What We Do

The mission of Epic Performance Integrative Chiropractic is simple: to provide specialized treatment protocols for professional touring musicians in order to decrease pain, increase function and free the body and mind to allow them to focus on what's important, the music.

Dr. Charlie Kautz is a licensed Chiropractor and an Active Release (ART) and Graston certified provider, two state-of-the-art techniques that directly treat specific muscles to relieve pain symptoms and improve range of motion. He wants to re-define artist hospitality by taking the "pre-show massage" to a whole new level. While a massage feels great, it doesn't address the underlying structural problems often associated with pain symptoms and dysfunction. After years of observing and working with musicians, Dr. Charlie utilizes a unique combination of advanced myofascial and Chiropractic techniques, along with kinesiology taping protocols, to address these underlying causes of repetitive stress injury. He is a member of the Chiropractic Performing Arts Network (CPAN), a nation-wide network of chiropractors who share common vision of providing natural healthcare to performing artists by enhancing performance, increasing vitality and creativity, and increasing overall body awareness.

Epic Performance Integrative Chiropractic is available to provide services at concerts, festivals and on tour. If you are experiencing any pain or restriction that may be be affecting performance on stage or life on the road, Dr. Charlie has the knowledge, tools, skills and means to help!

Conditions treated: repetitive stress injuries, headaches, neck and upper back pain, TMJ syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, tendonitis/bursitis, ulnar nerve entrapment, musician's elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist/hand pain and numbness, lower back pain and spasms, hip and knee problems, sciatica, disc herniations, foot and ankle injuries, plantar fasciitis, acute injuries, fatigue, stress, weakness and MORE

Dr. Charlie Kautz

Dr. Charlie Kautz grew up in Paducah, Kentucky. As a young man, he took a great interest in science, the human body and most importantly, music. He was always active in athletics, which continued into high school where he was a standout athlete in cross country and track & field. During his senior cross country season, he developed shin splints and "runner's knee", for which he began seeing a Chiropractor. To his surprise, he quickly saw tremendous improvement in these conditions and it was this experience that initially sparked an interest in pursuing a career to help sick people get well.

Dr. Charlie believes that proper nutrition, movement and positive thinking are the keys to a healthy lifestyle. He is a firm believer that Chiropractic care paired with functional and rehabilitative movement exercises will allow a patient to return to optimal health and maximize their performance in daily activities. Dr. Charlie is well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries that plague professional touring musicians, but also has the ability to adapt his treatment protocols to every type of patient of all ages. He has a keen interest in nutrition supplementation and the prevention and treatment of repetitive stress injury. He is up to date on the latest Chiropractic treatment and management protocols and looks forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness and maximizing your performance!

Testimonials

“Dr. Charlie has aligned my spine and neck right before some of Moon Taxi’s biggest performances (Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza & our annual New Year's Eve concerts). I feel my best on stage when I have more energy and range of motion throughout the set. This greatly affects my performance with the ability to move freely during the music’s most energetic moments. Dr. Charlie’s ability to make his patients feel comfortable and at ease is an integral part of what he does with each visit. This is very important for me before show time! He has also taught me the value of good posture and how to be more conscious about it throughout the day. Everyone should visit and learn from Dr. Charlie!”
-Wes Bailey, keyboardist (Moon Taxi)

"My neck is still feeling good after signing hundreds of books thanks to Charlie's adjustment. Much appreciated!"
-John Densmore, drummer (The Doors)

"After 16 years of being on the road, bass playing finally caught up with me and I started having some pain in my joints and arms. I enjoy pain, but not pain while I'm playing. Dr. Charlie Kautz made me feel good and fixed my arms up nice so I can play bass all night long."
-Ryan Stasik, bassist (Umphreys McGee)

"I really appreciate Dr. Charlie Kautz's work all the time and I think you would too. He'll crack you up!"
-Kris Myers, drummer (Umphrey's McGee)

