Dr. Robert J Zapf

About

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
1978 - 1986
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Davenport, Iowa

Education:

Doctor of Chiropractic Degree
1982
Summa Cum Lauda
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Davenport, Iowa

Graduate Studies Ph.D. (All But Dissertation)
1974 - 1976
Department of Physiology
School of Medicine
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Master of Science Degree
1974
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Science Degree
1972
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Certification:

Corrective Exercise Specialist
2010
National Academy of Sports Medicine

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

How Do I Get Started?

Just call Diane directly at 703-455-9555 for a consultation and examination.