About Us
Ryan Van Matre, D.C., M.S., L.Ac.
Ryan Van Matre, D.C., M.S., L.Ac. Director of Indy Spine and Rehab, completed undergraduate studies at DePauw and Purdue Universities. He received a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan College of Chiropractic. He is board certified by the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board and is an Elite ART provider, Masters level certified in biomechanics and nerve entrapments.
He is post-doctorate faculty for National University of Health Sciences and has studied musculoskeletal medicine under Karel Lewit, M.D., Vladimir Janda, M.D. and Pavel Kolar, P.T., Ph.D. at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. Dr. Van Matre serves as the head chiropractor for Purdue University Sports Medicine. He has worked on the PGA tour and with the Indianapolis Colts for the past 19 seasons.
He is a member of the American Pain Society and International Association for the Study of Pain, SIG Pain with Movement. Dr. Van Matre achieved a master’s degree in “Therapeutic Outcomes Research” from Indiana University, School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences under advisors Joyce Mac Kinnon, D.Ed, PT, Anna Dusick, MD and Michael Justiss, PhD, OTR.” In his free time he enjoys martial arts, reading and spending time with his family.
Christine Ermel, D.C.
Christine Ermel, D.C. graduated from Carmel High School and completed her undergraduate studies at Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She received her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences graduating Suma Cum Laude. While attending National she took additional continuing education seminars in radiology and motion palpation. Dr. Ermel has attended upper extremity, lower extremity, spine, and nerve seminars for Active Release Technique. She has also completed post-doctoral education seminars in functional rehabilitation and Kinesiotaping. Dr. Ermel loves the opportunity to practice chiropractic medicine in her hometown of Carmel, IN.
Dr. Ermel has been an avid equestrian since a young age and was a member of the Purdue Equestrian team. She continues to ride and has passed down her love of riding to her daughters. She also loves to spend time at the pool watching her oldest daughter. who is a competitive swimmer with Carmel Swim Club. These activities have helped afford her a better understanding of a person’s competitive nature and of the dedication one has to sport.
In her spare time she also enjoys running, biking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, three dogs, and eight chickens.
Alex Sarpa, D.C., M.S.
Alex Sarpa, D.C., M.S., completed his undergraduate studies at Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University, where he also obtained his Masters in Sports Science and Rehabilitation. While attending Logan University he took additional continuing education seminars where he received certifications in Selective Functional Movement Assessment with clinical application and McKenzie Diagnosis and Therapy of the Lumbar Spine. Dr. Sarpa is also a certified provider of Active Release Techniques for the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine.
Dr. Sarpa has played in multiple sports throughout his life, which has allowed him to develop an understanding for all athletes dedication to their sport. He respects the competitive nature that comes with all aspects of sports and therefore is passionate about helping all individuals return to the activities they enjoy. Dr. Sarpa has worked with athletes of all kinds and most recently Purdue University Sports Medicine.
In his free time he enjoys being on the lake, golfing, exercising, attending sporting events at Indiana University, and spending time with his family and friends.
Joseph Little, D.C.
Dr. Little is a native Hoosier from Delphi, Indiana. He received his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Logan University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Little has had the opportunity to travel around the country working with a wide range of complex neurological and chronic pain conditions.
He has extensive clinical experience in the fields of spinal trauma, motor vehicle injuries, sport injuries and sports performance optimization, post-concussion syndrome/mTBI, post-traumatic headaches, dizziness and balance disorders, and pediatric developmental conditions.
While formerly practicing in Washington State, Dr. Little worked with many professional athletes from both the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners organizations.
When not seeing patient’s Dr. Little enjoys focusing on the four F's: Family, Friends, Fishing, and Football.
Courtney Keating, LMT
Courtney Keating completed her certificate in Therapeutic Massage from Ivy Tech Community College. She became interested in massage therapy while in her previous career.
Courtney also holds a BA in history. She began a career in the not-for-profit sector, working in adult education and social work. In her work, Courtney learned a lot about how emotional trauma manifests in our bodies and how these experiences can affect our physical and mental health. “I worked directly with individuals who had experienced both single events and had long-term exposure to being physically and emotionally hurt by others. While doing research I learned that some people benefitted from massage therapy to help them process what happened to them, and for some it acted as a stepping stone to be able to go to talk therapy.”
Courtney and her family moved to the Indianapolis area, and she resumed working in adult education. Once the Covid-19 pandemic took her classroom online she felt it was time for a break in her career. She stopped teaching and enrolled in Ivy Tech’s Therapeutic Massage program.
While in school, Courtney began to gravitate towards sports massage. She is excited to join Indy Spine and Rehab in Carmel as a Certified Massage Therapist in January 2022. Courtney’s massage style is a unique blend of Swedish massage and integrative deep tissue.
Swedish, the most common type of massage, focuses on full body relaxation using long, gliding strokes. Integrative deep tissue works the deeper layers and connective tissue, not through harder pressure but through targeted work on the root causes of tension. Courtney combines both massage techniques to provide a well-rounded, relaxing, and therapeutic experience. Each massage is fully customizable, tailored to your comfort and what your body needs.
**As an exciting welcome offer, Courtney is offering free enhancements with your session. For a limited time only, hot stones and cupping are offered at no additional charge to your session.**