Dr. Michael Hanifen, BS, DC

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Get to know Chiropractor Dr. Michael Hanifen, who serves patients in Anchorage, Alaska.

Dr. Hanifen is an exceptionally talented chiropractor whose passion and personality help every patient achieve a level of health and ease sought after by so many. As a chiropractor, Air Force Veteran and member of the community, he feels a duty to help everyone achieve their personal health care goals. 

At North Star Chiropractic Wellness Center LLC, he provides various chiropractic techniques, including Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson Drop, Activator, Palmer Package, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction), and more.

In regards to his educational background, Dr. Hanifen earned his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force in 1999, and attended the Palmer College of Chiropractic, where he received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Chiropractic degrees in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

Subsequently, he obtained his certificates in Surface Electromyography (sEMG) and Thermography interpretation & analysis in 2005; Total Solutions Graduate degree by Chiropractic Leadership Alliance in 2005; TMJ Certification by Mally Institute in 2014; Functional Movement Technique (FMT) Basic and Advanced Certificate in 2020; and Doctor of Education degree from Northcentral University.

On a professional level, Dr. Hanifen is an active member of the World Chiropractic Alliance, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance, the Alaska Chiropractic Society, the Palmer College of Chiropractic International Alumni Association, the Palmer College of Chiropractic Student Alumni Foundation, and the International Pediatric Chiropractic Association.

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that mainly deals with diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, manipulation, and other techniques to manage patients’ health concerns, including neck pain, back pain, headaches, vertigo, and a long list of other ailments and conditions. They aim to improve patients’ functionality and quality of life by properly aligning the body’s musculoskeletal structure and enabling the body to heal itself naturally, without medication or surgery.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Hanifen has been the recipient of various award and honors, including: Dean’s and President’s Honor List at Palmer College of Chiropractic (2002-2004) Palmer College, Clinical Excellence Award nominee (2004), All-American Scholar Collegiate Award Recipient (2000-2001), 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, 2 Air Force Achievement Medals, 3 Outstanding Unit Awards, 2 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, 2 AF Longevity Service Awards, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate, M-16 Rifle marksman, AF Training Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (1991-2000), and Distinguished Graduate at Airman Leadership School, Eielson AFB, Alaska (1996).

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