// Our Doctors

A team of doctors. One standard of care.

Indy Spine & Rehab is a multi-doctor sports chiropractic practice. Every patient — every visit — sees a doctor. Never a tech, never a script, never a long-term contract.

20+
Years caring
5
Doctors
1:1
Every visit
Indy Spine & Rehab
The Team
Dr. Ryan Van Matre
// 01 · Owner & Director

Dr. Ryan Van Matre

D.C., M.S., L.Ac.

Owner and Director of Indy Spine & Rehab, Dr. Van Matre completed undergraduate studies at DePauw University and earned his 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 serves as 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 in Prague. Dr. Van Matre has served as head chiropractor for a major D1 sports medicine program and has worked on the PGA Tour and with a professional football organization for 19 seasons.

A member of the American Pain Society and the International Association for the Study of Pain (SIG Pain with Movement), he holds a Master's degree in Therapeutic Outcomes Research from Indiana University, School of Rehabilitation and Health Sciences. In his free time he enjoys martial arts, reading, and spending time with his family.

Credentials
  • Doctor of Chiropractic — Logan College
  • M.S. Therapeutic Outcomes Research — Indiana University
  • Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
  • Elite ART Provider — Masters Level
  • American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board
  • Prague School of Rehabilitation (DNS)
Clinical Focus
  • Pro & D1 sports performance
  • Spine & nerve entrapment
  • Biomechanics & rehabilitation
Dr. Christine Ermel
// 02 · Associate Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Christine Ermel

D.C.

Dr. Ermel graduated from Carmel High School and completed her undergraduate studies at a Big Ten university with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. She earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

While at National, she completed additional continuing education seminars in radiology and motion palpation, and has attended upper extremity, lower extremity, spine, and nerve seminars for Active Release Technique. She has also completed post-doctoral education in functional rehabilitation and Kinesio Taping. Dr. Ermel loves the opportunity to practice chiropractic medicine in her hometown of Carmel, IN.

An avid equestrian since a young age and former member of her university's equestrian team, she continues to ride and has passed down her love of the sport to her daughters. In her spare time she enjoys running, biking, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, three dogs, and eight chickens.

Credentials
  • Doctor of Chiropractic — National University of Health Sciences (Summa Cum Laude)
  • Active Release Technique — Upper, Lower, Spine, Nerve
  • Functional Rehabilitation
  • Kinesio Taping Certified
  • Radiology & Motion Palpation
Clinical Focus
  • Active families & athletes
  • Functional rehabilitation
  • Sports & equestrian
Dr. Alex Sarpa
// 03 · Associate Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Sarpa

D.C., M.S.

Dr. Sarpa 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 Master's in Sports Science and Rehabilitation.

While at Logan, he earned 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.

Having played multiple sports throughout his life, Dr. Sarpa has a deep understanding of athletes' dedication to their sport. He is passionate about helping individuals return to the activities they love and has worked with athletes of all kinds, most recently with a D1 university sports medicine program. In his free time he enjoys being on the lake, golfing, exercising, and attending sporting events at Indiana University.

Credentials
  • Doctor of Chiropractic — Logan University
  • M.S. Sports Science & Rehabilitation — Logan University
  • Active Release Techniques — Upper, Lower, Spine
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
  • McKenzie Diagnosis & Therapy — Lumbar Spine
Clinical Focus
  • Return-to-sport
  • Movement assessment
  • Lumbar spine & disc
Dr. Brian Fuller
// 04 · Associate Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Brian Fuller

D.C.

Dr. Fuller completed his undergraduate studies at a Big Ten university with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a focus in Clinical Exercise Physiology. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University, where he also obtained certifications in Active Release Technique for the upper extremity, lower extremity, and spine — with additional certifications in Selective Functional Movement Assessment and Dry Needling.

Dr. Fuller grew up in Zionsville and is looking forward to treating patients in the community. Growing up he played football and wrestled, giving him a strong understanding of the injuries and functional demands that athletes endure.

In his free time he enjoys exercising, trivia nights, spending time with his family and friends, and cheering on his alma mater's athletics.

Credentials
  • Doctor of Chiropractic — Logan University
  • B.S. Kinesiology — Clinical Exercise Physiology
  • Active Release Technique — Upper, Lower, Spine
  • Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)
  • Dry Needling Certified
Clinical Focus
  • Sports injury & recovery
  • Functional movement
  • Dry needling
Dr. Owen Friest
// 05 · Associate Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Owen Friest

D.C.

Dr. Friest completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biomedical Science (Health Stream). He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Logan University, where he earned additional certifications in Active Release Technique for the Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Spine.

Dr. Friest grew up in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, before relocating to the United States in 2022. He was actively involved in multiple sports throughout his life — including hockey, golf, volleyball, and baseball. His athletic background gives him firsthand insight into the physical demands and stresses each sport places on the body. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical training, he takes an educational, results-driven approach to care.

In his free time, he enjoys visiting family and friends in Windsor and spending time at his cottage in northern Ontario. He enjoys chess, learning Spanish, and being outside, and loves playing hockey, golf, volleyball, pickleball, and tennis.

He is very excited to help the Carmel, IN and Delphi, IN communities grow and get the members of the community moving better and feeling better.

Credentials
  • Doctor of Chiropractic — Logan University
  • B.S. Biochemistry & Biomedical Science — University of Windsor
  • Active Release Technique — Upper, Lower, Spine
Clinical Focus
  • Sports performance
  • Educational, results-driven care
  • Active recovery
// Manifesto

"We reject the one-size-fits-all approach. Every patient is unique. Every plan should be too."

— The doctors of Indy Spine & Rehab