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Welcome to The Informed Chiropractor, the go-to podcast for neurologically based chiropractors who are ready to make chiropractic relevant again. Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, a 26+ year chiropractor, speaker, and creator of the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, this show blends vitalistic chiropractic principles with modern neuroscience through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory.
Every week, we explore how to shift from a mechanistic model to a salutogenic, nervous system-forward approach that fosters true regulation, coregulation, and healing. Whether you’re navigating burnout, refining your adjusting, or searching for a clearer way to communicate the value of chiropractic, this podcast is your home.
You’ll hear interviews with global experts, real talk from Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald, and actionable tools to build a practice rooted in safety, interoception, and chiropractic certainty.
👉 If you’re a purpose-driven chiropractor who wants to lead with connection, adjust with clarity, and reclaim the art of healing, you’re in the right place.
Key themes covered:
Neurologically based chiropractic care
Chiropractic and the Polyvagal Theory
Creating safety and co-regulation in practice
Coregulation and the social engagement system
The salutogenic model of health
Interoception and the nervous system
Practice growth without burnout
Subscribe now and join thousands of chiropractors worldwide reimagining what’s possible through a nervous system forward practice.
Episodes
Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
23 min
In this episode, Dr. Don MacDonald explores one of the most important concepts in modern chiropractic care: creating safety before, during, and after an adjustment.
Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, and years of clinical experience, Dr. Don explains why patient outcomes are influenced by far more than technique alone. He introduces the concept of the Safety Sandwich—a practical framework that helps chiropractors improve adjustment readiness, support nervous system regulation, and create conditions where healing can occur more effectively.
Whether you're a chiropractor interested in Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation, or improving patient communication, this episode offers practical insights you can use immediately in practice.
Read the companion article:
👉 https://drdonmacdonald.com/safety-sandwich-polyvagal-chiropractic-adjusting/
In This Episode
- Why chiropractic adjustments are influenced by nervous system state
- How co-regulation shapes patient experience and outcomes
- The connection between Polyvagal Theory and chiropractic care
- Why some patients struggle to receive care despite good technique
- How the "Safety Sandwich" improves adjustment readiness
- The difference between safety and comfort
- Why chiropractors may become the first safe relationship a patient experiences
- How practitioner presence, tone, and pacing affect healing
- Lessons learned from the MacDonald Safety Corridor seminars
- Why regulated chiropractors often achieve better clinical outcomes
Key Takeaway
The body does not simply respond to what you do—it responds to how you do it.
When chiropractic care is delivered within a regulated, neurologically safe experience, patients are often better able to receive, integrate, and benefit from the adjustment.
Episode Timestamps
0:00 – 1:12 Development of Co-Regulation and the Ventral Vagal System
1:12 – 2:59 Introduction to the Episode
2:59 – 8:18 The Safety Sandwich and Polyvagal Theory
8:18 – 12:54 Advanced Techniques and Feedback from Chiropractors
12:54 – 14:36 Upcoming Events and Resources
14:36 – 19:10 Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Chiropractic Care
19:10 – 21:35 Safety vs Comfort Zone
21:35 – 23:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Resources & Links
Read the Full Article
https://drdonmacdonald.com/safety-sandwich-polyvagal-chiropractic-adjusting/
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor Mentorship
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
Connect With Dr. Don
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor
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