Hovey and Purvis come to the stadium on Thursday to adjust the athletes and coaches. Then immediately prior to Sunday's game, the DCs will adjust 20 to 30 of the athletes, and, showing they hold no bias, will occasionally adjust the referees. Last year, one of the two chiropractors began travelling to each of the away games. While each player's situation is unique, the scenario on game day follows a predictable course. Before the game there is an air of excitement and anticipation.
Some players get to the locker room more than three hours before game time to prepare.
Somewhere in the sequence of getting ready, a player will make his way to the corner of the training room to have his spine and pelvis checked. After a month of taking care of a group of players, the chiropractors are aware of each one's specific areas of the spine that needs to be assessed and adjusted. Fortin lies on his stomach on the table, and Dr. Hovey palpates his spine looking for the usual and unusual. He determines the specific areas that need attention, and with a few quick thrusts adjusts the 300-pound athlete. Then the others fall in for their turn.