain, piriformis syndrome, and more. If it involves a muscle, tendon, joint, or nerve — bring it in. You’ll get an honest assessment and a realistic recovery plan at your first visit.
Both have a place in sports medicine. Here’s how to think about which to start with — and when you might need both.
Sports Chiropractor
Start
here if…
VS
Physical Therapist
Better
suited for…
Many athletes benefit from both. If you’d be better served by a PT or another specialist, Dr. Loewenstein will tell you directly and refer you to the right person.
Straight answers — no fluff.
About Treatment
What is Active Release Technique (ART) and how does it work?
ART is a patented, hands-on soft tissue method used to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. During a session, Dr. Loewenstein applies precise tension to a specific tissue while you move through a full range of motion. This combination breaks up the dense scar tissue and adhesions that build up from overuse, repetitive strain, or acute injury. ART is highly effective for sports injuries because it targets the exact tissue causing the problem — not just the area that hurts.
Does Active Release Technique hurt?
ART can be uncomfortable during treatment — most patients describe it as a “good pain,” similar to a deep sports massage on a tight muscle. The sensation comes from applying tension to adhered tissue while you move through a range of motion. Any discomfort typically fades within 24 hours, and most patients feel noticeably looser and less painful right after the session. Dr. Loewenstein always works within your comfort level and adjusts pressure based on your feedback throughout the treatment.
How is a sports chiropractor different from a physical therapist?
Both treat musculoskeletal injuries, but the tools differ. A sports chiropractor focuses on joint manipulation, soft tissue techniques like ART, and restoring the nervous system’s role in movement. A physical therapist emphasizes exercise-based rehabilitation, strengthening, and movement retraining. Many athletes benefit from both — but if your pain is tied to joint restriction, nerve irritation, or myofascial adhesions, a sports chiropractor is often the faster starting point.
Is chiropractic care safe for athletes?
Yes. Chiropractic care is extremely safe for athletes when performed by a qualified provider. Serious adverse events from chiropractic treatment are rare. Sports chiropractors are specifically trained in musculoskeletal assessment and understand how the body moves under athletic demand. Dr. Loewenstein will conduct a thorough evaluation before any treatment to rule out contraindications. Many professional sports teams and Olympic programs employ chiropractors as a core part of their medical staff — evidence of how well the profession fits the athletic population.
Recovery & Timing
How many visits will I need to recover from a running injury?
Most running-related injuries like IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and runner’s knee respond within 4–8 visits, depending on how chronic the condition is and how consistently you do your corrective exercises between appointments. Acute injuries caught early often resolve faster. During your first visit, Dr. Loewenstein will assess your injury and give you a realistic treatment timeline — you’re never left guessing where you stand in your recovery.
How soon can I return to running or training after chiropractic treatment?
In most cases you don’t have to stop training entirely — the goal is to keep you moving while recovering smarter. Dr. Loewenstein will typically recommend modifying your training load rather than complete rest, and many athletes run or train between visits. A realistic return to full training depends on the injury type and severity, but most overuse injuries allow a graded return within a few weeks when addressed with ART and corrective exercise rather than rest alone.
When should I see a chiropractor vs. an orthopedic doctor for a sports injury?
See a sports chiropractor first if your injury involves muscle tightness, joint stiffness, nerve irritation, or overuse pain that hasn’t involved a fracture, dislocation, or full tendon rupture. Chiropractors excel at the soft tissue and joint dysfunction issues that make up the vast majority of sports injuries. See an orthopedic doctor if you suspect a broken bone, ligament tear requiring surgery, or if conservative care hasn’t helped after a reasonable course of treatment. If needed, Dr. Loewenstein will refer you to the right specialist.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Your first visit typically lasts 45–60 minutes. Dr. Loewenstein will start with a detailed history of your injury — when it started, what makes it worse, and what you’ve already tried. He’ll then perform a functional movement and orthopedic assessment to identify the root cause of your pain. If appropriate, treatment may begin the same day. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your diagnosis, a proposed treatment plan, and exercises or activity modifications to start immediately.
Booking & Insurance
Do I need a referral to see a sports chiropractor in San Diego?
No referral is needed in California. Chiropractors are primary care providers for musculoskeletal conditions, which means you can book directly without seeing your primary care physician first. This makes it easy to get assessed quickly after an injury rather than waiting weeks for a referral to work through the system. Same-day and next-day appointments are typically available — book online at sdspinecare.com or call (858) 558-3111.
Is sports chiropractic covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans — including PPO plans, Medicare, and some HMOs — cover chiropractic care, though the specific number of covered visits and copay amounts vary by plan. It’s best to call your insurance provider before your first visit to understand your benefits. The office can also help verify your coverage. If you’re uninsured or out-of-network, affordable self-pay rates are available so cost is not a barrier to getting the care you need.
Can I see a sports chiropractor if I’m not a professional athlete?
The majority of patients here are recreational athletes, not professionals. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a UCSD student athlete, a casual cyclist, a surfer, or someone who hit the gym a bit too hard — sports chiropractic is designed for you. You don’t need to compete at any level to benefit from ART and chiropractic. If you use your body actively and something hurts, that’s reason enough to get it evaluated and treated properly.
Most sports injuries don’t need surgery, injections, or months off. They need the right diagnosis and the right hands-on treatment — starting now.
Book an Appointment
Call (858) 558-3111
Jordan Loewenstein, D.C.
5151 Shoreham Place, Suite 175
UTC San Diego, CA 92122