Faculty

Faculty180 – Vita and Individual Profile Data Sheet

Joseph Horrigan, DC, DACBSP

Fall 1980 - Fall 2120

Associate Professor I

SCU Health - Clinical Services

JosephHorrigan@scuhs.edu

Current Position

Position: Executive Director, Human Performance Optimization

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

1988

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

Horrigan, J.; Silva, G.; Lazar, M. Efficacy of the Subscapularis Lift off Test. . Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1998, 3, 123.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Chan, S. Prevalance and Association of Six Clinical Subacromial Impingement Tests and Diagnosis. . Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1998, 123.

Horrigan, J.; Feder, K.; Reiss, R.; Burrill, R.; Andersen, G. D. Changes in Bodyweight in Professional Hockey Players as an Indicator of Dehydration Following Hydration Protocol Instruction Compared with Prehydration Instruction: A Pilot Study. . Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1998, 122.

Horrigan, J.; Scale, E.; Andersen, G. D. Team Physician Misdiagnosis: Statistical Analysis. Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1998, 123.

Horrigan, J.; Reynolds, E.; Kovacs, R. Correlation between Five Clinical Subacromial Impingement Tests and Manual Muscle Tests of the Supraspinatus. . Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1998, 124.

Horrigan, J.; Bray, R. Comparison of Motion Palpation versus Flexion/extension Radiographs in Determining Post Traumatic Cervical Spine Instability. . Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation 1996.

Horrigan, J.; Shellock, F.; Mink, J.; Deutsch, A. Muscle Recruitment Patterns Associated with Different Shoulder Exercises: Assessment Using MRI. . Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise Supplement 1994, 26, S20.

Horrigan, J.; Shellock, F.; Mink, J.; Deutsch, A. MRI Evaluation of Muscle Recruitment Patterns Associated with Different Shoulder Exercises. . Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 1994.

Horrigan, J.; Shellock, F.; Mink, J.; Sullenberger, P.; Deutsch, A.; Bloze, A.; Hashoian, R. MRI of the Cervical Spine during Flexion and Extension: Development and Implementation of a New Technique. . Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging 1994, WIP, S21.

Journal Article

Completed/Published

Horrigan, J. Identification and Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-Not Otherwise Specified (CRPS-NOS) with Peripheral Sympathetic Nerve Blockade: A Case Series.. Indian Journal of Neurology 2024, 5, 132.

Horrigan, J.; Shellock, F.; Mink, J.; Deutsch, A. MRI Evaluation of Muscle Usage Associated with Three Exercises for Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation. . Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 1999, 31, 1361–1369.

Horrigan, J.; Coughlin, S.; Lazar, M. Scapular Winging Associated with Trauma in 2 Professional Hockey Players. . Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System 1994, 1, 28–32.

Horrigan, J. M.; Reynolds, E.; Semel, R.; Fox, R.; Coughlin, S.; Colanero, A. Pectoralis Major Tears: Etiology and Prevention. . Chiropractic Sports Medicine 1993, 7, 83–89.

Horrigan, J.; Semel, R. Hematopoietic Hyperplasia in a World Class Runner: A Case Report. . Chiropractic Sports Medicine 1992, 6, 102–104.

Horrigan, J. Resolution of a Groin Injury in a Professional Hockey Player from Soft Tissue Mobilization: A Case Study. Chiropractic Sports Medicine 1992, 6, 151–154.

Poster Presentation

Accepted

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D.; Grasmeyer, J.; Watters, J. Musculoskeletal: Asymptomatic Pubic Ramus Stress Response in a NCAA Division I Track Athlete. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2012.

Horrigan, J.; Bray, R. Post-Cervical Fusion Thoracic Pain Resolved with Manipulation and Soft Tissue Mobilization.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2005.

Horrigan, J.; Velasquez, D.; Sparley, K. Case Report: Lower Leg Gunshot Wound. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2022.

Horrigan, J.; Dulla, J.; Orr, R. Keeping Officers Healthy, on the Job, Rapid Return to Work, & Reducing Costs – Lessons Learned. . International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, 2020.

