Meet Dr. James Finnen at Upstate Spine & Sport
Meet the newest member to join the impressive team at Upstate Spine & Sport of Basecamp at 1000 Laurens Road in Greenville. Introducing Dr. James Finnen, a skilled chiropractor with a unique background in athletic training, specializing in pain reduction and rehabilitation for patients of all ages. His practice combines soft tissue therapy, dry needling, functional rehabilitation, and adjustments to help patients from athletes to grandparents. Now let’s meet Dr. James Finnen!
360: How did you end up at Upstate Spine & Sport?
James: I met Dr. David Jolson when I was a staff athletic trainer at Furman University. Upstate Spine & Sport became the official team chiropractor for us (Furman) and I was immediately impressed with his communication skills and abilities to simplify care for my athletes, while also getting them back to competition quickly. I decided in early 2021 that I wanted to attend chiropractic school and, with Dr. Jolson’s guidance, started school in July of that year.
Ending up at Upstate Spine & Sport continued…
I started shadowing at Upstate Spine & Sport in June of 2021, and along with Dr. Tanner Garey, the two became my mentors. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and support I’ve received from Dr. Jolson and Dr. Garey, and I couldn’t have asked for better guides on this journey.
360: What’s a typical day like at Upstate Spine & Sport?
James: There is not anything quite like working at Upstate Spine & Sport. Our team has an incredible bond, and I get along quite well with everyone here. The community that Fran and Dr. Jolson has created is next to none. I would not be able to be successful without the support and help from Anna (Clinic Manager) and Casey (Patient Care Coordinator). They have helped me most with the day-to-day transitions while I get accustomed to my new role. All the practice members at Upstate Spine & Sport are the best in their respective fields and have been there for me with any help and advice I may need. We show up early, bring the energy for our patients, and thank them for their trust after their appointment is over.
360: What do you love most about your job?
James: My favorite quote is from Robin McKenzie. “Everything I have learned, I learned from my patients.” This is what I love most about my job. I get to interact with amazing human beings who have taken a step to better understand their health journey. I am very fortunate that I get to be a guide for my patients, and this is something I do not take for granted.
360: If you could give chiropractic advice without seeing someone, what would it be?
James: Always keep moving and stay focused on the present moment. Every repetition is an opportunity to improve right here and now. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or training for a personal athletic goal, it’s easy for stress, whether positive or negative, to distract you from what you’re doing. So, take a deep breath and focus on winning each repetition, one at a time.
360: When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing in the Upstate?
James: I love to play guitar and banjo, so you may see me and my wife around town going to shows and concerts in the area. I enjoy being outdoors and hiking trails in the Blueridge Parkway, rock climbing or lifting weights at BlocHaven, and catching a Mets game or two during the summer. Mostly, I enjoy being at home with my wife Casey, our daughter Harper, and our puppy Ellie.
360: Awesome. Thanks and welcome to Greenville, James! And let’s do Mets!
If interested in scheduling with James, you can schedule here. Upstate Spine & Sport is located at Basecamp at 1000 Laurens Road in Greenville.
