"Absolute Wellness Center helped me after auto accident. My back, hips, neck and shoulders are doing much better thanks to them. Dr. G & his staff run a smooth, helpful and friendly office. I highly recommend them."
San Marcos, TX • Sports Injury Specialists
Get Back in the Game Faster
Team Chiropractors for Texas State Athletics
Personalized sports injury care for athletes of all ages. We treat the injury, the athlete, and the sport so you recover faster and come back stronger.
TX State Athletics Partner
Spinal Decompression Available
All Sports Treated
Same-Day Appointments
Same-Day Visits
Your First Visit
Full movement assessment, exam, therapy, and your first adjustment all in one visit. You leave with a real recovery plan built around your sport.
2–3
Week Recovery
12+
Sports Treated
30+
Olympic Athletes
Most insurance accepted · No long-term contracts
TX State Athletics Partner
Same-Day Appointments
Most Insurance Accepted
Veteran-Owned Practice
Spinal Decompression Available
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Long-Term Contracts
Olympic Athletes Treated
TX State Athletics Partner
Same-Day Appointments
Most Insurance Accepted
Veteran-Owned Practice
Spinal Decompression Available
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Long-Term Contracts
Olympic Athletes Treated
2-3 Weeks
Avg. athlete
recovery time
recovery time
Built for Athletes
You Didn't Work This Hard to Sit on the Sidelines.
Look, I'll be honest with you. Most athletes I see have been grinding through pain for way too long. Taping it. Icing it. Hoping it goes away on its own. And every week they wait, they lose ground on their performance, their season, their team spot.
Here's the thing: your body is not the problem. Untreated injuries are the problem. Whether you're a Texas State Bobcat, a high school varsity starter, or a weekend warrior who takes competition seriously - you deserve care that actually understands what you're putting your body through.
When you walk in here, we're going to sit down, figure out exactly what's going on, and build a recovery plan around your sport, your position, and your goals. That's how we've worked with Olympic gold medalists. That's how we work with every athlete who comes through that door.
He was super knowledgeable, he explained what was going on, he didn't try to sell me a bunch of packages, and he was also pretty realistic about me getting back on the mat and training.
Laura • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competitor2-3
Weeks to get most athletes back
12+
Sports treated in San Marcos
3+
Olympic & pro athletes treated
Who We Serve
We Treat Athletes.
All of Them.
From Texas State Bobcats to high school varsity to competitive adults if you play it, we treat it. Every sport has different demands on the body. We know them all.
Football
Neck, back, shoulder & knee injuries
Basketball
Ankle sprains, knee pain, back strain
Baseball & Softball
Rotator cuff, elbow & hip flexor issues
Track & Field
Shin splints, IT band, hamstring pulls
Soccer
Groin pulls, knee & ankle injuries
Volleyball
Shoulder overuse, low back & knee pain
Cheerleading
Wrist, back, neck & landing injuries
Dance
Hip flexor, ankle & spinal stress issues
MMA & Combat
Neck, rib, shoulder & joint injuries
Weightlifting
Low back strain, shoulder & wrist pain
Cross Country
Shin splints, stress fractures, knee pain
Gymnastics
Wrist, back, ankle & overuse injuries
Don't see your sport? We treat all of them. If your body took a hit, we can help. Call us at 737-213-4037 or walk in same day.
Official Partnership
Team Chiropractors for
Texas State Athletics
Dr. Shaddock and Dr. Waddell both serve as team chiropractors for Texas State football and can commonly be seen on the sidelines. The same care they provide the Bobcats is available to you.
What This Means for You
Sideline-Level Care
Dr. Shaddock and Dr. Waddell are regularly on the Texas State football sidelines. Division I sports injury experience, available to every patient.
Council on Sports Medicine Member
Dr. Shaddock is a member of the Council on Sports Medicine and the American Chiropractic Association - not just a general chiropractor.
Olympic Athlete Experience
Dr. Shaddock was involved in treating Olympic athletes training for the 2016 Olympic games and has been personally requested by professional sports teams.
Veteran-Owned, Founded 2010
Dr. Shaddock is a Marine Corps Veteran and Texas native who has been serving athletes across Central Texas since 2010.
I would definitely recommend Dr. Shaddock to other athletes! I've come in, and I leave feeling confident and ready to go. He adjusts me, makes me feel better, and tells me what to do to stay in shape for the tournament. He's always taken really good care of me.
