Innovation of McDougle Chiropractic Methods

From Recovery to Revolution in Chiropractic Care

When I graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1997, I couldn’t have imagined the incredible journey that would follow. The path that became McDougle Chiropractic Methods (MCM) began years earlier—with a life-altering event that tested every ounce of resilience I had.

In 1988, while working at a foundry and awaiting entry into the Indiana State Police, my life changed forever. A routine task turned catastrophic when I was pulled into a sand reclaimer—a moment that mirrored what we now know as the “Viking Hold” in Strongman competitions. My survival depended on calm focus, instinct, and grit.

The injuries were devastating—requiring skin grafts, muscle reconstruction, and extensive rehabilitation. After weeks of therapy, a single twitch of my thumb saved my right arm from amputation. Standing 6’3” and weighing just 165 pounds after the accident, I began the long road back to health. That fight became the foundation for what would one day evolve into MCM—a method built on perseverance, precision, and purpose.

The Strength Behind the Mission

During my recovery, one of my nurses—Brenda, who would later become my wife—became my greatest supporter. Together, we raised four children while I pursued Chiropractic education. Managing the demands of family, coursework, and physical limitations taught me how to adapt and innovate—skills that became central to my chiropractic philosophy.

After graduation, I opened my practice in the Indianapolis area and soon met Professional Strongman Chad Coy, a lifelong friend and one of the sport’s most respected athletes. Chad asked a question that changed everything:

“Can you adjust me in a way that doesn’t make me feel weak afterward?”

That challenge sparked years of study, experimentation, and collaboration that led to the creation of McDougle Chiropractic Methods—a system designed to enhance, not diminish, performance.

The Evolution of McDougle Chiropractic Methods (MCM)

MCM is a functional, evidence-based chiropractic approach built through decades of hands-on experience in strength sports, rehabilitation, and athlete performance optimization.

Unlike traditional methods focused solely on alignment or symptom relief, MCM emphasizes:

• Neuromuscular efficiency and performance restoration

• On-site treatment for competitive athletes

• Practical, reproducible outcomes in real-world conditions

Today, the program trains doctors through certificates, certifications, and fellowship pathways, officially recognized by organizations such as United States Strongman, Official Strongman Games, Official Strongman, and Giants Live.

A Conversation with Cyprus’ Strongest Man

Ilya Khazhov, Cyprus’ Strongest Man Champion and developer of Strongman Champions League–USA, shared his experience working with me through the MCM approach on the video seen on this page. His endorsement of the methods reinforces what athletes around the world have discovered:

MCM isn’t theory—it’s a real-world system that delivers real performance results.

A Legacy of Strength, Service, and Science

From an accident that nearly cost me everything to becoming the Chairman of the ICA Council on Fitness & Sports Health Science, the journey of McDougle Chiropractic Methods reflects the spirit of chiropractic itself—healing, strength, and transformation through purpose.

My goal remains simple: to help doctors and patients alike find freedom through function, to train the next generation of chiropractors who can think critically, move confidently, and care effectively under pressure.

Join me in this continuing adventure—where chiropractic innovation meets uncompromising performance.

#StrongmanDoc
IN Chiropractic and Wellness, Inc.