A love for sports and a passion for helping others were the twin drivers behind alumni Dr. Dillon Balkin’s career. Today, he's living his dream as one of the NFL’s go-to chiropractors, working with elite players like Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and caring for everyday athletes at his Rockville-based practice, Optimal Performance Rehab.
Going to SPH was a lifelong dream... From studying movement science to learning about biomechanics, it really shaped who I am and how I approach my work.
“Going to UMD’s School of Public Health was a lifelong dream,” Balkin said. “The experiences there, from studying movement science to learning about biomechanics, really shaped who I am and how I approach my work.”
Growing up in Montgomery County, Dillon’s Maryland pride is rooted deep: from cheering on the Terps with his dad, UMD alum Fred Balkin ‘85, to playing intramural sports, to studying kinesiology at UMD’s School of Public Health.
Dillon Balkin's love for sports, especially football, was evident early on.
“There’s something special about the energy in sports that brings people together. I always wanted to be a part of that world,” he said.
A high school internship as a chiropractic assistant sparked Balkin’s interest in chiropractic care, where he discovered his knack for helping people through movement.
“That internship changed everything for me,” he recalled. “Seeing the impact I could have on someone’s health and wellbeing was a turning point. I loved the hands-on nature of the work and the science behind it.”
Inspired, he set his sights on a career in chiropractic sports medicine, earning an SPH kinesiology degree and later his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer College of Chiropractic, D.C.
Working with NFL players like Jayden Daniels brings Balkin’s passion for sports and health to life every day. Balkin, who conducts two to three sessions a week with Daniels, says that Daniels frequently describes his post-session feeling as “brand new.”
“Jayden is truly dedicated to his craft, and it’s a dream to work with someone so focused." Balkin said. "Together, we keep his body ready for the demands of the game—it’s a partnership that’s about staying ahead of injuries, not just treating them after they happen.”
Balkin explains that while he’s a crucial part of Daniels’ routine, his work is just one piece of the puzzle.
“My job is to make sure he’s physically prepared, but it’s also about collaborating with his entire team—nutritionists, trainers, physical therapists—to ensure he’s at his best on Sundays. The goal is to put him in a position to succeed every week, and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
Since opening Optimal Performance Rehab in 2019, Balkin’s approach has centered on providing a comprehensive care model that integrates chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and soft tissue work.
“I wanted to build a place where athletes and everyday people alike could come for holistic, personalized care,” he says. Now, with a new Shady Grove, Maryland, location opening in July 2025, Balkin is growing his dream
“This new clinic is a big step forward,” he said with pride. “And to make it even more special, I recently hired another UMD SPH grad Dr. Sina Dayanzadeh(’18). Building something meaningful with fellow Terps is a full-circle moment for me.”
Dayanzadeh graduated with a degree in kinesiology from UMD’s School of Public Health.
“Dr. Balkin brought me into the practice in January 2024. I'm beyond thankful to work alongside someone who values integrity and hard work. He has helped me grow into the best version of myself both as a clinician and a member of my community,” said Dayanzadeh.
For current students or aspiring sports chiropractors, Balkin’s advice is clear.
“Gain as much exposure to the field as possible," he said. "Explore all aspects of sports medicine, and don’t be afraid to try different paths within it. Every experience teaches you something valuable.”
Reflecting on his journey, Balkin is grateful for the foundation he built at UMD and the people who supported him along the way.
“UMD shaped me, both personally and professionally, especially the Exercise Physiology group studies that shaped my understanding of how training the body directly translated to on field performance,” he said.
“It’s amazing to look back and see how far I’ve come, from being a student with big dreams to now working with some of the best athletes in the world. I’m excited to keep growing, giving back, and sharing what I’ve learned with the next generation of Terps.”
-- Stuti Mohanty