The Informed Chiropractor Podcast

The Informed Chiropractor Podcast with Dr. Don MacDonald

What if one of the biggest missing pieces in chiropractic isn't another adjustment technique—but an area of the body most of us were never taught how to assess?

In this episode, I share one of the biggest clinical breakthroughs we've had over the past year: integrating pelvic floor work into the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol through a polyvagal lens.

What started as one practice member with a prolapse and an ovarian tumor opened the door to an entirely new understanding of how the pelvic floor influences nervous system regulation, posture, movement, hip function, breathing, and overall health. Since then, we've taught this protocol to chiropractors around the world and the feedback has been incredible.

I also shift gears in the second half of the episode to discuss the three biggest challenges we're seeing while coaching chiropractors internationally—and why success today has less to do with learning another strategy and more to do with knowing where to focus.

If you've ever felt like there's a gap in your clinical toolbox—or your practice feels busy but unfocused—this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn

• Why has the pelvic floor become such an important part of our clinical work
• How the pelvic floor influences nervous system regulation through a polyvagal perspective
• The relationship between fascia, mechanoreceptors, posture and movement
• Why chronic hip, low back, and rib problems often have an overlooked pelvic floor component
• Clinical stories showing changes in prolapse symptoms, bladder urgency and hip function
• Why restoring movement—not simply strengthening—is often the missing piece
• The importance of informed consent and creating safety when working with sensitive areas
• The three biggest obstacles chiropractors are facing today
• Why too many strategies are creating overwhelm instead of growth
• How identifying your current "season" of practice changes everything
• Why understanding your natural Working Genius can reduce burnout and improve practice satisfaction
• A preview of our upcoming UNMastermind experience in Lisbon

Key Takeaways

One of the biggest lessons we've learned is that regulation isn't just about adjusting the spine.

The nervous system constantly gathers information from every part of the body. When tissues lose movement, the brain loses quality information. By restoring ease and movement—especially through the pelvic floor—we often see improvements that extend far beyond the pelvis itself.

We also believe chiropractors don't need more information.

Most need more clarity.

Knowing what season you're in, focusing on the few things that matter most, and working within your natural strengths creates far more momentum than chasing every new strategy that appears online.

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/pelvic-floor-and-polyvagal-chiropractic/

Resources 

• MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol
• Polyvagal Theory for Chiropractors
• Nervous System Regulation
• Vagus Nerve and Chiropractic Care 
• Pelvic Floor and Polyvagal Chiropractic

Learn more at: drdonmacdonald.com

 

Join us in Calgary or Toronto by visiting our website https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/ 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

We just made the top 10 Podcasts on Polyvagal theory. Check it out, we are number 2

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/polyvagal-therapy-podcasts

 

Today I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the last few months, including 5 crucial pillars for changing patient outcomes. I’ve been attending seminars and speaking across more than 52 time zones, while keeping busy with the process of handing off the practice over the next nine months to our young Docs. From recent podcast guests to speaking events in Australia, Windsor, and Calgary, here are the top takeaways on chiropractic care I’ve been reflecting on.

In this episode:

• What we’ve been up to since the last episode aired.
• What made the previous episode with Heidi Haavik so great?
• The importance of using objective measurements in chiropractic care.
• What I spoke about in Australia recently and why it matters.
• Why the time frame of chiropractic care makes a significant difference in outcomes.
• How movement acts as a summer switch, and why we need optimal movement.
• How mapping and helping a body identify its position in space are so critical.
• The way our nervous systems are wired to be in a protective state.
• How supporting a state of ease in the global system actually changes lives.
• What is the goal of initial chiropractic care for dysregulated people?
• What the “window of tolerance” is and how you can increase it.
• Where we went in Australia and what made it an especially exciting visit.
• How the Calgary event brought chiropractors together in a positive and impactful way.
• Why opening more chiropractic schools is so important, especially now.
• What we have planned for the summer, including ways you can get involved.

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/polyvagal-chiropractic-the-5-pillars-that-change-patient-outcomes/

Join us in Calgary or Toronto by visiting our website https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/ 

 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

 

We just made the top 10 Podcasts on Polyvagal theory. Check it out, we are number 2

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/polyvagal-therapy-podcasts

 

Dr. Heidi Haavik is back on the podcast for the second time in today’s episode. With a PhD in neurophysiology, Dr. Haavik is one of the most renowned researchers in chiropractic and is also the Founder of Haavik Research. During the episode, she discusses the latest research in chiropractic (including the most cutting-edge studies), how the research is catching up with the long-appreciated benefits of chiropractic care, and why it’s such an incredible time to be in this industry.

