meet the team

As a decathlete and hurdler, he wanted to continue his active life when he attended the University of Florida. He joined the track team, attending school on a Navy ROTC scholarship. The intention was to finish his engineering degree and fly airplanes. One day in track practice, however, changed his entire path.

A pole vaulting incident left Dr. LaBelle with burning pain down his leg, numb toes, and extreme back pain. His trainer sent him to the medical doctor, who sent him to an orthopedic surgeon, who sent him to the chief of orthopedics at the university. None of them had any answers and told him to take painkillers and muscle relaxers. His roommate, seeing Dr. LaBelle’s frustration, told him, “Get in the car. We’re going to see Dr. John.”

His First Visit to the Chiropractor

It just so happened that Dr. John was a chiropractor. Dr. LaBelle felt skeptical that the chiropractor would help but was willing to give it a try. X-rays were taken and Dr. LaBelle was shown where the problem was in his spine. After an adjustment, he was 40% better. He continued seeing the chiropractor every day for a couple of weeks and learned all about the principles of chiropractic.

Though he thought that he would be looking at letting go of his dreams of becoming a college athlete, the chiropractor got him back on the track. Within two weeks, he was back on the team. Three months later, he set an indoor long jump record. Within four months, the lifelong allergies that had brought him to the hospital every spring didn’t turn up like they usually did.

Interested, he asked the chiropractor, “What did you do to my nose?” The chiropractor pointed out that the nerve that leads to the nose was adjusted, which took the pressure off the nerve and allowed his nose to work as it should. Though his pain relief was remarkable, it was considering the change in his function and performance improvement that drove Dr. LaBelle to join the natural healing profession.

Earning a Doctor of Chiropractic

He attended Life University outside of Atlanta, GA. While studying there, he was drawn to the Gonstead Technique. This method was developed by a former engineer and involved the structure and function of the body. It is one of two primary techniques Dr. LaBelle uses in practice today.

Outside of the Office

Outside of LaBelle Chiropractic Center, Dr. LaBelle and his wife, Karen, who is a life coach, have been married for more than 30 years and enjoy traveling together. They have three children. Their eldest is studying to become an orthopedic surgeon. Their daughter is a producer for a video production company. Their youngest son is studying at Clemson University.

In his spare time, you’ll find Dr. LaBelle doing CrossFit with his sons or having lunch with his daughter. He loves to sit on his back porch and read books about his faith, functional forms of health, or spy novels.

You can learn more about what we may be able to do for you without cost or obligation. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation! We’re proud to have been voted one of 2018’s best chiropractors in Greenville SC.