David Dewar, DC, DACBSP, ICCSP, AMIT, graduated from George Fox University where he ran cross country, and track and field before completing the Doctor of Chiropractic program at UWS in 2008. He currently owns Healthsouce in Canby, Oregon. Dr. Dewar is a board-certified sports physician as well as a certified Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) practitioner. In 2013, he worked as a chiropractic physician at the World Games in Cali, Colombia.
When you were still in school, how did you envision your practice?
I wanted to treat patients from all walks of life. I experienced chiropractic medicine in the sports-setting with my team doctor at George Fox University when I ran cross-country and track. I wanted to treat patients in the same way, using manual medicine.
Why did you choose to work with athletes?
I like to work with athletes because I understand the physical stress they undergo. Athletes depend on their body as their source of income. I like the immediate response they get with minimal treatment. I also like the challenges that come with the mental game that plays out with injured athletes. At times you temper their perspective, but also encourage them that it will be okay in two to three weeks.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the compliment someone pays me when I help them achieve something great. Whether it is a gold medal or completing their first half marathon, knowing I was able to impact someone in a positive way is very fulfilling.
How do you stand out? / How do you make your niche in the field?
I take a very in-depth look at the biomechanical aspects of an injury. I utilize the AMIT method (Advanced Muscle Integrative Technique) a lot in my practice. I also utilize concepts from Anatomy Trains, Rocktape’s Functional Movement Taping and years of working with different types of athletes in various venues. I try to envision myself as the athlete through every phase of movement and try to understand the mechanism of injury. Over the past few years, my niche problem area to treat has become the ankle and I tend to work with a lot of basketball players. I think it is very important to work with athletes of all levels to develop your niche. I have had the opportunity to work at the 2013 World Games, 2016 Olympic trials and with several other high-level professional athletes. Diversity in the kind of athletes you work with helps apply an outside perspective to the approach you might use to treat another athlete. Basic movements translate across to many types of activities.
What is your advice for current students who want to work with athletes?
My advice to current students who want to work with athletes is to network. It is who you know that opens up doors. Observe a lot of different practice doctors and practice styles. It is important to set goals, but remember the why behind the what. Goals are nothing but a target. The higher you set your sights the higher you will go, even if you don’t achieve your goal. You’ll be a lot closer to somewhere than where you were. Also, think of yourself as part of a team, not an individual or “one hit wonder.” These types of personalities do not go far in this field.
Have questions, comments or are interested in learning more about what Dr. Dewar does in his practice? Contact him at:
[email protected]
Clinic phone: 503-266-0600
Cell phone: 503-799-8067