In this episode:

• How chiropractic care changes the brain through nervous system safety.
• What is now being measured in real time and how it impacts the patient experience.
• How touch supports the body in learning to be in a regulatory state.
• What your team can do to support patients so they feel seen and heard.
• What the recent research is saying about chiropractic and the immune system.
• Why it’s such an exciting time to be a chiropractor right now.
• How our bodies protect us from overwhelming stress (and how chiropractic helps).
• How an adjustment can impact the salience network depending on your state.
• Why some chiropractors might refuse to embrace this model of care.
• The ways Dr. Haavik’s perspective on chiropractic has changed over time.
• The limiting beliefs prevalent in the industry and how they’re shifting now.
• How the positive outcomes of an adjustment are being strengthened through research.
• The difference that regular, long-term chiropractic care can make (versus intermittent).
• The cutting edge research bio-engineers are doing right now related to muscle testing.
• Ideal changes that could be made to the way patient records are handled today.

 

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/chiropractic-brain-research-with-dr-heidi-haavik-polyvagal-theory-nervous-system-insights/

 

Donate to the NZCC Research Centre to support the actual research being done: https://chiropractic.ac.nz/research/support-our-research 

 

Heidi’s upcoming online masterclass on the latest chiro-neuro-immune connection (will be recorded in case you cannot make the live session): https://heidihaavik.com/masterclass 

 

Heidi’s online resource libraries (both for chiropractors who want to learn the science, and for your patients/practice members): https://chiroshub.com 

 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

In this episode our guest is The CEO and President of the Australian Chiropractic College (ACC), Dr. Patrick Sim. There’s so much more to chiropractic than the practice: there’s also philosophy, politics, and core values. In this episode, Dr. Sim gives his unique view of the chiropractic industry through the lens of his knowledge and experiences in these specific areas. He also lets us in on what to expect at the upcoming Concordia 2026 event in Australia.

In this episode:

• How the philosophy of chiropractic care resonated with and influenced Dr. Sim early on.
• What inspired him to get into the political side of chiropractic practice and why it matters.
• How the political side of chiropractic impacts chiropractors (whether they acknowledge it or not).
• What it really takes to reach your next level and to experience growth in business and life.
• Why having an association to protect the public is important in this industry.
• The uniquely broad view Dr. Sim has of the chiropractic industry and what it allows him to see.
• What happened when he realized he did something wrong with regard to the values of chiropractic care.
• The people who joined on the academic journey with Dr. Sim immediately.
• The milestones they’ve met at their school thus far (in just a few short years).
• How many students they take in every year and the significance of it.

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/australian-chiropractic-college-podcast-dr-patrick-sim/

 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

 

Register for Concordia 2026: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/concordia-2026-you-havent-come-this-far-to-only-come-this-far-tickets-1318294627719 

 

Australian Chiropractic College: https://acc.sa.edu.au/ 

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Kevorkian as he walks through how chiropractic technique develops over time and why analysis matters as much as force. He explains how his background shaped his early focus, what led him to study many systems, and how indicators guide decisions in real moments. He talks about nerves, biomechanics, and how different models look at the same spine. He also explores when not to adjust, how timing changes outcomes, and why connection between two people affects results.

 

In this episode:

• Dr. Kevorkian’s head start on chiropractic through engineering, measurements, angles, and biomechanical reasoning.
• What drew Dr. Kevorkian’s attention toward upper cervical work and indicator-based adjusting approaches.
• How exposure to non-biomechanical methods expanded his understanding beyond structural models.
• The influence of SOT and algorithm-driven indicators on clinical decision processes.
• How meeting Dr. Donny Epstein reframed technique as relationship and nervous system engagement.
• Why technique became viewed to Dr. Kevorkian as a best-guess application of force.
• The distinction between biomechanical change priorities and neurophysiological change priorities.
• How every chiropractic technique reflects a defined analytical window and force strategy.
• The shift within education toward force application over analytical development.
• What artistry in adjusting looks like beyond rigid protocol execution.
• How experience, repetition, and body awareness shape adjusting proficiency over time.
• The limits of technology and data in replacing human connection during care.
• Plans for campus partnerships, relocation, and expanded educational sites.

