DR. NICK ATHENS, PALMER COLLEGE GRADUATE, has dedicated 42 years to helping individuals achieve optimal health through chiropractic care. Based in San Carlos, California, he runs a high-volume practice focused on spinal health, aging and longevity.
In 1990, he gained national recognition for a pregame adjustment on 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, generating over $2 million in free chiropractic publicity. That same year, he was named the ICA’s first Sports Chiropractor of the Year. He later became the San Francisco Giants’ team chiropractor, introducing Barry Bonds to regular chiropractic care.
With 750,000+ patient visits, Dr. Athens has helped elite athletes and everyday patients find alternatives when traditional treatments fail. He practices what he preaches, maintaining a lifestyle of weight training, HUT workouts, flexibility and proper nutrition.
A frequent podcast guest and advocate for chiropractic, he is also the proud father of two sets of boy/girl twins. His new book, To Health with You, provides practical strategies for healthy aging and longevity.
“If you’re looking to take control of your health and transform your life, use this book as your ultimate playbook.”
Dr. Nick Athens with longtime friend and patient, Joe Montana, the legendary star quarterback, holding a copy of “To Health With You"
Joe Montana, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
In an interview with The American Chiropractor (TAC), Dr. Nick Athens (NA) shares his journey from starting his practice from scratch to becoming a trusted chiropractor for elite athletes, offering insights into proactive aging, chiropractic mastery, and the evolving perception of the profession.
NA: Thank you for having me. I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1982 and started my practice in 1983 from scratch — no patients, just determination. Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of people, learning from their patterns and struggles. Many of my patients come to me as a last resort after other treatments haven’t worked. That experience has shaped my understanding of how to guide them to better health, not just physically but mentally as well. These insights inspired me to write my book, To Health with You, which shares practical advice from my 42 years in practice.
NA: During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to create something that could help people take control of their health. The book focuses on proactive aging, mindfulness, and small, practical changes that lead to better health. It’s not just theory; it’s actionable. For example, I teach how to reduce stress, improve daily habits, get the body functioning optimally and how chiropractic care can also be a part of their health journey. I’ve seen these strategies transform patients’ lives, and I wanted to make them accessible to everyone.
Ji' Ayir Brown, San Francisco 49ers defensive safety.
NA: Working with athletes has been incredible. Their careers depend on their bodies, so they’re always looking for ways to perform at their best. For example, Joe Montana once said chiropractic care was like a playbook for health. That stuck with me. Athletes taught me the importance of detail, precision and consistency, which I apply with care to all my patients. Whether you’re an NFL player or an office worker, I approach every adjustment with the same mindset: to optimize your health and help you perform at your best.
George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers tight end.
NA: When I started in the 1980s, chiropractors faced a lot of skepticism. Patients were often told not to see us, and we weren’t taken seriously by many in the medical field. That’s changed dramatically, thanks in part to athletes like Joe Montana and others who openly trust chiropractic care. Today, most professional sports teams have chiropractors, and people recognize the value we bring to health care. It’s rewarding to see our profession finally getting the respect it deserves.
NA: Early in my career, I learned from mentors like Dr. Mitch Malley, who stressed the value of mastering your hands. Chiropractic literally means “done by hand,” so being skilled in your adjustments is critical. There’s a saying in martial arts: “Master seven simple moves, and you’re a black belt.” It’s the same in chiropractic — mastering the fundamentals allows you to deliver exceptional care. I use techniques like Gonstead and diversified, and I focus on precise, effective adjustments tailored to each patient.
Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers linebacker.
NA: Chiropractors are in a unique position to act as healthcare coaches. It’s not just about adjustments; it’s about guiding patients to better habits and healthier lifestyles. I teach patients to focus on things like mindfulness, flexibility, sleep, accountability, hydration, and staying active. The key is to make it practical and affordable. For example, I encourage simple tools like foam rolling, resistance training and stretching, which make a big difference over time. Proactive aging is about building better habits now to avoid health issues later.
NA: Stay focused on mastery. Be great at what you do, listen to your patients, and give them results. Patients want a doctor who is mentally present — someone who understands their needs and helps them achieve their health goals. Keep improving yourself, both personally and professionally. Attend seminars, stay healthy, and practice what you preach. Building trust and delivering exceptional care is a fail-proof way to grow your practice and create lasting relationships with your patients.
NA: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my journey. I hope this helps others in their path to better health and success in chiropractic care.
His book, To Health With You, is available at ToHealthWithYou.net as well as on Amazon books. You can also follow Dr. Athens on Instagram at @BetterFromWithin.
Meet Dr. Athens at Booth 420 during Parker Vegas 2025, March 20-22, to get your signed copy of To Health With You!
PERSONAL
• Spouse: Married to Candi Athens
• Children: Two sets ofboyand-girl twins: John and Erika, Angelo and Olivia
• Recreation & Leisure Activities: Golf, Pickleball, Biking, Weight Training and Running & Yoga
• Professional Affiliations:
California PAC, F4CPA, California Chiropractic Association
• Community Involvement: San Carlos Chamber of Commerce
PRACTICE PARTICULARS
• Practice Name: Athens Chiropractic Clinic
• Location: San Carlos, California
• Website: AthensChiro.net
• Clinic Size: 4,000 sq ft
• Practice Hours: Monday-Friday 7 AM-6 PM, Saturday 9 AM-12 PM
• Techniques: Gonstead, Diversified, Palmer Package
• Staff: 15 team members, including 4 chiropractors
• Practice Type: Mostly cash, Some Medicare, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, UnitedHealthcare, BlueShield
• Annual Average Clinic Gross Income: Around 2 million dollars.
• Average Patient Visits: 100 to 150 a day
• Average Workweek: 35 hrs
To give you a clear idea or what an amazing chiropractor uses to run his practice, we’ve asked Dr. Athens to share with us some specific products & equipment that you can use to reach your practice’s goals of bringing health into your community.
Tables
• Gonstead Tables
• Lloyd Adjusting Tables
Diagnostic Equipment
• AmeriComp Digital X-ray
• BP Orthopedic Test Equipment
• Foot Levelers Digital Scan (see ad on Back Cover)
Rehabilitation Equipment
• BodyMaster Exercise Pieces for Posture, Core, and Body Balancing Activities
Nutritional Supplements
• Metagenics Supplements (Sold Online)
Computer Software
• Forte Systems, Microsoft Computers
X-Ray Equipment
• California Radiology Digital X-ray
Companies I Love
• ChiroMatrix for web design
