When Westfield High School graduate Matt Schulke entered Ball State University as a pre-med major, he had no idea what chiropractic was. However, when he experienced significant back pain, a chiropractor’s office was where he landed for relief. Not only did his back pain improve, but some other issues went away.
“As I learned more, chiropractic resonated with me from a more natural-based healthcare model,” Schulke says.
He began building his own practice in Carmel 11 years ago after graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic. However, the scope of his practice has changed somewhat over the years.
About five years ago, Matt began having pain, burning and tingling in his right leg. He was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, which occurs when nerve's outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged, causing weakness and pain. More often seen in hands and feet, peripheral neuropathy can also affect other areas and functions of the body. It can result from injuries, infections, chemotherapy or toxin exposure. It can also have an autoimmune component or result from metabolic disorders like diabetes.
“We often hear that there is nothing that can be done for peripheral neuropathy, and that you just have to live with it,” Schulke says. “Standard of care is certain medications that don’t do anything to correct the nerves function. They might numb it, but the neuropathy usually progresses.”
Schulke refused to accept that.
Today, he holds a board certification in Neuropathy and Chronic Intractable Pain from the American College of Physical Medicine and specializes in non-surgical, drug-free treatment for peripheral neuropathy. His wife, Dr. Rebecca Schulke, also a Palmer graduate, has joined her husband in practice to treat peripheral neuropathy. In fact, 90% of their patients face the issue, and the treatments don’t include traditional chiropractic.
“It all starts with our assessment process to make sure someone is a good candidate for treatment,” Schulke says.
It all comes down to looking at the neurological, structural, metabolic and circulatory components, he says.
Treatments are geared towards nerve regeneration and circulation, balance therapy, non-invasive stem cell therapy, decompression, home therapies and more.
The practice offers SoftWave TRT, a hallmark procedure that has only been available in the U.S. for around six years. The technology activates stem cells, increases blood flow 300% and can promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
The combinations of treatments can not only decrease pain and improve nerve function, they can slow or end the progression of the condition.
The vast majority of patients have come to the office after having sought care with other providers and are often doubtful that treatment will help.
"We have had hundreds of patients and have had very good success," Schulke says. "We’ve had people, thankfully, able to cancel amputation procedures. It’s incredible.”
Schulke encourages anyone dealing with peripheral neuropathy to take the necessary steps to invest in their health and find the treatment and relief they need.
“We’re giving people the tools and the information so they can also help themselves and heal themselves moving forward," Schulke says. "Education plays a huge part in health and healing."
Schulke Chiropractic & Wellness Solutions will be offering a free peripheral neuropathy seminar, including lunch, at noon on April 23 at Wolfies Grill at 1162 Keystone Way in Carmel.
