Joseph Horrigan, DC, DACBSP
Fall 1980 - Fall 2120
Associate Professor I
Current Position
Biography
Joseph Horrigan, DC, DACBSP has spent a career in multi-disciplinary practices with sports medicine and sports performance.
Dr. Horrigan was a partner at DISC Sports and Spine for 11 years and was the only DC amongst spine and orthopedic surgeons, as well as pain management and physical medicine and rehab. Other interdisciplinary experience includes a fledgling spine program at Century City Hospital, and work with the West Coast Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr. Horrigan’s private practice, the Soft Tissue Center, was affiliated with the above groups. This collective experience and education allowed him the opportunity to work with the USA Weightlifting Sports Medicine Committee for 8 years, consult for USA Track and Field in their Elite Hurdle Development Program, and to be the Director of the DISC USOC Sports Medicine Official Provider Program for the 2012 Olympic cycle, and staff doctor for the Red Bull High Performance Program from 2011 – 2016. Dr. Horrigan also served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Kings from 1999 – 2002.
Dr. Horrigan has been published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Indian Journal of Neurology, and has made presentations at the ACSM Conference, ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposia, American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, Sixth World International Olympic Committee Congress on Sports Science, ACC RAC, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Lay publications include the monthly Sports Medicine Column for IronMan Magazine from 1989 – 1999 and 2004 – 2014, and a contributing blog to The Huffington Post from 2012 – 2017.
Dr. Horrigan has taught in chiropractic sports medicine since 1994 and has taught third-year chiropractic students in neuromusculoskeletal differential diagnosis since 2005. He is also contributing to the re-development of the curriculum.
The current project and effort is the development and expansion of the SCU Tactical Sports Medicine and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Program. A pilot study is underway with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Academy to evaluate predictors of injury in the recruits. The SCU Tactical Department is truly integrated, patient-centered care.
Dr. Horrigan continues to consult for the film industry in both sports medicine and sports performance. The most notable films include The Matrix, The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit, The Hateful 8, The Skeleton Key, Charlie’s Angels II, Sicario, Reptile, and Django Unchained.
Degrees
D.C., Chiropractic Sports Medicine, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, California, United States
Professional Licensures (Healthcare)
DC, California, United States, DC 20228, Active, 1990, May 2024, 1003356924
Certifications (Healthcare)
American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, chiropractic sports medicine, 0017, 1994-06-01, 2025-12-31
Scholarly Contributions and Creative Productions
Abstract
Completed/Published
Journal Article
Completed/Published
Poster Presentation
Accepted
Presentation
Accepted
Grants
Completed
Fatigue Management, Arousal Control & Tactical Recovery, Funded by CA Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) (October 1, 2018 - June 1, 2020), awarded October 1, 2018 ($200,000.00), Completed, Summer 2020, Multiple PI Joseph Horrigan (20%)
Funded - In Progress
Development of Health and Fitness Tool Kit for Law Enforcement Agencies, Funded by Department of Justice/Community Oriented Policing Services (DOJ COPS) (March 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023), awarded February 1, 2021 ($500,000.00), Funded - In Progress, Fall 2023, Multiple PI Joseph Horrigan (25%)
Honors and Awards
Spring 2019 - Ongoing
President's Service Award, 2019, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
John N. Nash Award for Best Multidisciplinary Abstract at Symposium, 2019, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2015 - Ongoing
Appreciation for Ongoing Support of Red Bull High Performance Program, 2015, Red Bull North America, This award was presented by Red Bull North America for the years of work with their High Performance Team by managing MSK injuries.
Summer 2011 - Ongoing
SCU Distinguished Alumni Award, 2011, Southern California University of Health Sciences
Robert C. Reed Award for Best Abstract at Symposium, 2011, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2009 - Ongoing
President's Service Award, 2009, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2008 - Ongoing
Leonard Schroeder Award for Best Original Research at Symposium, 2008, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2007 - Ongoing
John N. Nash Award for Best Multidisciplinary Abstract at Symposium, 2007, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2005 - Ongoing
John N. Nash Award for Best Multidisciplinary Abstract at Symposium, 2005, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
Summer 2001 - Ongoing
finalist for Prince de Merode Award for Outstanding Research, 2001, International Olympic Committee, one of five finalists for this award for outstanding research. Sixth World International Olympic Committee Congress on Sports Science abstract, "Relationship between jumps and speed in ice hockey." Congress cancelled due to September 11, 2001 terrorist attack.
Sports Chiropractor of the Year, 2001, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, This national award was jointly presented by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians and the American Chiropractic Association Sports Council.
