Dr. Ellen Kindelsperger DC

A Personal Story

Ellen’s journey to becoming a chiropractor began after her first season as a Division I collegiate track athlete. As a scholarship 400-meter sprinter with promising potential in the 800-meter event, she faced a demanding transition to mid-distance running—one that significantly increased her training volume. The heightened physical stress triggered a hidden battle within her body: psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that affects 15% of those with psoriasis.

Psoriasis had been a part of Ellen’s life since she was three years old. Up until then, she had managed it with steroid creams and sunshine. The skin condition, though frustrating, had always been tolerable. But the arthritis was a different story. Swollen knees, ankles, and wrists were initially misdiagnosed as overuse injuries, attributed to the rigors of training. Despite undergoing two joint aspirations, receiving cortisone injections, and spending three months in a walking boot, relief remained elusive.

Determined to reclaim her health and athletic career, Ellen began searching for an alternative solution—one that would ultimately change the course of her life.

A Shift in Perspective

Ellen’s perspective on health took a transformative turn when she discovered Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative by Dr. John O.A. Pagano. The book introduced her to the anti-inflammatory diet—an approach focused on reducing acidic foods to promote gut healing. She learned that skin health is a direct reflection of gut health, with the skin serving as a secondary organ for detoxification. The book also highlighted the profound impact of physical and mental stress, emphasizing the role of chiropractic care, mindfulness, and exercise in overall well-being.

By following the principles outlined in the book, Ellen experienced something she never thought possible—clear skin and significant relief in her joints. For the first time, she felt in control of her health.

This newfound empowerment inspired her to pursue a career where she could help others reclaim their well-being through natural, holistic methods. Ellen believes true health comes from treating the body as an interconnected whole rather than a collection of separate parts. Her dedication to physical fitness, mindfulness, and continuous learning fuels her passion to serve her patients and guide them toward optimal health.

The focus of her craft

For years, Ellen has found fulfillment in treating athletes of all abilities, from competitive performers to those simply pursuing an active lifestyle. More recently, she has explored the powerful connection between the mind and body—specifically, the psychosomatic component of pain and its role in healing. This emerging field of wellness has infused her practice with a renewed sense of vibrancy and depth, allowing her to approach patient care in a more holistic and transformative way.

Beyond her professional work, Ellen is a devoted student of Stoic philosophy. A perfect analogy for Stoicism is imagining the mind as a calm lake. Inevitably, life throws stones—challenges, stress, and uncertainty—that ripple across the surface. Stoicism provides the tools to navigate these disruptions, reminding us of our autonomy and our ability to restore stillness within ourselves, no matter what the external world brings.

Doctor of Chiropractic – Palmer West College of Chiropractic

BS in Kinesiology – University of Northern Iowa

Manual Release Therapy - hand a tool-assisted

KinesioTape

Strength Coach 2015 - current