Fort Wayne – Southwest
Dr. Michael Hartle
Doctor of Chiropractic
Owner & Founder
Dr. Michael Hartle is not only a chiropractic physician, but he is also a board-certified Clinical Nutritionist (DACBN), a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), an Active Release Technique (ART) provider since 1995, and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
He is also a Master StrongFirst Certified Instructor with StrongFirst (StrongFirst.com). He is the co-developer of the StrongFirst SFL Barbell Certification. Dr. Michael travels around the USA and the world teaching barbell and kettlebell certifications.
Additionally, he has now reached PhD candidacy – PhD(c) – in Exercise Science and will begin his dissertation in January 2026. His dissertation will compare the effects of using kettlebells versus exercise walks on hemoglobin A1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Dr. Hartle also enjoys writing exercise science/training articles for strongfirst.com, in addition to writing a chapter on barbell training for Dr. Craig Liebenson’s book, Rehabilitation of the Spine, 3rd edition. His first book was published in September 2023 by Human Kinetics, titled Kettlebell Strength Training Anatomy.
Raised in the frozen tundra known as Minnesota, he once lived in Hawai’i while his father was stationed at Pearl Harbor during Vietnam. He has been practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana for the last 30 years.
A former nationally-ranked powerlifter, who has won several national titles with USA Powerlifting, Dr. Michael was the Vice President for 2 years in addition to being the Drug Testing Chairman for 5 years. He was also the Chairman of the Sports Medicine Committee of USA Powerlifting (USAPL) for over 20 years, a committee he created in 1994 with USAPL. Starting in 1998, he was the Head Coach of the USAPL World Bench Press Team for 8 years, coaching the US Team to the 2004 International Powerlifting Federation World Championship Team Title. His best competition lifts are 705 lb. squat, 535 lb. bench press and 635 lb. deadlift with a best combined total of the three lifts of 1,840 lbs. in the former 275 lb. weight class.
For the next 10 years, he was playing semi-pro football, defensive tackle, and loving it! His football team, the Adams County Patriots, won the National AA Semi-Pro Football Championship in 2008 and were undefeated for 2 years straight!
He treats, trains and advises to all kinds of patients, from pregnant moms and babies to the elderly, from youth athletes to NCAA student-athletes to professional athletes. He coached junior high football and track and field, volunteering his time for 16 years.
He has three sons and three grandchildren who keep him busy with their personal endeavors, including crawling, hockey, football, lacrosse, track and field and of course, academics.
Schedule a Visit with Dr. Hartle
Experience personalized chiropractic care with Dr. Hartle at our Southwest Clinic, focused on relieving pain, improving mobility, and supporting your body’s natural alignment. Schedule a visit to discuss your needs and determine the right approach for your care.
