Meet Dr. John Clayton — Norfolk’s Chiropractic Sports Specialist
Dr. John Clayton is the founder and lead chiropractor at Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA. With advanced certifications in sports chiropractic, soft tissue therapy, and pediatric care, Dr. Clayton brings a multi-disciplinary approach to every patient he treats — from everyday aches and injuries to elite athletic performance. His goal is not just to relieve your pain, but to identify and correct the underlying cause so you can live, move, and perform at your best.
Request an AppointmentEducation and Professional Credentials
Dr. Clayton earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Science from James Madison University before going on to complete his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Life University College of Chiropractic — one of the most respected chiropractic institutions in the country. His commitment to continuing education has led him to pursue advanced training across several specialized disciplines, making him one of the most comprehensively trained chiropractors in the Hampton Roads area.
Dr. Clayton holds the following postgraduate certifications and designations:
- Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) — awarded by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, reflecting advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of sports-related injuries and physical fitness
- Full-Body Certified Active Release Techniques (ART) Provider — one of the most rigorous soft tissue certifications available, covering muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves throughout the entire body
- Certified FAKTR Provider — specializing in Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab, an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization protocol widely used by professional and elite athletes
- Fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) — reflecting specialized knowledge in caring for children and pregnant women through all stages of development
Experience With Athletes at Every Level
Dr. Clayton’s combination of sports chiropractic training, Active Release Techniques, and FAKTR protocols has allowed him to effectively treat athletes across a wide spectrum of disciplines and competition levels. His patient roster has included recreational athletes, competitive runners, Ironman triathletes, former Olympians, and intercollegiate athletes from institutions throughout the region.
His expertise in how the body moves — under both everyday conditions and high-intensity athletic demands — gives him a distinct advantage in diagnosing and treating performance-limiting injuries. Rather than simply addressing pain, Dr. Clayton evaluates movement patterns, joint mechanics, and soft tissue function to deliver care that gets athletes back in the game faster and keeps them there longer.
Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractic Care
Dr. Clayton’s fellowship with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has equipped him with specialized skills for safely and gently caring for infants, children, and expectant mothers. He understands that the developing spine and nervous system have unique needs, and he tailors his approach accordingly. Parents throughout Norfolk, VA trust Dr. Clayton to provide safe, effective pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care for their families.
A Commitment to Total Body Wellness
Dr. Clayton’s philosophy extends beyond treating injuries — he is dedicated to helping patients of all ages achieve and maintain optimal health. At Ghent Chiropractic, this means combining chiropractic adjustments with rehabilitative exercises, soft tissue therapy, nutritional consultation, and performance-focused care that supports the whole person. Whether you are healing from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply striving to feel your best, Dr. Clayton has the training and experience to guide your care every step of the way.
Ready to experience the difference that advanced, individualized chiropractic care can make? Call Ghent Chiropractic in Norfolk, VA at (757) 622-1222 or request your appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Clayton
What is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician?
A Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) has completed postgraduate training through the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, with a focus on sports medicine, injury prevention, and the evaluation and treatment of athletic injuries. This certification means Dr. Clayton has advanced expertise beyond the standard chiropractic degree, specifically in sports performance and rehabilitation.
Is Dr. Clayton certified in Active Release Techniques?
Yes. Dr. Clayton is a full-body certified ART provider, which is one of the most rigorous soft tissue certifications in the field. This means he is trained to identify and treat soft tissue dysfunction throughout the entire body — not just the spine — using over 500 specific treatment protocols unique to Active Release Techniques.
Does Dr. Clayton treat children and pregnant women?
Yes. Dr. Clayton is a fellow of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, giving him specialized knowledge and techniques for safely caring for infants, children, and pregnant patients. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help manage discomfort, support proper pelvic alignment, and prepare the body for delivery.
What types of athletes has Dr. Clayton treated?
Dr. Clayton has treated athletes at virtually every level, including recreational athletes, competitive endurance athletes, Ironman triathletes, intercollegiate athletes, and former Olympians. His training in sports chiropractic, ART, and FAKTR makes him highly effective at addressing the complex movement-related injuries that athletes encounter.
Does Dr. Clayton provide nutritional guidance?
Yes. As part of his holistic approach to health, Dr. Clayton offers nutritional consultation for both athletes and non-athletes. Proper nutrition is one of the five foundational pillars of health that Ghent Chiropractic incorporates into overall patient wellness planning.
How long has Dr. Clayton been practicing chiropractic?
Dr. Clayton has been helping patients achieve better health and optimal function for over 25 years. His depth of experience, combined with ongoing advanced training, makes him one of the most seasoned and specialized chiropractors serving the Norfolk, VA area.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Clayton?
You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Clayton by calling Ghent Chiropractic at (757) 622-1222 or by submitting an appointment request through our New Patient Appointment page. New patients receive a dedicated appointment time so Dr. Clayton can give your care the full attention it deserves.