With the rise of CrossFit and functional fitness, athletes have also seen an increase in the need for recovery, mobility, and injury prevention strategies. Enter pioneers like Dr. Kelly Starrett (MobilityWOD, now The Ready State), who emphasized self-care and movement quality. Alongside his work came a surge of massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors catering to this growing community.
But one important question remains:
When should CrossFit athletes seek professional help—and who is best equipped to provide it?
Beyond Mobility: A New Approach for Functional Fitness Athletes
As a healthcare professional, I didn’t just treat CrossFit athletes—I became one. Through personal experience and clinical observation, I realized that while mobility work and stretching are helpful, they don’t always solve the root of the problem. That’s why I created a unique care model I call Performance Care—a comprehensive, individualized system that goes far beyond foam rolling and static stretching.
By combining my background as a Certified Athletic Trainer, Exercise Scientist, and Doctor of Chiropractic, I deliver targeted solutions that optimize performance, reduce pain, and prevent injury.
The Limits of Self-Care: Why You Might Need More Than Just Mobility
I’m a huge advocate of self-care. In fact, I’ve built a robust YouTube channel full of mobility and stability videos to help athletes troubleshoot movement issues on their own.
However, many athletes hit a ceiling with self-treatment. That’s because tools like stretching, mobility drills, and massage only work well if the problem is due to actual soft tissue restrictions. When deeper issues—like neuromuscular dysfunction or scar tissue adhesions—are present, more specialized care is needed.
What Is Active Release Technique (ART)—And Why It Works
When you have soft tissue damage, your body may form scar tissue or adhesions that disrupt healthy movement patterns. That’s why I’ve spent the last 20 years specializing in Active Release Technique (ART)—the gold standard in soft tissue care.
ART is designed to identify and eliminate adhesions quickly and effectively, helping restore pain-free movement and enhance recovery. It’s particularly valuable for CrossFitters, weightlifters, runners, and other performance-driven individuals.
Stability: The Other Half of the Equation
While mobility is critical, stability is just as important—and often overlooked. Stability refers to your nervous system’s ability to regulate muscle control and tension.
Here’s a common example:
If your hamstrings always feel tight, it might not be a flexibility problem. Instead, your body could be intentionally tightening those muscles to stabilize the area. Stretching alone won’t fix that—because the issue isn’t muscular length, it’s neuromotor imbalance.
This is where Performance Care shines. I take a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Functional movement screening
- Soft tissue evaluation
- Chiropractic neurological assessment
The goal? Find and fix the root cause, not just chase symptoms.
Real Results: A CrossFit Shoulder Pain Success Story
Recently, a 35-year-old male CrossFitter came to me with persistent shoulder pain that had lasted over 4 months. Despite trying self-mobility, massage, and even PT, nothing had worked.
After my full-body evaluation, I discovered the real issue wasn’t in the shoulder itself—it was a neurologically inhibited subscapularis muscle, a deep stabilizer under the shoulder blade. This dysfunction is common in athletes who frequently perform overhead lifts.
After just a few sessions using ART and chiropractic neuro-integration, he saw a 90% improvement and returned to pain-free training—hitting a new overhead squat PR the following week.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you’ve been dealing with an injury or movement issue that lasts more than two weeks, it’s time to get it checked out. Don’t keep foam rolling and hoping for the best—get a root-cause diagnosis and the care you actually need.
As a sports chiropractor in Petaluma, I specialize in helping CrossFit athletes, functional fitness fans, and active individuals get back to doing what they love—better, faster, and with less pain.
Book Performance-Focused Chiropractic Care in Petaluma
If you're in Petaluma or the greater Bay Area, I’d love the opportunity to help you move and perform your best. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or just someone who trains hard, Performance Care could be the missing link in your recovery and training plan.
📞 Call 724-664-6710
📧 Email drscottmills@bodyenglish.fit
📅 Click Here to Schedule a New Patient Exam Appointment
Dr. Scott Mills
Doctor of Chiropractic | Certified Athletic Trainer | Sports Injury Specialist
Serving Petaluma & the Bay Area