 

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/how-chiropractic-adjusting-techniques-evolved/

 

The WAVE Chiropractic Conference: https://wave.lifewest.edu 

 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

I take some time in this episode to reflect on what took place in 2025 and give insight on why planning for the future often starts with knowing what to let go of. I get into why practitioner health directly impacts clinical outcomes, and how new approaches to pelvic floor and shoulder care are providing impressive results in practice. We’ll walk through real clinical observations, unexpected connections, and why regulation matters more than technique alone to set you up for success in 2026.

In this episode:

• The importance of year-end reflection before setting meaningful clinical and personal targets.
• Why stopping unhelpful habits creates space for growth and better professional focus.
• My motivation behind creating a health-focused experience for chiropractors.
• How practitioner vitality directly influences resilience, energy, and patient outcomes.
• The introduction of a new pelvic floor and shoulder-focused educational protocol.
• What clinical observations revealed about pelvic floor tension and organ support.
• How restoring pelvic floor elasticity influences bladder function and prolapse patterns.
• A trampoline analogy to explain force distribution and muscular efficiency in the pelvis.
• Why pelvic alignment affects low back pain, nerve irritation, and adjustment retention.
• How sacral and pelvic nerve pathways relate to leg symptoms and sensory changes.
• The connection between pelvic musculature, adductors, and medial knee stress.
• The role of fascial systems in shoulder imbalance and chronic protective tension.
• Why post-adjustment soft tissue input enhances regulation and neurological safety.

 

📖 Related Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/pelvic-floor-chiropractic/

 

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor 

 

Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens 

Dr. Brian McAulay, President of Life University, is with us today to explore his inspiring journey of becoming a transformative leader in chiropractic education. We hear about his career evolution, highlighting his tenure at Parker University. Dr. McAulay shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for collaborative innovation to reduce educational costs and promote chiropractic as a unified career path.

📖 Read the companion article:

The Future of Chiropractic: Innovation, Leadership and Education
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-future-of-chiropractic-innovation-leadership-and-education/

In this episode:

• Why a business project sparked Dr. McAulay's passion for holistic chiropractic care.
• How Dr. McAulay built long-term professional relationships within the chiropractic community.
• Why Dr. McAulay is committed to Life University's innovative culture and mission.
• How inefficiencies in independent infrastructures challenge chiropractic education institutions.
• Why Dr. McAulay advocates for resource-sharing to reduce costs and student debt.
• Why the "lasting purpose" and "loving service" philosophies guide the chiropractic community.
• How Dr. McAulay emphasizes the importance of collaboration for mutual benefit.
• Why chiropractic education must maintain core values amidst diverse educational influences.
• How the NFL's approach to collective success can inspire the chiropractic profession.
• How Life University's campus honors chiropractic pioneers and inspires future practitioners.
• Why affordability remains a significant issue in chiropractic education, especially in the United States.

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free "Intro to the Polyvagal Lens" (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

Related Reading:

📖 The Future of Chiropractic: Innovation, Leadership and Education
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-future-of-chiropractic-innovation-leadership-and-education/

📖 Polyvagal Theory for Chiropractors
https://drdonmacdonald.com/polyvagal-theory-for-chiropractors/

📖 Nervous System Regulation
https://drdonmacdonald.com/nervous-system-regulation/

📖 Chiropractic Communication
https://drdonmacdonald.com/chiropractic-communication/

Today, Dr. Don MacDonald explores one of the most talked-about topics in modern health and neuroscience: the vagus nerve and its role in nervous system regulation.

Drawing on insights shared at the CNAC Conference in Toronto, Dr. Don explains why chiropractors are uniquely positioned to help patients better understand the connection between the brain, body, stress, healing, and adaptability. Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, this episode explores how movement, breathing, connection, and chiropractic care may influence a person's ability to regulate and recover.

As public interest in the vagus nerve continues to grow, chiropractors have an opportunity to provide meaningful education that bridges science, patient experience, and clinical care.

In This Episode

• What the vagus nerve actually does
• Why Polyvagal Theory is changing healthcare conversations
• How nervous system regulation influences healing and recovery
• Why social connection is a biological need
• The relationship between chiropractic care and vagal function
• How movement and breathing influence regulation
• Why patients are increasingly searching for vagus nerve information
• The connection between stress, anxiety, sleep, and nervous system function
• Why chiropractors should become educators in the nervous system space
• How a regulated nervous system supports resilience and wellbeing

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Related Article

Read the companion article:

👉 The Vagus Nerve and Nervous System Regulation
https://drdonmacdonald.com/the-vagus-nerve-and-nervous-system-regulation/

This article expands on the concepts discussed in this episode, including Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation, vagus nerve function, and practical applications for chiropractors.

