A former Olympic athlete, champion discus thrower and Canadian record holder, Dr. Borys Chambul knows a thing or two about pain. In fact, it was his own experience as a patient more than 20 years ago that set Dr. Chambul on the path to a career in chiropractic medicine.

"I was being treated for a neck injury, but after a series of misdiagnoses and severe reactions to anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers I went to Dr. Leroy Perry, a chiropractor at Berkeley. His treatments made a real difference and I was able to go into successful competition shortly after."

The year was 1976 and it was a pivotal moment for the young graduate of the University of Washington where he had been captain of the university track and field team for two years. He had just won the PAC 8 and NCAA Championship setting a record in the discus throw. He holds the Canadian Championship record to date. In 1978 he won the Commonwealth gold medal, and has twice been a member of the Olympic Team for Canada, an experience he describes as unforgettable.

Today, Dr. Chambul is director of the Chambul Chiropractic Group clinic in Thornhill, Ontario, where he specializes in chronic health disorders and addresses fitness and sports injuries. In addition to chiropractic, he employs acupuncture, nutritional, homeopathic and herbal medicine in his practice.

"More and more people are starting to recognize the benefits of complementary medicine. I work with a network of neurologists and critical care specialists who refer patients to me, depending on their injury or disorder. A number of physicians are also patients of this clinic."

Chambul studied acupuncture in China where the technique originated more than 2000 years ago. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as equal to, or better than, traditional medicine in alleviating the discomfort of numerous health disorders, he says including headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis asthma, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, to name a few. It can also help to lift depression and seasonal affective disorder, as well as aid in overcoming various addictions by raising the body's endorphin and serotonin levels.

Not unlike his career as an athlete, Dr. Chambul finds his role as a chiropractor both stimulating and satisfying. "To be able to help a patient recover from an injury or ease a disability and see the results is truly rewarding." He is a strong proponent of keeping active. "Mobility improves longevity. You have to keep moving to prevent joints from becoming restricted. My goal is to improve quality of life for patients well into their 80's, 90's, even 100."

This does not mean that the focus of his practice is geriatric. The youngest patient to attend his clinic was 2 weeks old suffering from wry neck syndrome caused by birth trauma. On an average day, patients' ages can vary from pre-teen to octogenarian. His successful methods have resulted in improved health and well-being in every walk of life from expectant mothers to CEOs. As a public service, Dr. Chambul provides a free monthly seminar promoting complementary medicine.

When not treating patients in his busy practice, and enjoying time with his wife and young daughter, the former Olympian serves on several boards. His credentials include Fellow of the International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture; Member, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada; Member, Medicina Alternativa (Sri Lanka); Secretary/Treasurer of the Acupuncture Council of Ontario; and, Independent Assessor at the Designated Assessment Centre (DAC), Peel Memorial Hospital. He served as Official Chiropractic Consultant for the World Indoor Track and Field Games and the World Basketball Games at the SkyDome. "I'm fortunate to be doing something I feel passionate about."