Dr. Zach Shiels

For active individuals and athletes across Wisconsin, especially those in the bustling Waukesha area, achieving peak performance and recovering effectively from injuries are critical goals. While many associate chiropractic care solely with back pain, the specialized approach offered by Dr. Zach Shiels at Elite Sport & Spine goes far beyond basic adjustments. Dr. Shiels has a vision to radically transform lives in Southeastern Wisconsin through exercise, manual therapy, nutrition, and education, aiming to disrupt the sedentary, obesity-epidemic prevalent in modern society. Whether you're a professional athlete, a dedicated weekend warrior, or simply someone who wants to move without pain, understanding the comprehensive and evidence-based care available at Elite Sport & Spine can be a game-changer for your health and performance.

Chiropractic care, particularly in the realm of sports and rehabilitation, is a dynamic healthcare profession that focuses on the intricate relationship between the body's structure, primarily the spine, and its overall function, especially regarding the nervous system. Dr. Zach Shiels, with his extensive background as a competitive athlete and his advanced post-graduate studies, exemplifies a modern chiropractic approach. He understands that misalignments in the spine and dysfunctions in soft tissues can impede nerve flow, limit mobility, and lead to pain, ultimately hindering performance. Through targeted manual therapies, rehabilitation exercises, and a deep understanding of human biomechanics, chiropractors help to correct these issues. For residents in Wisconsin, this means not just pain relief, but a path towards optimizing movement patterns, preventing future injuries, and enhancing overall athletic capabilities. Dr. Shiels and his team are committed to guiding patients "from pain to performance," addressing the root causes of discomfort and empowering individuals to achieve their physical goals.

Dr. Zach Shiels, founder and owner of Elite Sport & Spine since March 2014, brings a unique blend of personal athletic experience and advanced clinical expertise to his practice. A graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College and Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Shiels was a multiple-time conference champion and NCAA All-Region selection in cross country during his collegiate running career. This background gives him an invaluable perspective on the demands and common injuries associated with an active lifestyle. He is board-certified in Physiotherapy, offering therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, and is one of the few certified Graston Technique® providers in the greater Milwaukee area – a highly sought-after soft tissue treatment. His dedication to continuous learning in areas like soft tissue injuries, running biomechanics, and orthopedics ensures that his patients receive the most current and effective care available. Many patients, from professional runners and soccer players to powerlifters and Ironman triathletes, seek his expertise, highlighting his proficiency in treating high-level athletes, as well as every day active individuals.

Elite Sport & Spine, led by Dr. Zach Shiels, is conveniently located at 20900 Swenson Dr Ste 575, Waukesha, WI 53186, USA. This accessible location in Waukesha makes it an ideal choice for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas in Southeastern Wisconsin. The clinic is situated within a professional complex, offering easy navigation and typically ample parking, which contributes to a stress-free visit. Its strategic position allows athletes and active individuals from various parts of Waukesha County to readily access specialized chiropractic and sports rehabilitation services without extensive travel. The clinic's location reinforces its commitment to serving the local community, ensuring that advanced care for pain, injury, and performance enhancement is always within reach for those in Wisconsin who prioritize their physical health and athletic pursuits.

Dr. Zach Shiels and the team at Elite Sport & Spine offer a comprehensive array of evidence-based services designed to move patients from pain to performance, utilizing advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans.

