Athlete Psychology
This course will equip chiropractors with tools to understand and support the psychological components of athletic performance, injury recovery, mindset development, and treatment plan adherence. Special focus is placed on recognizing subtle signs of psychological distress, fostering trust, and shifting patient mindset from negativity to empowerment. Each topic is carefully structured within chiropractic scope of practice: providers will learn how to recognize warning signs, communicate with empathy, and make referrals when needed. Athletes from youth to elite professionals, including military and veteran populations, will be discussed. Emphasis is also placed on the role of digital culture (e.g., social media) and how it shapes the psychological well-being of modern athletes.
All discussions of mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, depression, eating disorders) are framed in accordance with chiropractic scope: chiropractors will be taught how to recognize potential signs and make appropriate referrals to licensed professionals, rather than diagnose or treat these conditions directly.
Instructor
Dr. Todd Dent, DC is a U.S. Army veteran, lifelong fitness enthusiast, and experienced chiropractor with a passion for movement, performance, and preventative care. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University in 2010, along with bachelor’s degrees in Anatomy and in Public Health and Wellness. Over the course of his career, Dr. Dent has built and sold two successful chiropractic practices, combining clinical expertise with a deep commitment to helping others move, feel, and live better. His teaching focuses on bridging science with practical application, especially in the areas of neuromuscular function, mobility, and performance-based care.
