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Chiropractic Rehabilitation

Chiropractic joint manipulation is a highly skilled, hands-on technique used to restore normal joint motion and alignment. When joints become restricted—due to repetitive stress, injury, or poor biomechanics—it can affect how your body moves, compensates, and recovers, often leading to pain, stiffness, or decreased performance. This treatment involves the application of a quick, controlled f... Read More

Chiropractic joint manipulation is a highly skilled, hands-on technique used to restore normal joint motion and alignment. When joints become restricted—due to repetitive stress, injury, or poor biomechanics—it can affect how your body moves, compensates, and recovers, often leading to pain, stiffness, or decreased performance.

This treatment involves the application of a quick, controlled force to specific joints, most commonly in the spine or extremities, to improve mobility, reduce nervous system irritation, and promote proper joint mechanics. It’s a precise, non-invasive intervention aimed at restoring motion without excessive strain on surrounding tissues.

Athletes may benefit from chiropractic manipulation to:
• Improve segmental mobility and joint function
• Reduce muscle guarding and improve range of motion
• Decrease pain and stiffness associated with restricted movement
• Enhance movement efficiency and kinetic chain coordination
• Support recovery and injury prevention through better biomechanics

Whether addressing a specific complaint or maintaining optimal movement patterns, chiropractic joint manipulation is a powerful tool for improving function and helping you perform at your highest level—both in sport and daily life.

Metabolic Testing

Metabolic testing is a laboratory-based assessment of your physiological response to exercise. Using indirect calorimetry, we measure oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), and ventilation to quantify how your body produces energy across increasing workloads. During testing, we analyze: • VO₂max (maximal oxygen uptake) • Lactate threshold and lactate kinetics • Vent... Read More

Metabolic testing is a laboratory-based assessment of your physiological response to exercise. Using indirect calorimetry, we measure oxygen consumption (VO₂), carbon dioxide production (VCO₂), and ventilation to quantify how your body produces energy across increasing workloads.

During testing, we analyze:

• VO₂max (maximal oxygen uptake)
• Lactate threshold and lactate kinetics
• Ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2)
• Respiratory exchange ratio (RER)
• Substrate utilization (fat vs. carbohydrate oxidation rates)
• Work economy and efficiency
• Heart rate response relative to metabolic demand

By combining gas exchange data with capillary lactate measurements, we identify precise transition points between oxidative and glycolytic energy systems. This allows for accurate determination of:

• Aerobic base development zones
• Threshold training intensity
• High-intensity interval prescriptions
• FatMax and carbohydrate reliance
• Lactate clearance capacity

Rather than estimating training zones from age-based formulas or heart rate predictions, metabolic testing defines intensity using your individual physiology.

This assessment is appropriate for endurance athletes, field and court sport athletes, and tactical professionals seeking objective performance data to guide structured training.

Podium Human Performance Lab

Dr. Amanda Kugel DC

Dr. Khai Lam DC MS

Chiropractic Sports Physician | Director of Education, The Lab | Founder, Podium Human Performance Lab

Dr. Khai Lam is a chiropractic sports physician with over 14 years of clinical experience and a master’s degree in exercise and sports science. He specializes in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and performance optimization through a systems-based approach that integrates movement assessment, soft-tissue therapy, and neuromuscular re-education.

Dr. Lam combines his background in chiropractic care and massage therapy with advanced techniques such as trigger point therapy, cross-friction massage, pin-and-stretch, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and neurodynamic mobilization. His clinical philosophy emphasizes functional restoration—addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction rather than simply treating symptoms.

As Director of Education at The Lab, Dr. Lam develops and teaches coursework in sports medicine, therapeutic exercise, and functional screening. His teaching approach bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and performance training, empowering students and athletes to understand how physiology, biomechanics, and recovery interact to influence adaptation.

Outside of his chiropractic practice, Dr. Lam is the founder of Podium Human Performance Lab, a separate entity focused on sports science and applied physiology. Through Podium, he leverages his background in exercise and sports science to conduct advanced metabolic and performance testing beyond the scope of chiropractic care.

A lifelong athlete, Dr. Lam has a background in competitive swimming and continues to train and compete as an open-water swimmer. His passion for endurance performance extends into triathlon, where he is an aspiring triathlete continually exploring the relationship between human physiology, resilience, and performance potential.

Dr. Lam accepts all major insurance plans for chiropractic and rehabilitative services. Please note that while we are contracted with most commercial insurance providers, Dr. Lam is not enrolled as a Medicare provider. Patients with Medicare coverage are welcome to be seen on a self-pay basis.

All appointments, cancellations, rescheduling, billing inquiries, and waitlist requests are managed exclusively through Jane App. Please do not contact The Lab by phone regarding chiropractic care, scheduling, or billing. All communications related to Dr. Lam’s chiropractic services should be directed through your Jane account for the most efficient and secure response.

Chiropractic Sports Physician | Director of Education, The Lab | Founder, Podium Human Performanc... Read More

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Located at: 6307 Rich Rd SE, Olympia
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Need Help? Drlamthelab@gmail.com