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Resources Mentioned

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor Mentorship Waitlist

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free Intro to the Polyvagal Lens (For Chiropractors)

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

Episode Description

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast, Dr. Don MacDonald is joined by Dr. Kelly-Jane McLaughlin, a chiropractor from Carlisle, England, whose work focuses on pregnancy chiropractic care, pediatric chiropractic, family wellness, and practitioner development.

Dr. Kelly shares her unique journey into chiropractic, her experiences working with professional rugby teams, and the lessons she has learned building a successful family-centered chiropractic practice. Together, they discuss the growing importance of pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic care, mentorship, communication, continuing education, and creating sustainable success in practice.

Whether you're a chiropractor interested in serving more families, supporting pregnant patients, or improving your professional growth, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration.

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In This Episode

• How Dr. Kelly-Jane McLaughlin discovered chiropractic
• Why pregnancy and pediatric chiropractic continue to grow worldwide
• The benefits of family-centered chiropractic care
• The role of mentorship in professional development
• Balancing chiropractic practice and family life
• Working successfully alongside your spouse in business
• Understanding modern challenges facing expectant mothers
• Dr. McLaughlin's perspective on C-section rates and patient education
• Why simplifying clinical communication improves patient outcomes
• The importance of lifelong learning and professional growth
• Building confidence through education and community

---

Related Article

📖 Continue Reading:

Pregnancy and Pediatric Chiropractic: Lessons from Dr. Kelly-Jane McLaughlin

https://drdonmacdonald.com/pregnancy-and-pediatric-chiropractic/

This companion article expands on the topics discussed in this episode, including pregnancy chiropractic care, pediatric chiropractic, family wellness, mentorship, and building a thriving chiropractic practice.

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Resources Mentioned

Hayley & Kelly
https://www.hayleyandkelly.co.uk/

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor Mentorship Waitlist
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free Intro to the Polyvagal Lens (For Chiropractors)
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

From Inflammation to Regulation: How Chiropractic Engages the Vagus Nerve

In this episode of The Informed Chiropractor Podcast, Dr. Don MacDonald explores the growing connection between inflammation, the vagus nerve, nervous system regulation, and chiropractic care.

Drawing on insights from researchers and educators including Dr. Dan Murphy and JP Errico, this discussion examines how chronic inflammation influences cognitive health, healing capacity, stress responses, and overall wellbeing. Dr. Don explains why the vagus nerve has become one of the most important topics in modern healthcare and how chiropractors can help patients better understand the relationship between inflammation, adaptation, and recovery.

You'll also learn how Polyvagal Theory, vagal tone, neuroinflammation, and lifestyle factors such as movement, fasting, social connection, and mental stimulation may influence long-term health outcomes.

Whether you're a chiropractor seeking a deeper understanding of nervous system regulation or someone interested in the science of healing, this episode offers practical insights into one of the most important conversations in healthcare today.

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In This Episode

• Why the vagus nerve plays a critical role in inflammation regulation
• How inflammation influences brain health and cognitive function
• The relationship between vagal tone and physiological resilience
• Understanding the inflammatory cascade and why it matters
• How Polyvagal Theory influences healing and patient care
• The role of macrophages and microglia in brain development
• How autophagy and fasting may support inflammation regulation
• Why chronic inflammation can impact long-term neurological health
• The importance of social connection and mental activity for brain function
• What chiropractors should understand about nervous system regulation
• How lifestyle factors influence inflammation and recovery

---

Related Article

📖 Continue Reading:

The Vagus Nerve, Inflammation, and Nervous System Regulation

https://drdonmacdonald.com/vagus-nerve-inflammation-and-nervous-system-regulation/

This companion article expands on the concepts discussed in this episode, including vagal tone, neuroinflammation, Polyvagal Theory, brain health, and the role of nervous system regulation in healing and recovery.

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Resources Mentioned

The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto

Join The Informed Chiropractor Mentorship Waitlist

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor

Free Intro to the Polyvagal Lens (For Chiropractors)

https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens

Book an Appointment with Dr. Don MacDonald

https://www.edmontonchirosouthside.com/

 

Related Reading:

The Vagus Nerve, Inflammation, and Nervous System Regulation
https://drdonmacdonald.com/vagus-nerve-inflammation-and-nervous-system-regulation/

The Vagus Nerve and Chiropractic Care
https://drdonmacdonald.com/vagus-nerve-and-chiropractic-care/

Nervous System Regulation for Chiropractors
https://drdonmacdonald.com/nervous-system-regulation/