Chiropractor Tim Novelli Advocates for Athletes, Veterans & Wounded Warriors

The career path Tim Novelli has chosen connects him with Olympians, actors and young North Canton athletes (something he can relate to, having been one).

But would you have guessed that career path is chiropractic care?

Novelli, of  in North Canton, didn't choose the career for the excitement of who he can meet and where he can go, but because of the experience he had when he was treated by a chiropractor. And since earning his license, he's given back to the community in countless ways.

Patch viewer Nicole Erhard knows well Novelli's giving nature and nominated him for North Canton Patch’s “Greatest Person” feature. Novelli had treated her father and “saved his life,” Erhard said.

“I am indebted to him,” she said. “He is an extraordinary, compassionate person who deserves to be recognized.”

PASSION FOR TREATING ATHLETES

Novelli, born and raised in North Canton, is a Central Catholic graduate who offers his services to athletes from Ashland University as their unofficial chiropractor and to his alma mater, Central Catholic, as a team physician for the Crusaders' football team. He’s done that for 27 years.

“It’s been rewarding and a way to give back to the community,” he said.

Novelli, who attended to study pre-medicine, was inspired to enter the field of chiropractics after his interactions with Dr. Robert T. Johnstone.

“He used to treat all athletes gratis,” Novelli said. “And I was one of those athletes.”

Novelli had plans to practice with Johnstone until the doctor passed away about a month before Novelli graduated. He knew he would carry on Johnstone’s legacy of treating athletes gratis.

“Except for professional athletes,” Novelli added with a wry smile. “They can afford it.”

(In addition to his generosity, he also has a sense of humor.)

Novelli said treating athletes is different than treating the average Joe.

“For the most part, they’re very appreciative (of the gratis treatment),” he said. “And they’re fun to work with because athletes are very motivated to get well and to get back on the field and to get back to activities.”

ADVOCATING FOR VETERANS, WOUNDED WARRIORS

Novelli said chiropractic care is becoming more accepted by insurance companies thanks to the insistence of athletes. And now, veterans are speaking out to get better access to chiropractic care for themselves and for their families.

“Athletes insisted on having us at the Olympics. Athletes insisted on having us on the sidelines in the NFL. And that’s what we’re trying to do with the veterans and the Wounded Warriors.”

(Wounded Warriors are affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps those injured while serving their country. Find out more on the organization's website.)

Novelli said one problem is that doctors at VA clinics are trying to channel their patients into physical therapy or another avenue that's not chiropractic care. Recognizing that, Novelli is starting to gather a group of like-minded chiropractors in the area who will treat military personnel and their families for free.

“Our theory is: You’re taking care of my family; we’re taking care of yours,” Novelli said.

He said if military personnel start demanding chiropractic care, change will surely follow.

“Insist to your politicians, your congressmen, your senators — tell them you want chiropractic (care). Tell your VA doctors you want chiropractic care. You want it for you, and you want it for your families.

“If we can do this, not only will we have a new army of supporters for chiropractic, we will have a Navy, an Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, because these guys will back us like no one else has backed us.”