Meet Dr. Dockery

Dr. Joe Dockery graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in December 1978.  Palmer College is located in Davenport, Iowa, his hometown, and also where, in 1895, the Chiropractic profession was founded by Dr. Daniel D. Palmer.  There are many fine chiropractic colleges now located throughout the world, however Palmer College remains the seat of the most extensive chiropractic research facility.

After one year as an associate doctor in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Dockery moved to Staunton, Virginia and opened his practice on January 2nd, 1980.  Since that time Dr. Dockery has administered chiropractic care to over 10,000 patients.

Dr. Dockery has earned post-graduate certification in Chiropractic Philosophy (Legion of Chiropractic Philosophers) through Palmer College, and earned designation of Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner through the International Chiropractors Association's Wellness Program developed by Dr. James Chestnut.

Dr. Dockery is a past board member of the Virgina Chiropratic Association.

While in Virginia Joe was quite active not only in performing as a percussionist (note photo above) and guitar player in various local musical groups but he also gave back to the community as a music promoter and sponsor.  He was executive director of the non-profit Queen City Acoustic concert series, and along with former Statler Brother Jimmy Fortune and Robin & Linda Williams he co-founded the Fortune Williams Music Festival.

"My recent move to Saranac Lake is a fabulous opportunity.  My clinic in Virginia is in capable hands and allows MaryLynne and me to explore an area of the country that still has wilderness.  I grew up in Iowa and MaryLynne is from near Utica so we are used to the harsher winters, and believe it or not we are looking forward to them once again.   

"My main message is patient empowering through wellness education and maintenance care.  The original concept of chiropractic focuses on the body's ability to heal itself.  The practical application of that principle is the chiropractic adjustment.  Adjusting the segments of the spinal column aids in maintaining the body's self healing mechanisms by relieving nerve interference, and subsequently improving communication between the brain to the body and the body back to the brain. 

"Health maintenance is quite simple overall.  We are animals, albeit human animals, and as animals we require the same health approach as any animal in the wild.  That is, we need to be eating the foods that are "genetically congruent" with our species' physiology.  You wouldn't think to give the healthiest tiger in the wild candy, cakes, cola, french fries, etc. and expect it to stay healthy! 

"We also need to maintain the same exercise levels as our ancestors and manage successfully the effects of the unnatural amounts of stress our modern society thrusts upon us. 

What most people don't understand is that our physiology and our health status responds directly to our lifestyle choices.  Our health care crisis in America is not going to be solved by determining who will pay for 'health care'.  It will be solved by having less sick people!  Our modern society with its overdependance on processed foods, sedentary lifestyle, and high stress is literally diminishing what it means be human.  But you are not a victim to sickness and disease.  You do have a choice.  A choice to enjoy a life of fulfillment, energy, and vitality."