Dr. Wally Schaeffer
in his office
As a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, he served his alma mater as Dean of Students prior to entering private practice in 1988. He has travelled the United States and Europe representing Palmer College of Chiropractic on alumni, legislative and professional issues.
He chose to specialize in Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (instrument adjusting) and gained his Advanced Proficiency Rating in 1989. He has held this rating with annual re-certifications since then, the longest of any chiropractor in Iowa.
Dr. Schaeffer's post doctoral education has focused on the areas of Upper Cervical techniques, TMJ/TMD treatment (jaw joint disorders), clinical research and whiplash disorders through the Spine Research Institute of San Diego. This has led to legal experience in depositions and trial testimony, and Independent Medical Examiner functions with insurance companies.
- Appointed Clinical Instructor for Activator Methods, 2002, one of approximately 20 internationally and the only in Iowa
- First journal publication of TMJ/TMD research, 2003 as co-investigator and co-author; co-author of the TMJ treatment chapter of the Activator Method textbook, 2008
- Researcher of the Year, Activator Methods, 2003; presented treatment protocols to the international instructors conference and adopted for the Activator curriculum internationally
- Newspaper columnist for the Press-Citizen on alternative health care, 1996-97
- Guest lecturer and presenter for the Complementary Health Care Dept. at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC)
- Co-investigator and the chiropractic clinician in a National Institutes of Health grant for TMD research with Palmer College and the University of Iowa Dental College funded at $400K, 2008
- Appointed to the Post Graduate Education Faculty, Palmer College, 2003
- Community and civic activities have included the Chair of the Coralville Committee, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, RAGBRAI Medical Committee Chair, Random Acts of Kindness Area Coordinator and completion of the Community Leadership Program
- Dr. Schaeffer has been actively committed to his community’s development since the beginning of his Coralville practice in 1992
- The development of a non-profit, The Whole Health Institute, an educational organization to explore the true causes of healing and the application thereof
About the Practice
Dr. Schaeffer is committed to a family practice, having cared for patients as young as 2 days, and as old as 97 years. He has treated patients with a wide variety of health conditions, including vertigo, cerebral palsy, autism, Bell’s Palsy, multiple sclerosis , and other long term chronic and disabling illnesses.
Over 97% of our patients are referred to us by our current patients. What do our patients have in common? They can enjoy their activities with little or no restrictions and with little or no pain.
“I started going to Dr. Schaeffer for back and hip pain. After only a few visits my pain was gone. Then one day I suffered from Bell’s Palsy, I feel Dr. Schaeffer’s adjustments relieved tension and sped my recovery. Dr. Schaeffer is absolutely the best chiropractor I have ever been to.” Mike R.
Dr. Schaeffer's Idea of Fun
When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Schaeffer enjoys his two pets, Jax, an adopted Miniature Schnauzer, and Ozzy, his over-performing Quarter Horse. Ozzy has won many ribbons and medals in his shows and jumping. Both get regular chiropractic care and Ozzy recently began acupuncture with wonderful results.
“Health care is what you do when there is nothing ‘wrong’, no apparent illness or disease. It is what you do when things are well . . . wellness care! . . .not when things are ill. Otherwise it is illness care.”
