Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Bloch. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Karen , thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

A defining moment in my career occurred during my college years when I faced skepticism and doubt about my ambitions in athletic training. As a Division I athlete, I was deeply passionate about sports, yet I was told by the curriculum director at Western Illinois that pursuing a career in athletic training would be too difficult. He believed I wouldn’t be able to accumulate enough experience or hours. As a senior captain on the basketball team, I knew firsthand the dedication and resilience required to excel, so when I received that discouraging feedback, it only fueled my determination.
At that time, my personal life was filled with challenges; my father was battling a rare form of lymphoma caused by his long-term exposure to Roundup as a farmer. I felt the weight of responsibility and the desire to make him proud, which only intensified my commitment to my career goals.
Thankfully, I had a remarkable mentor, Jan Clifton, who recognized my potential and guided me throughout my journey. She believed in the gift I had with my hands and my ability to think critically in high-pressure situations. Her encouragement led me to my first National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) conference in 1995, where I gained invaluable insights and connections into the world of athletic training, even though I wasn’t yet a certified trainer.
Despite the initial setbacks and naysayers, I persevered in acquiring the necessary hours and experience. The very person who doubted my aspirations had told me that working with professional or Olympic athletes was a lofty goal, achievable by less than 1% of athletic trainers. Yet, I refused to let that comment define my future. I went on to work with the professional softball league, spent time at the Olympic Training Center, and had the honor of attending two Olympic Games. Today, I proudly serve as the team chiropractor for the Anaheim Ducks, breaking barriers as a woman in a predominantly male field.
This journey has profoundly shaped my character. I learned that adversity often presents opportunities for growth and motivation. While there may be negative influences along the way, it’s up to us to twist that narrative and use it as fuel. My mission became one of proving the skeptics wrong and embracing the gifts my career has offered me.
Looking ahead, I’m filled with excitement as I prepare for the 2028 Olympics. I’m dreaming even bigger as I aspire to establish an extraordinary wellness performance center in Long Beach. This milestone would not only reflect my professional journey but also serve as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a dedicated chiropractor with extensive experience in athletic training and sports medicine. With over two decades in the field, I’ve fostered a deep commitment to athlete well-being, focusing on innovative approaches that prioritize their health and performance.
My career includes the incredible honor of providing care to athletes at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the London Olympics in 2012. These experiences not only honed my skills but also taught me how to thrive in high-pressure environments, ensuring that athletes receive the best possible support during their most critical moments.
Currently, I am proud to serve as the official chiropractor for the Anaheim Ducks, Concordia University, and Long Beach State. In these roles, I have the privilege of working closely with elite athletes, helping them achieve their peak performance while managing injuries and promoting overall wellness.
My passion for sports and holistic health extends beyond my professional milestones. I believe in the power of education and community engagement as vital aspects of fostering health and performance. I actively participate in various initiatives aimed at sharing my knowledge and uplifting those around me. It is important to me to inspire others to prioritize their well-being and reach for excellence, whether they are athletes or anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely, I would choose the same profession again. Athletic training has provided me with a unique foundation that approaches the body from a holistic perspective. We assess everything from head to toe, ensuring that our environment is safe and that the athletes we work with receive comprehensive care focused on injury prevention and performance enhancement.
The knowledge and skills I gained as an athletic trainer laid the groundwork for my career as a chiropractor, allowing me to become dual-credentialed. This combination of expertise is not only rare but also incredibly valuable in my field. The ability to integrate principles of both athletic training and chiropractic care enables me to provide a more thorough approach to patient health and wellness.
Additionally, the skills I developed as an athletic trainer, such as taping techniques, set me apart. Many people seek structural support through taping methods, whether it’s for injury prevention or to enhance performance. Being able to offer that specialized service, combined with my chiropractic knowledge, truly enhances the care I can provide to my athletes and patients.
My journey through athletic training has shaped who I am as a healthcare professional, and I wouldn’t change a thing. It has prepared me to make a significant impact in my field, and I look forward to continuing to leverage this unique perspective throughout my career.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I remember a pivotal moment in my career when I truly felt like I had hit a wall with athletic training. I was working at the University of Wisconsin, a prestigious Big Ten school, and at that point, I had already participated in one Olympics and collaborated with professional teams. My schedule was jam-packed as I was managing six sports, including women’s and men’s tennis, women’s basketball, and the spirit squad. It was an exhilarating time, but the relentless demand began to take its toll.
During this busy period, many athletes started reaching out to me not only about their training but also about their families and injury prevention strategies. Their inquiries made me realize that my role could extend beyond just treating injuries; there was a significant opportunity for a broader impact on overall wellness and health.
That reflection prompted a big decision: I wanted to go back to school and explore a profession that would align with my hands-on approach to healing. At first, I contemplated the idea of attending medical school, but it never felt quite right for me. I thrived on hands-on work and the ability to provide immediate care without the constraints of needing to bring extensive equipment with me. This led me to discover the field of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic offered a unique blend of my existing athletic training expertise while allowing me to practice independently. I could own my own business, write MRI prescriptions, and perform x-rays without needing to be under a supervising physician. This was incredibly appealing, and it opened up exciting new avenues for my career. It meant I could work with a diverse range of individuals — from elite athletes to infants to seniors — while still contributing to my passion for sports.
Furthermore, my journey didn’t stop there. After transitioning to chiropractic care, I participated in my second Olympics, working with national teams like USA Water Polo from 2012 to 2016. However, I found myself facing another significant pivot in life: I chose to start a family. In fact, while pregnant with my first daughter, Reilly, I was treating Olympians preparing for their journey to Rio in 2016.
Choosing to focus on family during this time was a rewarding but challenging adjustment. Now that my daughters are a bit older, I’m excited to pivot once again. I’m working on developing a wellness performance center in Long Beach that will serve future Olympians and the larger community, with an eye toward the upcoming 2028 Olympics and beyond.
This series of pivots — from athletic training to chiropractic care, from focusing solely on sports to prioritizing family, and now to looking forward to a community impact — has truly shaped my journey. Each pivot, while challenging, has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, and I’m eager to see where this path leads next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blochwellness.com
• Instagram: @myblochwellness @bloch_mobile
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/karen-bloch-40ba0626