About the Doctor

​Dr. Robert J. Zapf, MS, DC

Freeing you from neck and back pain is my mission.

For over thirty years I’ve devoted my practice to it. I’ve combined the most effective, research proven therapies into a comprehensive program designed to relieve your pain.

My father suffered for many years from back pain caused by disc herniations. Medications, hospitalization, and an endless number of visits to doctors provided no real answers to his problem. His plight inspired me to investigate the causes and treatment of back pain.

After earning my Bachelor and Master Science Degrees, I entered the Ph.D. program in the Department of Physiology at the University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine. For the next two years, I reviewed hundreds of research studies on the origins and treatment of back pain. My conclusion:

Medicine doesn't have many answers for neck and back pain, especially chronic pain. A better, more natural solution was needed!

This led me to Palmer College of Chiropractic. While serving as an Associate Professor of Diagnosis and Pathology, I earned my Doctor of Chiropractic Degree with Highest Honors. I received more than a degree from Palmer College; I received a truly remarkable education in natural health care. I learned that true health and healing come from within, not from taking painkillers and muscle relaxants. I learned that natural therapies can be remarkably effective in the treatment of pain, especially neck and back pain.

In 1986, I began my practice for the natural treatment of neck and back pain in Burke, Virginia. I was determined to break out of the typical clinical “mold”. You know, the superficial consultations and exams, the cold impersonal treatments, or the attitude that you are your disease instead of a person with goals and dreams.

At your first visit, you will experience the difference between our office and most others.

I will meet with you for an unhurried consultation. I want to discover the true nature of your condition and your goals for treatment. You'll find that my other specialty is Listening.

If I had to describe our therapy in three words, they would be Safe, Soothing and Rejuvenating. Many of our patients refer to our office as "The Back Spa". At our clinic, the journey is as important as the destination. Your therapy will be designed to be pain relieving, relaxing and comfortable. Your privacy will always be respected.

Our revolutionary form of healing can unravel and release you from the accumulated effects of a lifetime of stress and injury. Our holistic therapy is a natural, gentle blend of spinal mobilization, spinal decompression, massage, stretch, exercise, and physiotherapy. This dynamic approach has been shown to transform your physical and mental state as well as improve your overall quality of life.

Experience:

• Private Chiropractic Practice
  1986 - Present
  Northern Virginia
• Associate Professor - Anatomy, Pathology, Diagnosis
  Palmer College of Chiropractic
  Davenport, Iowa

Education:

• Doctor of Chiropractic Degree
  Summa Cum Lauda
  Palmer College of Chiropractic
  Davenport, Iowa
• Graduate Studies Ph.D. (All But Dissertation)
  Department of Physiology
  School of Medicine
  University of Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Master of Science Degree
  Duquesne University
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Bachelor of Science Degree
  Duquesne University
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Certification:

• Corrective Exercise Specialist
  National Academy of Sports Medicine

Thank you for visiting our site. May it be a source of hope and healing.