The internet is full of advice on how to choose a chiropractor — but much of it is generic, outdated, or aimed at steering patients away from the profession altogether. At IN Chiropractic & Wellness, we believe transparency, evidence-guided care, and real-world results speak louder than fear-based marketing.
So let’s simplify it.
Here’s what patients should be looking for, what they should avoid, and why our clinic consistently rises to the top for everyone — from families to the world’s strongest athletes.
1. Look for Chiropractors Who Use Defensible, Standardized, and Measurable Methods
Many consumers don’t realize there are internationally recognized structural and biomechanical guidelines in chiropractic.
At our clinic, we use:
PCCRP Guidelines (the only standardized radiographic and structural analysis protocols recognized across chiropractic biomechanics research)
Posture and movement-based analysis
Evidence-informed care plans with measurable outcomes
Athlete-tested clinical protocols from nearly 30 years in elite strongman competition
When a chiropractor uses measurable systems, the patient won’t have to guess if care is working — they’ll see the changes. Standardized examination processes also are a great idea to demonstrate a baseline prior to traumatic events like an auto accident or fall.
2. Look for a Chiropractor Who Uses More Than One Technique
No single technique works for every patient.
That’s why we incorporate multiple, complementary adjusting and even some soft tissue strategies.
Our hands-on methods include:
-
Manual adjusting (joint-specific, low-force when needed)
-
Drop-table adjusting for precision and comfort
-
ArthroStim®, ProAdjuster®, and Impulse® instrument adjusting for patients needing gentler or neurologically-focused correction
-
Motion palpation to detect real restrictions, not imagined ones
-
Myofascial release for soft-tissue and mobility restoration
-
Postural retraining for long-term structural improvement
-
Foundational stability exercises to reinforce correction and prevent recurrence
This combined approach means we can help acute, chronic, athletic, post-surgical, and complex cases without relying on a one-size-fits-all playbook.
3. Choose a Chiropractor Who Handles BOTH the Simple and the Complex
Some clinics only adjust- that is our focus and expertice.
Some clinics only claim to handle difficult cases - but they often lack actual experience.
At IN Chiropractic & Wellness / Indiana Scoliosis Specialists, our caseload spans the entire spectrum:
Minor issues
-
Work-from-home neck stiffness
-
Headaches
-
Low back flare-ups
-
Muscle tension
-
Sprains/strains
Moderate conditions
-
Disc irritation
-
Sciatica
-
Chronic neck or back pain
-
Postural imbalances
-
Athletic injuries
-
Movement dysfunctions
Complex cases
-
Scoliosis (Indiana Scoliosis Specialists)
- Post-Surgical Scoliosis Fusion Care
-
Post-trauma spinal changes
- Post-Surgical Replacement Parts & Pain Syndromes
-
Multiregional pain presentations
-
Long-standing compensatory patterns
-
High-demand performance athletes
-
Tactical and emergency services providers
This ability didn’t come from weekend seminars — it came from decades of managing high-pressure, high-intensity, real-world athletic injuries, often in live-fire environments where diagnosis, judgment, and care must be immediate and accurate.
4. Choose a Chiropractor With Real Clinical Experience — Not Just Marketing Claims
Dr. Todd McDougle’s background is extremely rare in the profession:
Why experience matters:
-
Nearly 30 years working with elite strongman athletes
-
A leader in chiropractic sports triage and high-level event coverage
-
Specialized in biomechanical rehabilitation for athletes and scoliosis
-
Multi-state licensed (IN, OH, CO)
-
Chairman of the ICA Sports Council
-
Clinical educator with over three years of live-fire training instruction
This isn’t theory.
This is hands-on, field-tested clinical judgment — the kind that protects athletes at the highest level and delivers results to everyday patients.
5. Look for a Clinic With a Professional Philosophy — Not Gimmicks
With so many offices offering everything under the sun, chiropractic can start to look like a wild marketplace. That’s why years ago Dr. McDougle introduced the concept of:
“No Quacks Here — Just Quality Chiropractic.”
It wasn’t a jab — it was a promise:
That our office doesn’t participate in:
-
Fear-based sales
-
Overblown miracle claims
-
Cookie-cutter “packages”
-
Pushy treatment contracts
-
Buzzwords without substance
Instead, our office will focus on:
-
Structural correction
-
Evidence-informed decision making
-
Patient education
-
Athletic-level functional improvement
-
Honest, transparent communication
That philosophy still resonates today — maybe more than ever — in a healthcare climate where consumers are overwhelmed with questionable claims.
6. Choose a Chiropractor Who Actually Collaborates With Other Professions
We’ve proven this by working seamlessly with:
-
Physical therapists
-
Medical physicians
-
Athletic trainers
-
Strength coaches
-
Event medical teams
-
Emergency and tactical professionals
Integration is not a theory for our clinic — it’s our daily reality.
7. Choose a Clinic That Respects the Patient’s Time and Goals
IN Chiropractic & Wellness is known for:
-
Straightforward treatment plans
-
Clear expectations
-
Measurable progress checks
-
Efficient appointment flow
-
Respect for working families and busy athletes
-
A front desk that communicates professionally and clearly
Patients don’t feel “sold to.”
They feel supported, educated, and included in their plan.
Why Patients Choose IN Chiropractic & Wellness
When consumers search “how to choose a chiropractor,” they’re usually trying to avoid:
-
Overhyped claims
-
Unqualified providers
-
Gimmicks
-
Questionable treatment plans
At IN Chiropractic & Wellness, we offer the opposite:
Professional, athletic-tested, guideline-based chiropractic care that works for everyone — from the most minor neck tension to the most complex structural cases.
This is chiropractic done the right way.
Not loud.
Not flashy.
Not gimmicky.
Just quality clinical care backed by decades of real expertise.
Call Gretchen Today at 317-770-5775
Dr. Todd McDougle
Contact Me