• Chiropractic Manipulation Techniques: Utilizing methods learned from the Motion Palpation Institute (a biomechanically superior, evidence-based joint manipulation technique) and Palmer Package techniques to restore proper joint function and reduce nerve interference.
• Dry Needling: A specialized technique involving the insertion of thin needles into trigger points within muscles to alleviate pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve range of motion, particularly effective for chronic muscle pain.
• Graston Technique®: An instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique used to break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, helping to improve flexibility and reduce pain in conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
• Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS): An innovative rehabilitative approach based on developmental kinesiology, focusing on restoring proper movement patterns and core stability for long-term pain relief and performance enhancement.
• McKenzie Method (MDT): A comprehensive system for diagnosing and treating spinal and extremity pain, empowering patients with self-treatment strategies.
• Myofascial Release (ART protocols): Manual therapy techniques focused on releasing tension and restrictions in the fascia and muscles to improve flexibility and reduce pain, often using Active Release Technique (ART) protocols.
• RockTape: Application of elastic therapeutic tape to support muscles and joints, reduce swelling, and enhance athletic performance during activity and recovery.
• Therapeutic Exercise and Rehabilitation: Customized exercise programs designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve stability, correct movement imbalances, and facilitate recovery from injuries, transitioning patients from pain to higher levels of function. Dr. Shiels is board-certified in Physiotherapy.
• Running Performance Analysis: Specialized assessment of running biomechanics to identify inefficiencies and potential injury risks, helping runners optimize their form and performance.
• Nutritional Counseling and Education: Guidance on diet and lifestyle to support overall health, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body's natural healing processes, complementing manual therapies and exercise.
• Treatment for a Wide Range of Conditions: Including spinal injuries, soft tissue injuries, neck pain, back pain, headaches, shoulder injuries, knee problems, hip issues, piriformis syndrome, and various sports-related injuries.

Dr. Zach Shiels and Elite Sport & Spine are recognized for several key features and highlights that make them a premier choice for chiropractic care and sports rehabilitation in Wisconsin.

• Evidence-Based and Patient-Centered Approach: Dr. Shiels is deeply committed to using scientifically supported techniques and tailoring every treatment plan to the individual patient's needs and goals. This ensures effective and personalized care.
• Elite Athletic Background: Dr. Shiels's personal experience as a collegiate athlete provides him with a unique understanding of the demands placed on the body during physical activity and the specific needs of athletes for recovery and performance.
• Advanced Certifications and Techniques: Being one of the few certified Graston Technique® providers in the Milwaukee area, along with his certifications in Dry Needling, Motion Palpation Institute techniques, DNS, and MDT, showcases his dedication to offering cutting-edge therapies.
• Holistic Philosophy: Dr. Shiels's vision encompasses exercise, manual therapy, nutrition, and education, demonstrating a holistic view that extends beyond immediate pain relief to long-term health transformation.
• Focus on "Pain to Performance": The clinic's philosophy is to guide patients beyond just pain management to achieving their optimal physical performance, whether in sports or daily life.
• Extensive Experience with Various Athletes: Dr. Shiels frequently treats professional runners, soccer players, baseball players, bodybuilders, powerlifters, and marathoners, highlighting his expertise in diverse athletic populations.
• Community Involvement: Dr. Shiels often provides care at road races and athletic events in the greater Milwaukee area, actively engaging with and supporting the local athletic community.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Beyond adjustments, the emphasis on therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, coupled with a focus on running biomechanics and orthopedics, provides a complete rehabilitation experience.

For Wisconsin residents looking to schedule an appointment or learn more about the specialized care offered by Dr. Zach Shiels and Elite Sport & Spine, here is their contact information:

• Address: 20900 Swenson Dr Ste 575, Waukesha, WI 53186, USA
• Phone: (262) 373-9168

In conclusion, for locals across Wisconsin, especially the active community in Waukesha and surrounding areas, Dr. Zach Shiels at Elite Sport & Spine represents an exceptional choice for chiropractic care that truly stands apart. His unique blend of extensive athletic experience, advanced certifications in therapies like dry needling and Graston Technique, and a deeply patient-centered, evidence-based approach means you receive care that is not only effective for pain relief but also geared towards optimizing your physical performance and preventing future injuries. Dr. Shiels's commitment to guiding patients "from pain to performance" through comprehensive rehabilitation, education, and holistic strategies offers a transformative path to wellness. If you're an athlete or an active individual in Wisconsin seeking to overcome an injury, enhance your movement, or simply maintain your physical edge, Dr. Zach Shiels provides a highly suitable and highly recommended expert resource right here in your community.

Dr. Zach Shiels

20900 Swenson Dr Ste 575, Waukesha, WI 53186, USA