New chiropractic clinic, Functional Health and Wellness, opens in downtown Worthington

Jul. 11—WORTHINGTON — A Worthington native and multi-sport athlete accustomed to making multiple visits to the chiropractor during the gymnastics season is now a certified chiropractor with an office of her own in downtown Worthington.

Paige Kinley graduated last December from Northwestern Health Sciences in Bloomington with her doctorate in chiropractic care and an emphasis in sports medicine. She offers everything from general chiropractic care to sports physicals and concussion baseline testing from her new business, Functional Health and Wellness, at 906 Third Avenue. The site had been a law office for many years, and was most recently occupied by Kivu Immigration Law. The chiropractic clinic opened July 1.

Kinley, a 2014 graduate of Worthington High School, was in volleyball, gymnastics, softball and dance while a student in the local schools. She earned her associate degree from Minnesota West Community & Technical College, where she played volleyball and softball, before transferring to Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. She played three years of softball there while obtaining her bachelor's degree in biology, with minors in psychology and business.

"When I graduated high school, I thought about becoming a physical therapist," Kinley said. "As a junior at Dakota Wesleyan, a chiropractor came to visit us and he said a chiropractor can do a lot of what a physical therapist can do, but is more hands-on."

It was then that Kinley decided to pursue a career in chiropractic care.

"I always knew I wanted to help people and do something in the medical field," she said.

Her final year at Northwestern Health Sciences consisted of an internship at Northern Life Wellness in Burnsville — an office that treated more than 3,000 patients a month.

"It was a really good experience," Kinley said. "When we were on the floor we adjusted patients. We also had time with the marketing director and accounting."

The experience prepared her well for the day she'd have her own chiropractic business, although many of her classmates opted to become associates with other chiropractors.

"I thought owning my own business would probably be my best option," shared Kinley, who coaches the SWAGs gymnastics program for youths ages six to 12 and also coaches the high school gymnastics team during the off-season. She set her own work hours with flexibility around her coaching duties.

There was never a doubt about returning to her hometown of Worthington to work.

"I love the area, I love the diversity of the community," she said.

For now, Kinley is the chiropractor, receptionist and business manager.

"Right now I don't take insurance," she said. "I'm a cash-based practice, but I do take HSA cards."

As she builds her practice, she'd like to add more staff and potentially house a massage therapist and physical therapist in the same building.

Her location has room to grow, and she is currently seeking tenants to lease out two available spaces.

Functional Health and Wellness is open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. on Mondays; 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays; 9:30 to 12:30 and 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays; 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays.

Clients may book an appointment via phone at (507) 343-0602 or her website, functionalhealthandwellness.net. She also has a Facebook page for people to follow.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new business is planned at 2 p.m. July 20.