Dr. David C Shaffer, a board-certified chiropractic sports physician with over 26 years of
experience in conservative musculoskeletal care, sports medicine, and rehabilitation, currently
serves as a chiropractic physician at Zen Health-Acupuncture & Chiropractic in Covina and
Pasadena, California.
Prior to this, he held various chiropractic sports physician positions, including at Lifekind Health
Pain Management in Riverside (2022-2025), Personalize Lifestyle Medicine Center in Aliso
Viejo (2020-2022), and Beach Cities Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Torrance (2014-
2020).
Dr. Shaffer’s clinical career began in 1999 as a senior staff doctor at Premiere Chiropractic
& Sports Medicine in Redondo Beach. Over the years, he held significant leadership roles
at several high-volume practices, including Clinic Director at Summit Pain & Injury
Treatment Centers in Los Angeles and Redondo Beach (2002-2005) and at NOVA Spine &
Injury Center in Fairfax, Virginia (2006-2013).
Additionally, he served as Director of Human Performance at Noraxon USA and previously
directed chiropractic medicine services part-time at Pain & Rehabilitation Medical Group in
Torrance. His early hospital-based work included serving on staff at the Center for Health &
Well Being at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
Dr. Shaffer earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West
in San Jose, CA, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Far-East Asian
studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Dr. Shaffer, a distinguished figure at the University of Pittsburgh, boasts a diverse array of
clinical certifications. Among his notable credentials are Certified Strength and Conditioning
Specialist (CSCS), Advanced Practice of Chiropractic Medicine (APCM-C), and Qualified
Medical Examiner (QME, though inactive). Currently, he is diligently pursuing additional
diplomate and certification programs in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and human performance.
Dr. Shaffer’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice. As a frequent speaker and educator, he
has graced the stages of the Performing Arts Medicine Association and engaged in impactful
lobbying efforts before the U.S. Congress on healthcare policy. His extensive event-based
sports medicine experience includes providing exceptional care at prestigious national and
international competitions such as USA Track & Field, AVP Volleyball, and the Brazilian Jiu-
Jitsu World Championships.
Dr. Shaffer’s past affiliations include the American Chiropractic Association, the American
College of Sports Medicine, and the Virginia Chiropractic Association. Renowned for his
integrative and patient-centered approach to care, Dr. Shaffer is deeply passionate about
optimizing biomechanics, human performance, and recovery. passionate about optimizing
biomechanics/human performance and recovery.
