By Peter Elijah Lim
Staff Writer
Many Franciscan students, athletes and otherwise, have experienced the soreness of an extra difficult workout or pulled a muscle while playing a game of basketball. Fortunately, as a part of the Baron Wellness Center’s new partnership with Trinity Health Clinic, campus now has a chiropractor available for appointments with students: Justin Baker.
For Baker, the process of becoming a chiropractor involved obtaining bachelors’ degrees in health sciences and business administration, a master’s of business and administration (MBA), a master’s in sports science & rehabilitation and a doctorate in chiropractic medicine.
“That was a lot of degrees, but they were a door opening to my future career as a chiropractor,” said Baker.
Baker wanted to become a chiropractor to put his own spin on the works of a traditional chiropractor and a primary orthopedist: to treat injuries safely, soundly and in a relaxing manner.
Baker’s education was supplemented by specialized training in sports sciences in Prague, Czech Republic.
In addition, Baker is one of the few chiropractors in the Trinity Health System who is trained in dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS). DNS deals with the study of the body’s movement, especially as pertains to ideal posture, breathing patterns, and functioning joints and muscles.
“Everyone has the possibility to improve their physical capacity and you need guidance and tools to unlock that capacity.” said Baker.
He added that he aims to encourage fitness which soundly equips a person in their faith, interests, diet, and friends to serve God for the rest of their life, both through their physical body and otherwise.
When Baker found out he was working with Trinity Health Clinic and Franciscan University of Steubenville, he said he felt overjoyed to serve the close-knit Catholic community of students on campus. He also said that he was eager to serve students because most cannot go off campus for health treatments due to transportation issues.
Baker’s familiarity with the university extends to the time before he was a chiropractor, when he worked as an adjunct professor at Franciscan for strength training fitness classes.
“My mission is to empower them (students) to be their best self through exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications,” said Baker. “People just need a nudge in the right direction, and we are all humans. Do it not only for yourself but also for other people in your circle.”
Outside of work, Baker said he loves healthy foods, especially steak, and hates sugar. He enjoys listening to alternative and classical music and occasionally plays the drums. In addition, Baker is an avid pinball player and basketball fan and enjoys fishing.
Baker said his greatest achievements in life is his Catholic marriage and two children.
Currently, Baker is available for appointments every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with slots lasting about 15 minutes during the hour and a half period. He plans to expand appointment hours once he has tested the waters and better understands what works with students’ schedules and needs.
To make an appointment with Baker, students are encouraged to go to the front desk of the Baron Wellness Center and ask for his availability.