“For years I've had tension and pain issues in my hands, wrists, and arms due to playing and performing drums. Charlies adjustments and chiropractic work has been the most beneficial treatment I've ever received in alleviating these problems. After a session with Charlie, my entire body feels looser and more aligned, and I notice a significant reduction in the tension I feel in my arms, allowing me to play looser and end a show with my arms feeling good, not tight and sore. I'm confident that whatever physical issues you may be having, especially if you are a musician, Charlie can help you immensely. On top of all that, he's a super cool dude. Thanks Charlie!" 
- Steve Florian, drummer (Indigo Sun)

“Since I started seeing Dr. Charlie on a weekly basis, my musical performance level is at an all time high! I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in my spine and it does not help that I have to strap a 30 pound bass around my neck for hours at a time. Not only has Dr. Charlie helped to fix my problem, but has also given me advice on posture and pre-show warm ups to prevent further aggravation. My overall mobility and the fact that I’m not in pain on stage frees my mind and body to and allows me to focus on the music.”
-Jason Haeberlin, bassist (Undercover Organism)

“Dr. Charlie does wonders with the spine! As a person who is constantly active, working as a nurse during the day and playing music all night, the stress that I harbor in my upper back can start to build on me. Charlie has some tricks up his sleeve for getting rid of the aches and pains that keep me from playing and feeling my best.”
-Ian Hutchinson, guitarist (Undercover Organism)

“Charlie has helped increase my range of movement and comfort while playing music as well as in everyday activities, and has also allowed me to become conscious of how I carry out my routines. The first time he did some work on my arms and back was the day of a show, and after he was done it was quite possibly the loosest my arms have ever felt while playing. Dr. Charlie can provide you relief and he is highly qualified, professional, and very personable. I recommend his services to anyone who has experienced any of these issues that get in the way of accomplishing their daily necessities or lifelong goals."
–Rick Carlson, drummer (Newlybreds)

"We just got everything put back into place before the show by Dr. Kautz, Musician's Physician, and we feel like a million bucks!!!"
-@CHERUBlamusica (Cherub) via Twitter

 

“Why can't every festival have Dr. Charlie Kautz behind the stage, ready to give me an adjustment after the set?”
-Ryan Hug, Tour Manager (Cherub

“We'd love to give a big shout out to Dr. Charlie Kautz! Having a chiropractor who comes on site to the venue to get the artists adjusted and ready to play the best sets possible really helps make our venue stand out .We appreciate it and I know the artists do too!”
-The Miramar Theatre/Brew City Bass (Milwaukee, WI)

“A BIG THANKS to Dr. Charlie Kautz for giving me a pre-Soap show treatment at Summer Camp Music Festival. He was just what I needed when my lower back pain kicked in.”
-Eric Krapf, guitarist (Soap)

“A special thanks out to Dr. Charlie Kautz for stopping by at our show in Milwaukee last night and getting us dialed in and moving forward. Make sure you check him out.”
-Freekbass, bassist

“Dr. Kautz was very quick to identify the flaws in my posture and was able to make adjustments that definitely loosened me up for my performance. On top of that he gave sound advice for daily exercises to counteract my poor posture. Thanks!”
-Ben Combe, guitarist (Particle)

“Dr. Charlie!!! What a guy. I've had issues with my shoulder for a few years now. That has led to issues throughout my entire arm, especially while playing percussion. After spending some time with the doc before our show last night, I can't explain how much of a difference it made. Not just physically, but mentally as well...it was nice to feel good to the point that i was free of any mental restrictions that might typically be there when attempting to avoid further pain. I thank you Charlie! Please give this guy your time, you won't regret it, neither will your body!!”
-Todd Trettin, percussionist (Stereo Frontier)

“I played the show of my life tonight. I normally get fatigued when jumping around while playing guitar but Dr. Charlie made me feel no pain during my performance. He is the most down to earth man you will meet. Please see Dr. Charlie if you have any shoulder or neck pains. He tuned me up and my body has never felt better after an hour long set.”
-Brian Koceja, Guitarist (Stereo Frontier)

“Got my back fixed up by Dr. Charlie Kautz, Epic Performance Chiropractic. Musicians; look him when you're in Milwaukee.”
-Alex Steele, vocalist/keyboardist (Roster McCabe)