

ChiroShift
ChiroShift Podcast
The ChiroShift Podcast aims to do ONE THING. Shift the Chiropractic status quo through engaging discussions with some of the leading experts in the musculoskeletal healthcare space. If you're a patient, a provider, or simply someone who is interested in learning more about what a modern approach to Chiropractic care can look like, this podcast is for you!
Full Video Episodes are available on YouTube. @TheChiroShiftPodcast
Full Video Episodes are available on YouTube. @TheChiroShiftPodcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
S:02 Ep:08 - Dr. Shaun Astorga - From Finance to PT: Lessons Learned Along the Way
Summary:
In this conversation, Dr. Sean Astorga shares his journey from finance to physical therapy, discussing the challenges and insights gained along the way. He emphasizes the importance of movement models in rehabilitation, the common mistakes made by clinicians, and the value of having a system in place for effective patient care. Dr. Astorga also reflects on his personal experiences with the medical system, highlighting the need for patient-centered care and the human element in healthcare. He concludes with insights on personal growth and the significance of mindset in professional development.
Takeaways:
Dr. Astorga transitioned from finance to physical therapy after realizing his passion for helping others.
He emphasizes the importance of movement models in rehabilitation and patient care.
Common mistakes in applying movement models include rigidity and lack of understanding of progression.
Having a system in place helps clinicians make informed decisions and adapt to patient needs.
Assessment plays a crucial role in understanding a patient's starting conditions and guiding treatment.
Dr. Astorga's personal experience with the medical system highlighted the need for patient advocacy.
The human element of care is essential for building trust and rapport with patients.
Mindset and personal growth are critical for professional development in healthcare.
Investing in health and education can lead to significant improvements in practice.
Building a supportive community is vital for overcoming challenges in healthcare.
Chapters:
00:00 - From Finance to Physical Therapy: A Journey of Discovery
05:15 - The Value of Diverse Perspectives in Healthcare
11:54 - Navigating Career Transitions: Challenges and Decisions
20:08 - Understanding Movement: The Role of Biomechanics in PT
30:22 - Setting Expectations: The Patient-Centered Approach to Care
36:51 - Understanding Movement and Assessment
42:37 - The Patient Experience in Healthcare
49:12 - The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
54:02 - Navigating Personal Challenges and Growth
1:01:09 - Investing in Personal and Professional Development
1:05:55 - Future Aspirations and Growth
Contact:
IG: @dr.shaun.astorga

Jan 13, 2025 • 51min
S:02 Ep:07 - Dr. Steph Allen - Navigating ACL Rehab with the Expert
In this episode of the Chiro Shift podcast, Taylor Goldberg DC and Steph Allen DPT discuss the complexities of ACL recovery, including personal journeys, mental health challenges, the importance of a supportive care team, and the role of nutrition. They explore common myths about knee health as we age and emphasize the need for strength testing and realistic expectations for returning to sports. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing both physical and mental aspects of recovery, as well as the necessity of fueling the body properly post-injury.
TAKEAWAYS:
Steph's personal journey with her ACL injury shaped her career.
Mental challenges in ACL recovery can be significant.
Having a supportive care team is crucial for recovery.
Strength testing is essential for tracking progress.
Knee extensions are important for isolating the quads.
Only a small percentage of ACL patients return to their sport at the same level.
Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery and healing.
Pain in the knees as we age is common and manageable.
Running can be beneficial for knee health.
It's important to challenge societal norms around nutrition and body image.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to ACL Recovery and Personal Journeys
02:37 - The Mental Challenges of ACL Rehabilitation
05:14 - Navigating Care Teams: PTs vs. Chiropractors
11:19 - Strength Testing and Its Importance in Recovery
19:53 - Debunking Myths: The Knee Extension Machine Discussion
25:34 - Understanding ACL Surgery and Recovery Challenges
27:57 - Rehabilitation Strategies for ACL Recovery
30:24 - Realities of Returning to Sport Post-ACL Injury
33:49 - The Importance of Mental Health in Recovery
34:58 - Nutrition and Fueling During Recovery
41:33 - Aging and Knee Health: Myths vs. Reality
45:59 - Embracing Movement and Nutrition for Longevity
Dr. Steph Allen's Contact Info:
IG: @stephallen.dpt
Website: www.aclresolve.com

Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
S:02 Ep:06 - Dr. Wes Hendricks - Chiropractor to Coach: Wes' Journey
In this conversation, Dr. Wes Hendricks shares his journey from being a practicing chiropractor to becoming a coach specializing in helping individuals with lower back pain. He discusses the importance of active participation in healthcare, the challenges of traditional chiropractic narratives, and the need for effective communication and trust-building with patients. Wes emphasizes the significance of tailored program design, the role of humor in healing, and the value of consistent communication in remote care. He also highlights the complexities of rehab versus training and the necessity of addressing patients' fears and misconceptions about their conditions.
Takeaways
Wes transitioned from chiropractic to coaching to help more invested clients.
Active participation in healthcare leads to better outcomes.
Chiropractic education often lacks focus on evidence-based practices.
Misleading narratives in chiropractic can hinder patient recovery.
Building trust through effective communication is crucial.
Rehab should be viewed as training with specific goals.
Progressive overload is essential in rehab to prevent re-injury.
Tailoring programs to individual needs enhances patient success.
Humor can significantly improve patient interactions and outcomes.
Remote care can be just as effective as in-person visits.
00:00 - The Journey of Dr. Wes Hendricks
02:43 - Transitioning from Chiropractic to Online Coaching
05:36 - The Role of Healthcare Practitioners in Pain Management
08:41 - Chiropractic Narratives and Their Impact
11:33 - Building Trust and Communication in Care
14:24 - Rehab vs. Training: Understanding the Differences
17:15 - The Importance of Challenging Rehab Programs
20:20 - Program Design: Meeting Clients Where They Are
28:37 - The Power of Language in Healing
31:08 - Creating a Positive Environment for Recovery
33:06 - Building Consistency in Client Interactions
36:37 - The Importance of Communication Outside Appointments
39:36 - Self-Management and Empowerment in Pain Management
42:30 - Customization in Care: Adapting to Individual Needs
49:24 - Focusing on Lower Back Pain: A Niche of Expertise
Dr. Wes Hendricks Contact:
IG: @drweshendricks

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 11min
S:02 Ep:05 - Dr. Eliud Sierra - Challenging the Chiropractic Paradigm
In this conversation, Dr. Eliud Sierra discusses the evolution of chiropractic care, focusing on outdated narratives, the validity of subluxation theory, and the importance of evidence-based practices. He emphasizes the need for chiropractors to adapt to new research, the risks associated with cervical manipulation, and the role of exercise in patient care. The discussion also highlights the challenges and opportunities within the chiropractic profession, including the push for integration into broader healthcare systems and the positive trends emerging in evidence-based practices.
Takeaways
Subluxation theory lacks scientific support and is often misused in practice.
The chiropractic profession is slow to evolve compared to other healthcare fields.
Monetary incentives can lead to outdated practices in chiropractic care.
Cervical manipulation carries a small but real risk of serious adverse events.
Exercise should be a key component of chiropractic care for better patient outcomes.
Integration into healthcare systems is essential for the future of chiropractic.
Social media allows chiropractors to share knowledge and improve their practices.
Evidence-based chiropractors focus on patient education and informed consent.
The profession is gradually improving, but requires ongoing effort from practitioners.
Chapters
00:00 - Challenging Outdated Narratives in Chiropractic
03:03 - Understanding Subluxation Theory
05:51 - The Evidence Behind Subluxation Claims
08:41 - The Slow Evolution of Chiropractic Practice
11:41 - The Financial Incentives in Chiropractic Care
14:55 - Natural History and Patient Empowerment
17:29 - Cervical Spine Manipulation: Risks and Considerations
20:36 - Criteria for Cervical Manipulation
23:34 - Informed Consent in Chiropractic Care
26:45 - Exploring Alternative Modalities in Chiropractic
29:28 - The Role of Exercise in Chiropractic Care
34:20 - Chiropractic Education and Exercise Prescription
37:55 - The Future of Chiropractic Integration
45:10 - Positive Developments in Chiropractic Practice
50:47 - Bridging the Gap Between Rehab and Performance
01:03:48 - Identifying Evidence-Based Chiropractic Practices

Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 1min
S:02 Ep:04 - Dr. Michael Ray - An In-Depth Conversation on the Complexities of Pain
In this conversation, Dr. Michael Ray shares his journey from chiropractic school to academia, discussing the intersection of clinical practice and education. He emphasizes the importance of understanding pain through various models, particularly the biopsychosocial model, and the role of social determinants in pain management. Dr. Ray also explores the complexities of exercise in relation to chronic pain, the significance of sleep, and offers valuable advice for young clinicians and coaches.
Takeaways
Dr. Ray's background in exercise science influenced his approach to chiropractic.
The biopsychosocial model expands the understanding of pain beyond just biological factors
Patient education is crucial in managing pain and setting realistic expectations
Social determinants of health significantly impact chronic pain outcomes
Exercise can improve quality of life, even if it doesn't directly reduce pain
The affordance-based model helps clinicians guide patients in their recovery
Vulnerability and collaboration are key in clinician-patient relationships
Chapters:
00:00 - Dr. Michael Ray's Journey into Chiropractic
05:55 - Education and Patient Engagement Strategies
11:33 - The Biopsychosocial Model Explained
17:13 - The Complexity of Pain: Mind-Body Dualism
23:08 - Social Determinants of Health and Pain
30:07 - Understanding Exercise Outcomes Beyond Pain
34:59 - The Affordance-Based Model Explained
39:59 - The Role of Healthcare Professionals as Guides
49:18 - The Bi-Directional Relationship Between Sleep and Pain
54:57 - Advice for Young Coaches and Clinicians
Dr. Michael Ray Contact Info:
IG: @michael_tame_pain
Website: www.tamepain.com
X: @MichaelTamePain

Dec 16, 2024 • 53min
S:02 Ep:03 - Dr. Dave Hagerty - Anti-Fragility, Self-Discovery and Book Recommendations
In this episode of the Chiro Shift podcast, Taylor and Dave Haggerty delve into the concept of anti-fragility, exploring how individuals can adapt and thrive in the face of stress and challenges.
They discuss the importance of overcoming fear in healthcare, the significance of building strong relationships with clinicians, and the need to redefine the root causes of pain.
The conversation also highlights the role of strength and conditioning as a form of healthcare and emphasizes the value of auto-regulation in training, encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their health and well-being.
In this conversation, Taylor and Dave explore the complexities of motivation, discipline, and behavior change, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and understanding one's beliefs. They discuss how to approach motivation with empathy and the significance of small, actionable steps.
The dialogue also touches on working with the elderly population, addressing entrenched beliefs, and the importance of providing information for informed decision-making. Finally, they recommend essential books for personal growth and understanding human behavior.
Chapters:
00:00Understanding Anti-Fragility
05:22The Role of Fear in Healthcare
11:38Building Relationships with Clinicians
12:22Redefining Root Causes of Pain
19:39Strength and Conditioning as Healthcare
23:52Auto-Regulation in Training
30:18Understanding HRV and Its Limitations
31:54The Journey of Motivation and Discipline
36:32The Importance of Self-Discovery in Discipline
38:37Changing Behaviors Without Changing Beliefs
44:31Working with the Elderly: Beliefs and Behaviors
49:30Essential Reads for Personal Growth

Dec 9, 2024 • 1h 6min
S:02 Ep:02 - Clinical Concepts x Clinical Athlete - An MSK Discussion with Zak Gabor and John Flagg
In this episode, David, Taylor, Zak, and John discuss the current state of musculoskeletal health and the challenges faced in providing effective care. They emphasize the importance of long-term planning, overcoming misinformation, and the role of exercise in recovery. The conversation highlights the benefits of virtual care, building trust with patients, and the active ingredients in rehabilitation.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Clinical Athlete and Olympic Weightlifting
02:37 - The Mission of Clinical Athlete
04:33 - Current State of Musculoskeletal Health
09:33 - Misinformation in Healthcare
11:29 - Long-Term Planning in Care
13:56 - The Importance of Progression
18:56 - Navigating Patient Fears
23:45 - Gradual Exposure and Trust in Care
29:41 - The Debate on Good vs. Bad Exercises
33:17 - Understanding Training Programs and Their Effectiveness
38:04 - The Importance of Communication in Virtual Care
42:03 - Overcoming Barriers to Virtual Healthcare
48:16 - Active Ingredients in Rehabilitation
54:19 - Building Relationships in Virtual Coaching
01:02:28 - Upcoming Clinical Athlete Course Announcement
Unfortunately this season was delayed in its release and the Clinical Athlete Powerlifting/Weightlifting Seminar has already come and go. However, Clinical Athlete continues to be a leader in the field and you should absolutely give them a follow.
IG: @clinicalathlete
website: www.clinicalathlete.com

