July 11—WORTHINGTON — A Worthington native and multi-sport athlete used to making multiple visits to the chiropractor during gym season is now a certified chiropractor with her own office in downtown Worthington.
Paige Kinley graduated last December from Northwestern Health Sciences in Bloomington with her doctorate in chiropractic care and a specialization in sports medicine. She offers everything from general chiropractic care to sports physical exams and basic concussion testing from her new business, Functional Health and Wellness, at 906 Third Avenue. The site had been a law firm for many years and was more recently occupied with Kivu immigration law. The chiropractic clinic opened July 1.
Kinley, a 2014 graduate of Worthington High School, enjoyed volleyball, gymnastics, softball and dance while studying at local schools. She earned her associate’s degree at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, where she played volleyball and softball, before transferring to Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. She played softball there for three years while earning her bachelor’s degree in biology, with minors in psychology and business.
“When I graduated from high school, I thought about becoming a physical therapist,” Kinley said. “As a junior at Dakota Wesleyan, a chiropractor came to visit us and he said a chiropractor can do a lot of what a physical therapist can do, but it’s more hands-on.”
It was then that Kinley decided to pursue a career in chiropractic care.
“I always knew I wanted to help people and do something in the medical field,” she said.
Her final year at Northwestern Health Sciences consisted of an internship at Northern Life Wellness in Burnsville — an office that treated more than 3,000 patients a month.
“It was a really good experience,” Kinley said. “When we were in the field, we were adjusting patients. We also had time with the marketing manager and accounting.”
The experience prepared her well for the day when she would have her own chiropractic business, although several of her classmates chose to become associates with other chiropractors.
“I thought owning my own business would probably be my best option,” shared Kinley, who coaches the SWAGs 6-12 youth gymnastics program and also coaches the high school gymnastics team during the offseason. She has set her own working hours with flexibility around her coaching duties.
There was no doubt about returning to his hometown of Worthington for work.
“I love the area, I love the diversity of the community,” she said.
For now, Kinley is the chiropractor, receptionist and business manager.
“At the moment, I don’t take insurance,” she said. “I’m a cash practice, but I take HSA cards.”
As she expands her practice, she would like to add more staff and possibly house a massage therapist and a physical therapist in the same building.
Her location has room to grow and she is currently looking for tenants to lease two available spaces.
Functional Health and Wellness is open 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays; 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday; from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday and from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday.
Clients can book an appointment by phone at (507) 343-0602 or on her website, functionalhealthandwellness.net. She also has a Facebook page to follow.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new venture is scheduled for 2 p.m. on July 20.