Patient Review • Sports AthleteHe [Dr. Shaddock] was super knowledgeable, he explained what was going on, he didn't try to sell me a bunch of packages, and he was also pretty realistic about me getting back on the mat and training.
Laura • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu CompetitorOfficial Sponsor
Texas State FCA Sponsor
Proud sponsors of the Texas State Fellowship of Christian Athletes - supporting student athletes in San Marcos both on and off the field.
Texas State Football
Official team chiro partner. Dr. Shaddock and Dr. Waddell both serve on the sidelines.
Olympic Athlete Experience
Treated athletes training for the 2016 Olympics. Personally requested by pro sports teams.
Texas State FCA
Official sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Texas State.
You don't have to be a Bobcat to get the same level of care. Same-day appointments available.
Book Your AppointmentAthletes Who Trust Us
From the Olympics to the Octagon.
They All Come to San Marcos.
When performance is on the line, elite athletes choose the same care that's available to you. Same office. Same doctor. Same commitment.
Olympic Gold Medalist
Natasha Hastings
Track and Field - 400m Sprint
Two-time Olympic gold medalist, 400m Track and Field. Natasha Hastings has been featured on the ALWC blog discussing chiropractic as a key part of maintaining her athletic performance.
Chiropractic + Performance Care
Olympic Silver Medalist
Michael Tinsley
Track and Field - 400m Hurdles
Olympic silver medalist, 400m Hurdles. World Championship competitor and one of the elite professional athletes treated at Absolute Life Wellness Center.
Sport-Specific Recovery
Professional Fighter
Nick "The Ghost" Gonzalez
Professional MMA
Professional MMA fighter. One of the elite athletes listed among those who have received care at Absolute Life Wellness Center.
Injury Prevention + ART
Former NFL
Coach G.J. Kinne
Texas State Football Head Coach
Texas State Bobcats Football Head Coach and former NFL player. Dr. Shaddock and Dr. Waddell serve as team chiropractors for the Texas State football program.
Team + Personal Care
Professional Athlete
Nichole Denby
Professional Athlete
Professional athlete treated at Absolute Life Wellness Center. Listed among the elite athletes who have received care at ALWC.
Performance + Recovery
You Could Be Next
Same office. Same doctor. Same level of care. Available to any athlete who walks through our door.
Book Your Visit
All athletes treated with written consent and permission. We respect the privacy of every patient. Names and sports are shared only where athletes have given explicit approval.
San Marcos Exclusive
Spinal Decompression:
Only Available at Our San Marcos Location
Not every chiropractic office has this technology. We do. And for athletes dealing with disc injuries, nerve compression, or chronic back pain that won't quit - it can be a game changer.
What is Spinal Decompression?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical, FDA-cleared therapy that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed discs and pinched nerves. Think of it as taking the pressure off the areas that have been under load from training, competition, and impact.
For athletes, this means faster relief from disc-related injuries without surgery, injections, or extended time off from your sport.
01
You're Assessed First
We evaluate your imaging and symptoms to confirm you're a good candidate before recommending decompression.
02
Gentle Computerized Traction
The table uses precise, computer-controlled tension to stretch the spine - creating negative pressure that draws disc material back into place.
03
Sessions Are 30-45 Minutes
Most athletes complete a series of sessions over several weeks. Many feel relief within the first few visits.
04
Combined with Chiropractic Care
We pair decompression with adjustments and therapy for maximum results - not a standalone treatment.
Which Athletes Benefit Most
Herniated or bulging disc
Sciatica or radiating leg pain
Degenerative disc disease
Chronic low back or neck pain
Pinched nerve from impact or training
Athletes wanting to avoid surgery
Football, weightlifting, gymnastics injuries
Only in San Marcos
Not Available at Our Other Locations
Spinal decompression therapy is exclusively offered at our San Marcos location. If you've been told surgery might be your only option - come talk to us first. Many patients avoid surgery entirely with the right conservative care.
Ask About DecompressionNon
Surgical - no injections or operations
FDA
Cleared therapy with proven results
30-45
Minute sessions, no downtime after
1 of 1
Only ALWC location with this technology
The Athlete Transformation
From Sidelined to Starting Lineup
in 2-3 Weeks
Here is what athletes actually experience before coming in - and what life looks like after getting the right care.
