Meet Our Team – Ballenger Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Chiropractor Dr. Chris Zimmerman

Chiropractor Dr. Alex Ballenger

Chiropractor Dr. Lucas Ballenger

Chiropractor Dr. Tanner Hemer

Therapy/Rehab Travis Newman

Front Desk Leslie

Front Desk Sindi

Insurance Rachel

Front Desk Linda

Office Manager Debi

Debi

Office Manager

Debi has been at Ballenger Chiropractic for 9 years.

- - She is a Mom of 4 and a Grandma of 11!
  - She loves traveling to be with her children and grandchildren.
  - Her passion is taking the hand of the hurting and leading them to find joy and fulfillment in life.

Linda

Front Desk

Linda is in her second year at Ballenger’s.

Rachel

Insurance

Rachel is in her 2nd year here at Ballenger’s. She and her husband have lived in Adel for the past 15 years along with their 3 children ages 15, 11, and 8 years old. She stays busy keeping up with all of her kiddos sports and activities. In her free time, she enjoys going on walks, biking, spending time with family and friends, and reading good mystery books.

Sindi

Front Desk

Sindi is in her third year at Ballenger’s

- - She and her husband live in West Des Moines
  - They have 2 kids-Parker and Regan
  - She loves to travel and read!

Leslie

Front Desk

Leslie is in her second year at Ballenger’s.

- - Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, but happily calls Iowa home after being transplanted to the Des Moines area 17 years ago.⁣
  - ⁣Leslie loves kayaking, birds, home remodeling projects and drinking hot water.⁣

Travis Newman

Therapy/Rehab

Travis was born and raised here in the Des Moines area. He was involved in numerous sports throughout high school, which is when his passion for an active and healthy lifestyle began. He attended Iowa State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health. Travis completed a semester-long internship in the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation program at Mercy Medical Center. During this experience, he assisted patients in their journey back to full health by leading them through exercises and educating them on the importance of staying active to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

He extends his passion for health to the general population as he has gained hundreds of hours of experience working one on one with clients and patients. Travis recently attained his CA/CT Certification through Parker University. He seeks to educate patients on how to gain and maintain a pain-free lifestyle through the use of functional exercises both in and outside of the clinic in addition to Chiropractic care.

Travis is in charge of the therapy/rehab portion of Ballenger Chiropractic which offers the following:

Passive Therapy
- - - Electric Muscle Stimulation
    - Rapid Release Technology
    - Trigger Point Therapy
    - Passive Stretching
Active Therapy
- - - - FMS (Functional Movement System)
      - Active Stretching/Strengthening
      - Manual Muscle Testing
      - Rehabilitation ExercisesJoint Mobilization
      - Active Release

Dr. Tanner Hemer

Chiropractor

Dr. Tanner Hemer grew up in Arthur, IA. He attended the University of Northern Iowa and Palmer College of Chiropractic to obtain his various degrees and certifications [see blow]. Dr. Tanner turned to chiropractic care as a competitive athlete to assist in his recovery and return to performance. He has a strong passion for helping athletes and people across the lifespan reach their health and wellness goals through various treatment methods. Dr. Tanner enjoys watching the Hawkeyes, workout out, and spending free time with his wife, Rachel, and their dog Bryzzo.

- Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.)
- Bachelor’s degree in Movement and Exercise Science (B.A.)
- Certificate in Chiropractic Sports Medicine (CCSM)

Dr. Lucas Ballenger

Chiropractor

Dr. Luke is originally from Pella, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa, Central College, and Logan University to obtain his various degrees and specialties (see below). Dr. Luke is a firm believer in using a whole body approach (Thinking Well, Eating Well, Moving Well) in healing and maintaining health.

As an athlete himself, Dr. Luke specializes in the treatment of competitive athletes, as well as weekend warriors. He also treats a wide variety of other ailments (see below) through the use of chiropractic, acupuncture, therapy/rehab, and nutritional supplementation. Dr. Luke has a strong passion for education and is also a highly sought-after speaker in the natural healthcare field.

Dr. Luke’s degrees:

- - Doctor of Chiropractic
  - Master’s Degree in Sports Science & Rehabilitation
  - Fellow with the Acupuncture Society of America (Acupuncture degree)
  - Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences
  - Extensive training in Nutritional Supplementation (whole food vitamins & herbal supplementation)

Dr. Luke’s common conditions treated:

- - Sport injuries
  - Digestive disorders
  - Pain & Decreased function, especially pertaining to:
    - Headaches & Migraines
    - Extremity Issues – knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot
    - Nerve Issues – Sciatica & Carpal Tunnel
    - Joint Pain – Back pain, Neck pain, Bursitis, Arthritis
  - Chronic conditions
    - Skin issues, Asthma, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Immune system, Hormonal

Dr. Alex Ballenger

Chiropractor

Dr. Alex is originally from Kansas City, KS. She received her various degrees at Kansas State University and Logan University. Dr. Alex has a very gentle approach to her treatment methods, as she’s mastered a variety of treatment techniques (see below) that are very comfortable, safe and effective for men, women and children of all ages. Dr. Alex’s mission is to create an environment that is warm, educational, and always welcoming.

Dr. Alex specializes in the treatment of chronic disorders, including: pain, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, skin conditions, immune challenges, nerve conditions, auto-immune disorders, and much more. Dr. Alex has a strong passion for the treatment of females and children. She excels at treating infertility and hormonal issues, through the use of chiropractic, acupuncture, and nutrition.

Dr. Alex’s degrees:

- - Doctor of Chiropractic
  - Doctorate in Chiropractic Acupuncture
    - Highest level of Acupuncture a practicing physician can receive
      Advanced Certified in Activator Adjusting Technique
    - Highest level of training in Activator adjusting (low-impact, gentle adjusting)
    - Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences
    - Extensive training in Nutritional Supplementation (whole food vitamins, herbal, homeopathic)

Dr. Alex’s common conditions treated:

- - Infertility, Pediatrics & Female conditions
  - Chronic conditions:
    - Digestive issues, Skin issues, Asthma, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Immune
  - Pain & Decreased function, especially pertaining to:
    - Headaches & Migraines
    - Extremity Issues – knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot
    - Nerve Issues – Sciatica & Carpal Tunnel, Numbness & Tingling
    - Joint Pain – Back pain, Neck pain, Bursitis, Arthritis
  - Difficult cases
    - Neurological issues, auto-immune disorders, recovery from stroke or surgery, and much more

Dr. Chris Zimmerman

Chiropractor

Dr. Chris Zimmerman is Originally from Sac City, Iowa.

- Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Buena Vista University (Storm Lake, IA)
- Doctor of Chiropractic Palmer College of Chiropractic class of 2003
- Diplomate in Acupuncture (A.C.C.A)
- Extensive training in Sports Strength and Conditioning
- 19 years in private practice