Sure, Randy Rhino is a member of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame and was the only three-time, first-team All-American in Tech history. But did you know that he’s also Tech’s in-house chiropractor? 

“Probably the number one misconception about my job is the idea that all I do is crack and pop,” he said. “Actually, I do manual adjusting, which is the typical kind that people think about, along with instrument nonforce-type adjusting, decompression therapy, soft-tissue manipulation and physiotherapies.” 

After graduating from Tech and a few years of playing professional football, Rhino earned a doctor of chiropractic degree from Life University in 1983. Although he’s been practicing for 28 years, Rhino started caring for Tech’s student athletes and the Athletic Association’s support staff in 2002. 

About a year ago, Rhino opened his services up to faculty, staff and students. 

“The most common conditions that I see from faculty and staff are due to the repetitive stress symptoms of sitting at a computer,” he said. “These symptoms include neck, mid-back and muscular fatigue issues. I also see a lot of patients with lower back issues.”

So, if you went to see Rhino for a stiff back, for example, what could you expect to happen? 

First off, he recommends that you e-mail him (rrhino@at.gtaa.gatech.edu) to set up an appointment, and Rhino will try to get you in within 12 to 24 hours. 

“The first visit usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and future treatments will take about 30 to 40 minutes,” he said. “Your first visit includes a consultation, exam and treatment.” In the event that X-rays are needed, Rhino will refer you to an orthopedic office to have them taken.

The initial evaluation is done on a device called a “ProAdjuster,” which provides information on how well your spine is working and what areas need work, he added. 

“Once an evaluation has been performed, treatment including therapies such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, heat, ice and soft tissue work are performed,” Rhino said. “And these treatments are followed by spinal adjustment, if needed.” 

Rhino accepts all Blue Cross Blue Shield policies, as well as the U.S. Bank Health Savings Card. At the moment, he is not a Kaiser provider but hopes to become one this year.