Local Chiropractor Lends His Talents to Pro Athletes

Jeff Spencer was absolutely “thrilled” last summer when one of his patients, Lance Armstrong, rode his bike into Paris to become the first six-time winner of the grueling Tour de France.

Spencer, a chiropractor from La Cañada Flintridge, has been working with Armstrong since 1999, but watching the 32-year-old Texan break the record for victories in the 2,107-mile race this year was special.

“Lance is an intelligent guy,” said Spencer. “He created certain strategies for the 2004 race and he shut the door on any vulnerability. I personally felt he was more prepared for this tour than for the other races,” Spencer noted.

Spencer’s job, of course, is to make sure Armstrong and other members of the U.S. Postal Service team are fully prepared for the competition. “There are no surprises. I work with all nine team members before and after the race. We have created the best system so they can perform at their highest capabilities.”

A soft-spoken man with a firm handshake, Spencer emphasizes he does much more for Armstrong than just keeping his spine straight. “I have been on all six tours with Lance,” he said. “We have to do everything possible to prevent injuries from happening and if they do, to minimize the down time. We need to extend his career longevity.”

Spencer addresses every aspect of Armstrong’s health and fitness. “We work with vitamins, diet and recovery procedures. There are pre-event things we do to make sure his body is running at peak efficiency,” he said.

The chiropractor is fully aware of Armstrong’s prior health problems. Less than nine years ago, the champion racer was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to his brain and lungs.

“It’s quite a story, with maybe the best cyclist ever surviving a battle with cancer and later winning the 1999 Tour de France,” he said.

But Armstrong’s previous health issues only serve as a reminder to Spencer to work harder to keep the cyclist in top condition.

“We adjust (or manipulate) his body only if necessary. Many people think chiropractors only deal with the back. We actually do the entire body.

“Adjusting is just one tool. We have so many other procedures, including ‘cold laser’ to optimize body function. There is also a ‘stick’ which is like a rolling pin to elongate muscles, taping of muscles and joints to prevent injuries, and ‘electron transfer therapy’ to promote sleep and recovery.

“We are busy 24 hours a day when we are on tour. I first met Lance in 1998, through the former postal service team manager, Mark Gorski. Ever since that meeting, I have worked hard to create a good system.”

Providing onsite care and support at sporting events, Spencer has worked with various well-known athletes over the years.

“Besides Lance, I also have worked with champion golfer Tiger Woods; former Angels’ slugger Troy Glaus; world supercross champ Chad Reed; and NASCAR driver Bobby Labonte.”

Spencer himself is no stranger to cycling.

He competed as a sprint cyclist on the 1972 U.S. Olympic team in Munich, Germany, and considers the experience “one of the most important events of my life. I did not medal in the event, which is 1,000-meters, but I did win the Olympic trials that year.”

He is no longer a professional cyclist, but still rides up to 100 miles a day, according to his wife, Kristina. “We live in La Cañada, but he rides all over Southern California.”

Spencer is a graduate of the Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles, and also holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology from USC.

He was recently presented with the “Sports Chiropractor of the Year” award for 2004 by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In addition, Lance Armstrong gave him credit for helping him prepare for the Tour de France in his book, “Every Second Counts.”