⸺ About Dr. Mike Winkels
Engineer Turned Doctor. Problem-Solver Turned Healthcare Guide.
Before becoming a functional medicine chiropractor in Rochester, MN, Dr. Mike Winkels spent 24 years as an electrical engineer and test engineer for IBM and Hitachi.
His job was to identify problems, understand their causes, and find solutions. Today, he brings that same thoughtful mindset to healthcare, along with genuine care for each patient.
His Search for Answers Became a New Calling
“I Was Losing My Mind. Literally.”
For much of his engineering career, Dr. Mike struggled with deep exhaustion that eventually affected his mental clarity, work, and home life.
At his wife’s encouragement, he visited a chiropractor. Chiropractic care helped with his migraines, shoulder pain, and restless legs, but the exhaustion remained.
He was then referred to a functional medicine practitioner who helped him consider additional factors influencing his health. Through chiropractic care, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and targeted support, Dr. Mike slowly regained his energy and mental clarity.
He went from waking up wondering when he could return to bed to waking up ready to help others. That experience changed the direction of his life.
From Engineering to Healthcare
After prayer and careful consideration, Dr. Mike left engineering and earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2011.
He also studied Applied Kinesiology and functional medicine, then opened Winkels Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Center in 2012.
His engineering background still shapes how he works. He asks thoughtful questions, gathers information, looks for patterns, and considers the bigger picture behind a patient’s concerns.
He Cares, and He Has a Clue
This simple idea captures what Dr. Mike wants every patient to know.
He will listen to your experience, respect your goals, and treat you with honesty, dignity, and compassion. He will also carefully assess what is happening, explain his findings clearly, and help you identify a practical next step.
Having a clue does not mean pretending to have every answer. If another healthcare professional is better suited to help, Dr. Mike will tell you. His goal is to help you find the care you truly need.
⸺Dr. Mike’s Process
Guided by Faith, Family, and Service
Dr. Mike’s faith is an important part of who he is and why he serves others. He believes every person matters and deserves compassionate, respectful care.
As a proud husband, father, and grandfather, he also understands what health makes possible: being present with the people you love and participating more fully in your life.
Whether you want more energy, clearer thinking, more comfortable movement, or the ability to return to activities you enjoy, Dr. Mike is here to help you better understand your body and find a clearer path forward.
Education and Experience
Doctor of Chiropractic, Northwestern Health Sciences University, 2011
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 1984
Founder of Winkels Chiropractic & Functional Medicine Center, established in 2012
Studies in Applied Kinesiology and functional medicine
24 years of test engineering experience with IBM and Hitachi
Start With Someone Who Will Listen
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Start with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to share what you have been experiencing, ask questions, and learn whether Dr. Mike’s approach may be right for you.
