— As we watch in awe of the athleticism on the track to see who reaches the finish line first, Dr. David Pascal of Cary watches from a different perspective.

"So I look at them from a physiologic viewpoint," Pascal said. "Make sure they have normal joint motion, make sure their muscles are OK. But I'm also looking at them from a neurologic viewpoint.

The chiropractor specializes in a technique called quantum neurology, which uses lasers to stimulate the nervous system. Most of his patients have had a stroke, or are paralyzed and can see a reversal in their pain with this treatment. He works with track and field athletes and sees the benefit for them, too.

"So the way that translates to the athletes is if you can take someone who has been paralyzed for 20 years and get them to walk after a few treatments or move again, you're affecting the nervous system," he said. "So if you're an athlete, it doesn't matter how great you are, your nervous system can always function better. Use that same technique to dial their body in the best we can."

This is Pascal's fifth Olympics. He's not on the USA medical staff, but he works alongside them to provide another layer of advice.

"I like to form relationships with the athletes, much like a coach and work with them all season, all year, all career," Pascal said. "Like Justin Gatlin. I started working with him in 2003. Lashawn Merritt in 2006. These are long, long term relationships and then you know the athlete better and can help them better."

When he's not at the track, he's enjoying his accommodations in Rio! He's staying on the same ship as the US men's basketball team.

"You know, I'll walk by the USA players," Pascal said. "That's not my world, and I'm not the type of person to go up and say 'Hey Carmelo Anthony.' Yeah, but you go wow, that guy is really tall."