Horrigan, J.; Riveramelo, H.; Tirman, P.; Dee, D. Case Report: Pectoralis Major Tear in a Sheriff’s Recruit.“

Horrigan, J.; Rivermelo, H.; Velasquez, D. Case Report: Marked Peroneal Tenosynovitis in an Incumbent Deputy.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2019.

Horrigan, J.; Babikian, A.; Ramirez, R. Two Cases of Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome in Sheriff’s Recruits.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Sympoium, 2019.

Horrigan, J.; Velasquez, D.; Hofman, J. Case Report: Lumbar Disc Extrusion in a Sheriff’s Academy Drill Instructor.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2019.

Horrigan, J.; Lockie, R.; Orr, R.; Dulla, J.; Stierli, M.; Bloodgood, A. M.; Cesario, K. A.; Dawes, J. Fitness Characteristics for Deputy Sheriff Recruits Who Graduate or Separate from Academy: A Pilot Study. . National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference, 2018.

Horrigan, J.; Dulla, J.; Dawes, J.; Orr, R.; Lockie, R. Perceived vs. Actual Reported Peace Officer Physical Job Demands: What Three Points in Time Tell Us. Southwest American College of Sports Medicine, 2018.

Horrigan, J.; Grasmeyer, J.; Summers, J. The Incidence of Back Pain in Women during Menopause: A Litureature Review.“

Horrigan, J.; Grasmeyer, J.; Carden, E. A Two Year Retrospective Analysis of the Occurrence Rate of Complex regional Pain Syndrome in a Chiropractic Sports Medicine Practice.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Sympoisum, 2011.

Horrigan, J.; Carden, E. Occurrence Rate of Presentation of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in a Chiropractic Sports Medicine Practice.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2010.

Horrigan, J.; Carden, E. Two Cases of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Mimicking Adhesive Capsulitis.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2009.

Horrigan, J.; Bray, R.; Nagare, M. Case Series: Thoracic Intramedullary Vascularized Lipomas.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Sciences Symposium, 2008.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D. Case Series: Abdominal Muscle Injuries in Athletes.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2008.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D.; Gardner, K. Reduction of Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms Following the Ingestion of Creatine Monohydrate: A Case Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2007.

Horrigan, J.; Bray, R.; Velasquez, D.; Tunnell, S. Symptomatic Chiari Malformation Type I in a Recreational Triathlete: A Case Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2007.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D.; Fox, R. Incidental Finding of Pleural Infection in a Recreational Weight Trainee: A Case Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2007.

Horrigan, J.; Carden, E.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D. Infrapatellar Neuropathy Mimicking a Symptomatic Medial Meniscus Tear: A Case Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2007.

Horrigan, J.; Good, D.; Feder, K.; Aoi, M. Changes in Bodyfat in Professional Hockey Players after Increasing Anaerobic Training and Decreasing Aerobic Training – a 3-Year Study. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2006.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S. Acute Rotator Cuff Strain from the Bench Press Following Rotator Cuff Training. Category: Shoulder – Powerlifting.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2006.

Horrigan, J.; Good, D.; Feder, K.; Aoi, M. Max VO2, Vertical Jump and Sprint Velocity as Predictors of Selection to an NHL Roster.. ACBSP Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, 2005.

Horrigan, J.; Velasquez, D. Resolution of Ulnar Neuropathy with Soft Tissue Mobilization: A Case Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2005.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D.; Moreau, C. An 18-Month Retrospective Analysis of the Prevalence of Hyper-Reflexia in Patients Presenting with Cervical Spine Complaints.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 2005.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Velasquez, D.; Moreau, C. Comparison of Cervical MRI Findings in Patients with Pathologic Reflexes.. ACBSP Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, 2005.

Horrigan, J.; Andersen, G. D.; Feder, K.; Reiss, R.; Burrill, R. Changes in Bodyweight in Professional Hockey Players as an Indicator of Dehydration Following Hydration Protocol Instruction Compared with Prehydration Instruction: A Pilot Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1999.