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 42min
S:02 Ep:01 - Dr. Rich Schoonmaker and Dr. Strat Poulson - Differences and Similarities... A Continued Discussion
In this episode, David, Rich, and Strat discuss their recent life changes, including Rich's transition to medical school and Strat's international teaching experiences. They delve into the responsibilities of practitioners in meeting patient expectations, the nuances of chiropractic care, and the importance of evidence-based practice. The discussion also touches on the claims made about chiropractic care for non-musculoskeletal conditions and the potential dangers of misleading information in the profession. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the nuances of chiropractic care, discussing the effectiveness of manual adjustments compared to other therapies, the complexities of clinical decision-making, and the role of chiropractors within the broader healthcare system. They explore the future of chiropractic practice, the concept of maintenance care, and the transition from rehabilitation to performance-based care. The discussion emphasizes the importance of patient-centered approaches and the need for a cultural shift within the chiropractic profession to enhance its credibility and effectiveness.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Life Updates
07:32 - Teaching Internationally: Experiences and Insights
16:46 - The Role of Manual Therapy
28:15 - Chiropractic Care Beyond Musculoskeletal Conditions
33:32 - The Concept of Happy Accidents in Treatment
41:52 - Mechanisms of Action: What Really Matters?
47:59 - Clinical Decision-Making in Chiropractic Care
54:55 - Chiropractic's Role in the Healthcare Landscape
01:04:31 - Navigating Difficult Conversations with Patients
01:10:42 - Understanding Maintenance Care in Chiropractic
01:16:50 - Patient-Directed Care and Its Importance
01:24:07 - Transitioning from Rehab to Performance Care
01:29:10 - Direct Primary Care: A New Approach to Healthcare

Sep 23, 2024 • 51min
Ep. 10 - Frank Benedetto - Driving Change in Healthcare
Dr. Frank Benedetto is a driving force for change in today's world of healthcare. Through his platform, The HoneyBadger Project, he has helped clinicians realize their potential by harnessing technology in support of a high-value patient-centered approach to care.
Frank discusses some difficult moments from his past that ultimately inspired him to take action in his pursuit of bettering healthcare as a whole. Through these vulnerable moments, we are able to truly see why it is so incredibly important that we do better as providers.
Have questions or comments?
Drop them below!
Connect with Frank and Learn More about his Mission:
IG: frank_benedetto

Sep 16, 2024 • 55min
Ep. 09 - Dr. Leada Malek - Navigating Health in the Digital Age and "The Science of Stretch"
Summary:
In this conversation, Leada shares her journey as a physical therapist and social media influencer, emphasizing the importance of being genuine and human in her online presence. She discusses the challenges of navigating health information in the digital age and offers advice on how to discern reliable sources.
Leada also talks about her experience writing a book on stretching, addressing common myths and the evolving understanding of flexibility and mobility. The conversation highlights the significance of movement in overall health and the need for a more active approach to care, especially in a world where many people are not moving enough.
The conversation concludes with practical advice on finding the right practitioner and an introduction to Leada's book, 'The Science of Stretch', which serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing stretching techniques.
Takeaways:
Being genuine on social media is crucial.
Stretching has been misunderstood over the years.
Movement is essential for long-term health.
Avoid absolutes in health advice.
Movement is essential for health and longevity.
Pain management involves multiple strategies beyond just exercise
Building a strong relationship with your practitioner is crucial
Effective communication is key to successful treatment
Collaboration among healthcare practitioners benefits patient care
Finding the right practitioner is essential for your health journey
Leada's book offers practical insights into stretching and movement.
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Connect with Dr. Leada Malek PT, DPT, SCS
IG: @drmalekpt
Email: info@drmalekpt.com
Buy Her Book: https://a.co/d/01KpQVr