Sports Chiropractic | Injury Rehabilitation | Patient-Centered Care

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Dr. Gabriel Guzman Mercado is passionate about helping people recover from injury, improve their physical function, and return to the activities that bring meaning to their lives. Combining his background in biomedical sciences, chiropractic training, and experience in athletic settings, Dr. Gabriel takes a patient-centered approach that emphasizes individualized care, education, and an understanding of each person's goals.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised by a single mother, Dr. Gabriel learned early in life the value of perseverance, compassion, and community. Those values continue to shape his approach to patient care. Known for his generous spirit and willingness to help others, he strives to make every patient feel heard, supported, and involved in their own recovery.

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From Athlete to Chiropractor: A Personal Journey

Sports have been an important part of Dr. Gabriel's life since childhood. Baseball was his first love, and he also pursued competitive swimming and volleyball. His athletic journey was interrupted by multiple injuries toward the end of high school and the beginning of college. 

 

During his own rehabilitation, Dr. Gabriel was referred to a chiropractor. Experiencing firsthand how chiropractic care could support his recovery and improve his quality of life sparked a new direction for his future. He recognized an opportunity to combine his love of sports with his desire to help others overcome physical challenges.

While completing his undergraduate studies in biomedical sciences at the University of Puerto Rico, he became increasingly certain that chiropractic was the right career for him. His personal experience as an injured athlete continues to inform his appreciation for the physical and emotional challenges that can accompany an injury, particularly when it interferes with the activities someone loves.

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Education, Clinical Training & Sports Medicine Experience

Dr. Gabriel earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico before completing his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Northeast College of Health Sciences, formerly New York Chiropractic College. His clinical training includes ConnectTx, dry needling, Nimmo Technique, and additional treatment approaches that allow him to tailor care to individual patient needs. He emphasizes thoughtful evaluation, clear communication, and helping patients understand their conditions and treatment plans.

 

During his clinical education, Dr. Gabriel completed rotations at Depew Health Center and the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Buffalo, New York. These experiences helped broaden his clinical perspective and strengthened his commitment to working with people with varied needs and backgrounds. 

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He also interned with Dr. Cheryl Lee-Pow at PowHer Chiropractic & Wellness Center, where he further developed his clinical skills and gained experience in sports chiropractic and event coverage. His hands-on experience includes involvement with the DC Divas women's professional football team, the AAU Taekwondo Region 2 Championship, XTERRA off-road triathlon, and duathlon events. As a student, he also volunteered his time to provide chiropractic care at community running events, including the Buffalo Marathon in 2024 and the Women's 5K to Run in Seneca Falls.

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These experiences exposed him to the physical demands of different sports and the importance of supporting athletes in competitive environments. They also reinforced the value of adapting care to each person's circumstances, activity level, and goals.

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A Patient-Centered Approach to Care

Dr. Gabriel believes that effective care begins with listening. He takes time to explain his findings, discuss treatment options, and guide patients through the recovery process so they can better understand their care and participate in decisions about their health.

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His approach is grounded in empathy, education, and individualized treatment. Rather than viewing pain as an isolated problem, he considers the patient's broader circumstances, functional limitations, and goals when developing a care plan. Whether working with an athlete recovering from an injury, an active adult seeking to move more comfortably, or an older individual hoping to maintain mobility and independence, Dr. Gabriel strives to provide thoughtful, respectful care that meets the patient where they are. 

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He is particularly mindful of the impact injuries can have on a person's confidence, routine, and quality of life. Having experienced those challenges himself, he understands the importance of helping patients feel supported throughout their recovery.

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Care That Reflects the PowHer Philosophy

At PowHer Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Gabriel works within a multidisciplinary environment offering chiropractic care, physical therapy, soft tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise, acupuncture, massage, and additional wellness services. This setting allows treatment plans to be individualized according to each patient's needs, functional goals, and appropriate clinical considerations. When beneficial, care can incorporate different services within the practice or coordination with other healthcare professionals.

Dr. Gabriel values an approach that combines clinical care with patient education and an appreciation for the whole person. His goal is to help patients better understand their bodies, work toward improved function, and return to the activities that matter most to them.

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Life Beyond the Clinic

Outside of work, Dr. Gabriel enjoys cooking for his partner, friends, and family. Since moving to Maryland, he has also enjoyed exploring the region, discovering hiking trails, and finding new places to satisfy his sweet tooth.

His appreciation for family, community, and the simple pleasures of everyday life reflects the same warmth he brings to his relationships with patients.

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Dr. Gabriel believes in the potential people have to overcome challenges when they are supported, committed, and willing to put their hearts into the process. At PowHer, he brings that belief to his work each day, helping patients pursue recovery, greater function, and a more active life.