Horrigan, J.; Silva, G.; Lazar, M. Efficacy of the Subscapularis Lift off Test.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1997.

Horrigan, J.; Tunnell, S.; Chan, S. Prevalance and Association of Six Clinical Subacromial Impingement Tests and Diagnosis.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1997.

Horrigan, J.; Scale, E.; Andersen, G. D. Team Physician Misdiagnosis: Statistical Analysis. . ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1997.

Horrigan, J.; Reynolds, E.; Kovacs, R. Correlation between Five Clinical Subacromial Impingement Tests and Manual Muscle Tests of the Supraspinatus.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1997.

Horrigan, J.; Bray, R. Comparison of Motion Palpation versus Flexion/extension Lateral Radiographs of the Cervical Spine: A Pilot Study.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1996.

Horrigan, J.; Mandelbaum, B. Jumper’s Knee Associated with Plyometric Depth Jumps.. ACBSP Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium, 1995.

Presentation

Accepted

Horrigan, J.; Dulla, J. Evidence-Based Sports Medicine and Strength and Conditioning Models for Recruits and Incumbents. International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference, 2017.

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.

Hear from the Students Who’ve Been in Your Shoes

I chose SCU when looking for a PA program because of their Integrative Medicine approach. I am from Michigan, and not many programs focus on this Integrative, Holistic approach when it comes to patient care in the Midwest, and I felt that was very important for me to learn as a future provider. My transition to semi-virtual learning has been very smooth and quite enjoyable. [su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]My favorite part about attending SCU is how tight-knit and diverse the community is. Coming from a large undergrad university and moving so far, it was very important for me to have a PA program that made me feel valued and invested in my success. At SCU, they do a great job of making you feel that.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

Brianna Hadley

MSPA Class of 2022

One of the great things about SCU is we do have a campus layout, so all your classes aren't in a single room. We have our cadaver lab. We have different specialty rooms for physical assessment classes vs. acupuncture classes. All our acupuncture-specific classes have all the herbs in the room. You can pull out the herbs and look at them, whether in class or in between classes to get that extra studying in.[su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]My favorite part of SCU is the collaboration from our beginning terms. We were working alongside chiropractor students, PA students, and ayurvedic students. It's a unique community where we get to learn about these different fields and sit in classrooms with them and work with them in the clinic. It allows you to get an understanding of all the different fields and how they can work together, and what is unique about your field. I think that is a wonderful aspect that I didn't think was going to be as prominent as it is here; even now, in my upper term classes and I am not in class with chiropractic students, I can still reach out to them about a certain aspect I may not understand or if I am working on a case. I want another perspective I know I have them to reach out to, so that has been a great networking community to have resources for.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

Dr. Jamie Kuljis

Graduate, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

"There are a lot of things that I love about the program at SCU. The first one is that the faculty come from a long line of Ayurvedic knowledge deeply rooted in ancient classical text. They studied Ayurveda, but they also lived it. When you learn from people who embody this wisdom, it's much easier to grasp this knowledge. The second thing I love is the camaraderie within the cohort. The combination of the training, supportive faculty, and the support of my peers and classmates has given me the confidence I need to start my own practice."

Portia Harris

Student, Ayurveda Program

Some of my favorite courses at SCU have to be the chiropractic procedure classes; those are the classes you get to hone in on your chiro skills, your palpation skills and ultimately work on the adjustments that make you a chiropractor. Those are the classes I feel enhance my knowledge the most and are some of the reasons I chose to become a chiropractor here are SCU.[su_accordion][su_spoiler title="Read More..." open="No"]On top of chiropractic procedures classes, my favorite is the cadaver lab experience. The cadaver classes opened up my perception of what the human body is made up of. It allowed me to get an in-person perspective of how the body works and looks on the inside. I am genuinely thankful for those experiences because they opened and broadened my horizons to the human body and anatomy in general.[/su_spoiler][/su_accordion]

Jordan Vega

Student, Doctor of Chiropractic

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