Why the Pelvic Floor May Be the Missing Link in Polyvagal Chiropractic | Dr. Don MacDonald

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

 

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