Finding Balance on and off the Course: How Chiropractic Care Helps a Collegiate Golfer Perform at Her Best
When you spend most of your life chasing precision on the golf course, every swing, stretch, and movement matters. For this Virginia Tech golfer, golf isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life.
“I started playing when I was about eight or nine,” Emily Mathews shared. “My older brother played at NC State, so golf has always been part of the family. Now, between practices, competitions, and time in the gym, there’s always something pushing my body to the limit.”
Realizing the Need for Chiropractic Care
Between early morning lifts, long travel days, and the constant physical strain of being a student-athlete, she began to notice how important recovery and body awareness truly were.
“With all the stress we put on our bodies as athletes, it’s important to take care of yourself,” she explained. “I wanted to learn more about how the body works so I could perform at the highest level.”
Connecting with Dr. Skinner and the Adjust NRV Team
The introduction to Adjust NRV came through a mutual connection. “Dr. Skinner and Dr. Brooke reached out to John Clary, who’s one of the supporters of our team,” Emily said. “Coach pointed me in their direction. I did some research, talked with them, and realized right away it was the right fit. The office and team have been awesome—great support all around.”
A Strong Start with TPI Screening
During the first visit, Dr. Skinner performed a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) screening, which was eye-opening.
“He showed me my range of motion and flexibility, and then connected me to the website where I could access specific stretches for golf,” she said. “We even did swing recordings and built a foundation to start improving from there.”
Feeling the Difference Every Week
Now, visits are part of her weekly routine—sometimes twice a week. “Every time I leave, my body feels 100%,” Emily said. “It’s tough to keep your body pain-free as an athlete, but these visits make me feel ready for competition.”
She’s noticed major improvements, especially in her lower back and elbow. “My lower back has loosened up a ton, and nerve problems in my elbow have gone away. I’m more flexible and aware of what my body can do.”
More That Meets The Eye
When asked what she wishes more people knew about chiropractic care, her answer was simple: it’s more than what people think.
“It’s not just about getting your back cracked,” she said. “It’s about understanding why something hurts and how to fix it. Dr. Brooke and Dr. Skinner focuses on the root cause—what the joints and muscles are doing. You learn so much about your body. For athletes, it’s a game changer.”
She’s even experienced treatments like Graston and dry needling, which have enhanced recovery and performance.
Staying Inspired for the Long Game
For this golfer, wellness isn’t just about the present—it’s an investment in the future.
“I want to wake up healthy when I’m 50,” she said with a laugh. “That starts now—stretching, mobility, taking care of your body. When I’m older and something starts to hurt, I want to know how to manage it and stay ahead of it. My future goals include having a family and being able to live life fully healthy, even when I’m done with the sport.”
A Final Word
“To top everything off, both Dr. Brooke and Dr. Skinner are amazing,” she said. “They’ve taught me so much in such a short time. I plan to work with them as long as I can—and I’d highly recommend them to anyone. They’re running a great small business, and I hope more people get the chance to see how much they can help.”
