Our Doctors

Dr. Rion Zimmerman founded Flintridge Family Chiropractic in 2008 and has since led it to become one of the leading providers of holistic care in the La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, and Glendale areas. With a focus on preventative, hands-on care, Dr. Zimmerman has extensive experience in working with athletes, pregnancy care, and nutrition. His expertise is recognized across the Los Angeles community, where he is a well-known speaker and health advocate, dedicated to promoting wellness and preventive lifestyles both within his practice and beyond.

With over a decade of experience in the professional sports realm, Dr. Zimmerman has served as a team chiropractor for some of the top soccer teams in the world. He began his sports chiropractic journey as a team chiropractor for the Los Angeles Galaxy from 2013 to 2021, contributing to their 2014 MLS Cup victory. Since 2014, he has worked with the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), accompanying them to international tournaments, including their triumphant 2019 World Cup win in France, the 2022 CONCACAF Championship in Mexico, and the 2024 Olympics, where the USWNT secured a gold medal under his care as the official team chiropractor. Currently, Dr. Zimmerman serves as the team chiropractor for Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), where he was part of the team’s historic first MLS Cup win in 2022.

Dr. Zimmerman’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to continuous learning. He has earned certifications in Gonstead, Diversified, and Sacral Occipital techniques, and holds the postgraduate designation of Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP). This advanced training enhances his ability to prevent and treat sports-related injuries, ensuring that athletes receive the highest standard of chiropractic care.

Beyond his work in sports, Dr. Zimmerman has contributed to the local community as the past chairman of the board for the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and as past president of the Verdugo Hills chapter of the California Chiropractic Association.

Since the start of his career, Dr. Zimmerman has advanced his skills through numerous postgraduate seminars and classes. The techniques and procedures utilized at Flintridge Family Chiropractic allow patients to experience relief and achieve peak function through natural, conservative care. In 2022, Dr. Zimmerman managed and oversaw the build and design of a new practice, focusing on efficiency improvements and customer satisfaction.

Experience

Dr. Zimmerman is trained, certified, and practices in the following disciplines:

• Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP)
• Certified Webster Technique Practitioner
• Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner
• Team Chiropractor Los Angeles Football Club: 2019-current
• Team Chiropractor United States Women's National Soccer Team: 2014-current
• Team Chiropractor Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team: 2013-2021
• Chiropractor, Gracie Barra Jiu-jitsu Team: 2008-present
• Chiropractor, Pasadena High School Men’s Football: 2006-2012
• Chiropractor, Monrovia High School Men’s Soccer: 2006-2010
• Volunteer Chiropractic Staff, Five Acres Foster Home, Pasadena, CA: 2006-2009

Education

• Doctorate of Chiropractic, Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, Whittier, California (2002-2005)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of California, Irvine (1998-2001)
• Participated as a student-athlete on the Men’s Soccer team and completed a four-year internship in the sports medicine facility as a student athletic trainer.

Notable Honors

• 2024 Olympic Gold Medal Winner, USWNT Chiropractor
• 2022 MLS Cup Winner, Los Angeles Football Club Chiropractor
• 2019 Women’s World Cup Winner, USWNT Chiropractor
• 2014 MLS Cup Winner, LA Galaxy Chiropractor
• 2022 CONCACAF Championship Winner, USWNT Chiropractor

Memberships

• Member of La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Board: 2016-2018
• Member of California Chiropractic Association, Past President, Verdugo Hills Chapter
• Member of American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
• Member of International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

Certifications

• Chiropractic Doctor: Gonstead, Diversified, and Sacral Occipital techniques
• Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician® (CCSP)
• Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner (CKTP)
• Certified Webster Technique Practitioner

Additional Information

Dr. Zimmerman has obtained the postgraduate designation of Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician*(CCSP®) by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians™ (ACBSP™). The CCSP® certification requires the doctor to attend a minimum of 100 hours of a 120-hour postgraduate program. This instruction is specific to physical fitness and the evaluation and treatment of injuries encountered in sports including concussion protocols. Following the completion of these hours, the doctor must then take and successfully pass a comprehensive written examination.

This training aids the doctor in the prevention and treatment of athletic injuries by enhancing his diagnostic skills and patient care. The CCSP® certification exists to provide a uniform standard of education that assures teams and athletes that the doctor has met a minimum level of competency in chiropractic sports medicine. Dr. Zimmerman joins over 5500 others internationally who holds this designation.

Built and branded a chiropractic practice and wellness clinic. Recruited, staffed, provided direct supervision and ongoing staff development amongst seven other professionals. Secured new business through sales and marketing strategies.

In 2022 Dr. Zimmerman managed and oversaw the build and design of a new practice. Making the practice more efficient through workflow improvements, detail-oriented process changes, and increased focus on customer satisfaction.

Dr. Michael Shahbazian is a Board Certified Licensed Chiropractor with extensive experience in providing safe, gentle, and effective chiropractic care. Specializing in a wide range of conditions, he has successfully treated hundreds of patients with neuromusculoskeletal issues, including whiplash from auto and sports injuries, arthritis, scoliosis management, and postural corrective care. As one of Pasadena's top chiropractors, Dr. Shahbazian is renowned for his holistic family wellness approach, particularly in pediatric chiropractic and the Webster Technique for pregnancy care.

With over a decade of specialized experience in whiplash management care for auto and sports injuries, Dr. Shahbazian has honed his skills in effectively diagnosing and treating these conditions. His expertise extends to scoliosis management and postural corrective care, where he has helped numerous patients achieve better alignment, reduced pain, and improved overall well-being.

Since joining Flintridge Family Chiropractic in 2012, Dr. Shahbazian has built "A Reputation for Excellence." By employing a whole-body approach and assessing neuromusculoskeletal components, he combines the best hands-on techniques with state-of-the-art chiropractic procedures. His ultimate goal is to accelerate your healing journey and empower you to lead a healthier, happier life.

"Our greatest wealth is our health."

Experience & Education

Dr. Shahbazian is trained, certified, and practices in the following disciplines:

• Doctor of Chiropractic: Gonstead, Diversified, Webster, SOT, Cranial-Sacral
• Certified Webster Technique Practitioner
• Certified Rocktape Doctor
• Whiplash Management Care for Auto and Sports Injuries
• Scoliosis Management and Postural Corrective Care
• Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services
• University of Southern California - Volunteer Ambassador 2003-2006
• Being Alive: People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition & Venice Family Clinic

Memberships:

• California Chiropractic Association
• American Chiropractic Association
• International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
• National Business Association for Chiropractors
• World Federation of Chiropractic
• Associated Faculty at Southern California University of Health Sciences: 2015-Present