Before Treatment
What athletes are dealing with
Can't Train at Full Intensity
Pain forces you to hold back, modify workouts, or skip practice altogether
Slow Recovery Between Games
Your body never fully resets - you show up to the next game still hurting from the last one
Afraid It Will Become Long-Term
Every week that passes with no answers makes you wonder if this injury will follow you forever
Sleep Disrupted by Pain
Can't get comfortable at night - your body never fully recovers without quality sleep
Not Performing at Your Best
Coaches and teammates can tell. Your stats are down. Your edge is gone.
No Real Answers or Plan
You've been told to rest and take ibuprofen. That's not a plan - that's just waiting.
2-3
Weeks
After Treatment
What athletes experience with us
Training Harder Than Before
Full range of motion restored - you are back to pushing limits without holding back
Recovering Faster Between Games
Your body bounces back quicker - you show up to each game fresh and ready
Confident It Won't Come Back
You understand what caused it and have a prevention plan so it stays fixed
Sleeping Through the Night
No more waking up in pain - your body finally gets the deep recovery it needs
Back to Peak Performance
Stats are up. Coaches notice. You feel like yourself again - maybe even better.
A Real Plan You Understand
You know exactly what happened, why, and what to do to stay healthy all season.
Most athletes start feeling the difference within the first 1-2 visits. Same-day appointments available in San Marcos.
Start Your Recovery TodayReal Stories. Real Results.
What Our San Marcos Patients Say
No scripts, no pressure just honest 5-star experiences from real patients right here in San Marcos.
"1000/10 phenomenal care! I've gone to several chiropractors and Dr. Waddell has been the gentlest, professional, and most respectful. He listens and he makes sure you're getting the right treatment while having a warm personality. His staff including Anahi and Brittany are also friendly, professional, and caring. Highly recommend!"
"The staff was super amazing. Dr. Waddell as well has a great sense of humor and personality. Would recommend this place and staff 100x over."
Common Questions
Questions? We Have Answers.
Athletes and parents ask us these all the time. Here are straight answers - no fluff, no runaround.
Still have a question not covered here? Call us directly or book a same-day visit.
737-213-4037 Book Same-Day AppointmentMost athletes see significant improvement within 2-3 weeks of starting care. That said, it depends on the injury, how long it has been untreated, and how consistently you come in.
Acute sports injuries - things that happened recently - tend to respond faster. Chronic issues that have been building over months take a bit longer. We will give you an honest timeline at your first visit, not a vague "it depends."
Yes. We coordinate directly with athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and team doctors when athletes need it. As the official chiropractic partner for Texas State Athletics, we do this regularly.
If you are a Texas State athlete or on a high school team, we can communicate with your staff to make sure your recovery plan fits within your training and competition schedule.
All of them. We regularly treat athletes from:
- Football, basketball, baseball and softball
- Track and field, cross country, soccer
- Volleyball, cheerleading, dance
- MMA and combat sports, weightlifting
- Gymnastics and any other competitive sport
Every sport puts different demands on different parts of the body. We build your care plan around the specific movements and stress patterns of your sport.
In most cases, yes. We understand you cannot just stop playing for 6 weeks. Our goal is to build a plan that lets you keep competing while your body heals.
We will be straight with you about what you can and cannot do during recovery. Pushing through the wrong things can set you back - we will tell you exactly where that line is.
Yes - we treat athletes from age 12 and up. For athletes under 18, a parent or guardian needs to be present for the first visit to sign consent forms.
We see a lot of high school athletes from San Marcos and surrounding areas. Getting care early when an injury happens is one of the best things a young athlete can do for their long-term performance.
Spinal decompression works best for athletes dealing with disc-related issues - herniated or bulging discs, sciatica, nerve compression from repetitive impact, or chronic low back and neck pain that has not responded to other care.
We assess every patient before recommending it. Not everyone needs decompression - and we will not push it on you if it is not the right fit. Remember, it is only available at our San Marcos location.
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Medicare. Most athletes only pay their copay - typically $10-30 per visit.
We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know exactly what to expect. No surprise bills. If you do not have insurance, we have affordable cash-pay options as well.
No referral needed. You can walk in same day or book online. We keep same-day slots open specifically for athletes dealing with acute injuries who need to be seen right away.
Just call 737-213-4037 or use the booking form on this page to get on the schedule.
San Marcos, TX
Your Injury Won't Heal Itself.
Let's Actually Do Something About It.
Same-day appointments available. No referral needed. No long-term contracts. Just real care from a team that has worked with Olympic athletes and D1 programs - and treats every patient the same way.