Your back tightens up halfway round the golf course. Your neck is stiff after every long bike ride. A shoulder niggle has turned up in the gym and will not quite go away. None of it is bad enough to stop you, but it is getting in the way.
Sports chiropractic is for exactly this: joint and muscle problems in people who want to keep training, playing and competing. You don’t need a GP referral, and you can book online at any time.
What sports chiropractic is
A sports chiropractor is a registered chiropractor with further training in the problems that come with sport and exercise. Sam Pargeter, our co-founder, is accredited by FICS, the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic, and has over 15 years in clinical practice.
In practice it means three things:
- An assessment that looks at how you move as a whole, not only at the sore spot
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain and stiffness
- A plan that fits around your training, with exercises and clear advice on what to change and what to keep doing
What we help with
- Lower back pain in runners, golfers, lifters and cyclists
- Neck pain and stiffness, and headaches that start in the neck
- Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff problems
- Joint pain and stiffness, including in the hips and knees
- Minor sports injuries, muscle spasm and tension
Some injuries are better seen by a different clinician. A significant ligament or tendon injury, or rehabilitation after surgery, is usually best started with our sports physiotherapists, and we’ll tell you if that applies to you.
Your first appointment
Your first visit lasts 45 minutes. We start with what has been happening, your training and what you want to get back to. Your chiropractor then examines how you move, along with the joints, muscles and nerves involved, and explains what they have found in plain language.
If treatment is appropriate it usually starts in the same session. It may include joint manipulation or mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and exercise, and dry needling with Joe where it helps. You leave with a plan, including what to do about training in the meantime.
Golfers, runners and gym-goers
- Golf: Sam is TPI Medical Level 2 certified. A TPI golf screen looks at how your body moves through the swing and how that relates to back, hip or shoulder pain.
- Movement screening: Sam uses the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to look at the movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain.
- Shoulders: Joe Lancaster has a particular interest in shoulder problems, combining hands-on treatment with a rehabilitation plan.
- A joined-up team: our chiropractors work alongside our physiotherapists and sports massage therapists, so strength testing, rehab and soft tissue work are available in the same building when you need them.
When to get medical help first
Some injuries need a medical assessment before any hands-on treatment:
- A possible broken bone, such as a limb that looks out of shape or cannot take any weight after a fall or impact
- A blow to the head followed by confusion, repeated vomiting or drowsiness, which can be signs of a serious head injury
- A neck or back injury with numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, which can mean a nerve is affected
The NHS explains what to do after a head injury. Once you have been checked, we can help with your recovery.
Who you'll see
Sports chiropractic is led by Sam Pargeter, a FICS-accredited sports chiropractor and TPI Medical Level 2 golf specialist. Joe Lancaster also sees active people, with a particular interest in shoulders. Both are registered with the General Chiropractic Council.
We match each patient with the chiropractor whose skills best fit their problem and what they want to get back to.
Sam Pargeter
Sports Chiropractor
Golf Specialist Chiropractor
Sam is co-founder of The Health Hub and a chiropractor with over 15 years in clinical practice. He graduated from the Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, where he received the Award for Clinical Excellence, and is a FICS-accredited sports chiropractor and TPI Medical Level 2 golf specialist.
He uses the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to look at how you move as a whole, and combines hands-on treatment with exercises and advice you can use between appointments. He finds working with people with back pain particularly rewarding.
Insurers Sam Works With
Joe Lancaster
Chiropractor
Joe is a chiropractor with a first-class Master of Chiropractic degree. He treats all areas of the body, with a particular interest in neck, back and shoulder problems.
He looks beyond where it hurts to understand why the problem has developed, and combines hands-on techniques with a rehabilitation plan you can follow at home. He is registered with the General Chiropractic Council and a member of the Royal College of Chiropractors and the British Chiropractic Association.
Insurers Joe Works With
Prices and insurance
- Initial chiropractic consultation (45 minutes): £79
- Follow-up treatment (30 minutes): £64
No GP referral is needed. You pay at your appointment and we’ll give you an invoice to claim back from your insurer if you’re covered. Our chiropractors are recognised by insurers including Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA. Recognition varies by chiropractor, so ask us when you book. See our full price list
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- What is a sports chiropractor?
-
A sports chiropractor is a registered chiropractor with further training in assessing and managing the aches, strains and joint problems that come with sport and exercise. Treatment is hands-on and is combined with exercises and advice about training.
- What does FICS-accredited mean?
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FICS is the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic. Sam Pargeter holds its sports chiropractic accreditation, which involves postgraduate training in the assessment and management of sports injuries.
- Do I need to be an athlete to book?
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No. Most of the people we see are recreational: runners, golfers, gym-goers, padel and tennis players, and people who simply want to stay active. The approach is the same whatever your level.
- Can I keep training while I'm being treated?
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Usually, yes. Where we can, we adjust what you’re doing so the problem can settle while you keep moving, and we’ll tell you plainly if something needs a short break.
- Should I see a sports chiropractor or a sports physiotherapist?
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The two overlap a great deal. As a rule of thumb, back, neck and joint pain in active people suits either, while rehabilitation after surgery or a significant ligament or tendon injury is usually best started with our sports physiotherapists. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll point you to the right person.
- Will treatment involve manipulation or 'clicking'?
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Only where it’s appropriate and you’re comfortable with it. Treatment also includes joint mobilisation, soft tissue work and exercise, and you can ask us to avoid manipulation altogether.
- How much does it cost?
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An initial chiropractic consultation (45 minutes) is £79, and follow-up treatments (30 minutes) are £64. You can see all our prices on our price list.
- Do I need a GP referral, and can I use my health insurance?
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You don’t need a GP referral. If you’re claiming on private health insurance, check your policy first, as some insurers ask for one. Our chiropractors are recognised by insurers including Aviva, BHSF, Cigna, Simplyhealth, Westfield Health and WPA; recognition varies by chiropractor, so ask us when you book.
Based in Haywards Heath, we see patients from:
You’ll find us at Unit 3, 2-8 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 4EA. There’s free on-street parking on Sussex Road and two pay and display car parks a short walk away, and our entrance, treatment rooms and toilets are wheelchair accessible. We’re open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 1pm.
Book an appointment
Book online or call us on 01444 817851.
Reviewed by our chiropractors, Sam Pargeter and Joe Lancaster, registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Last reviewed November 2026.
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