Dr. Donald Gerken, DC, DACCP, CSTD

Donald is a chiropractor who specializes in family practice. After completing his doctorate in chiropractic, he went back to school for additional training in pediatrics, pregnancy, CranioSacral Therapy and nutrition. He is the only Chiropractor in south San Diego certified in family practice by the ICPA (International Chiropractic Association of Pediatrics) at the diplomat level. He is also the only chiropractor in south San Diego that is certified diplomat in CranioSacral Therapy by the Upledger Institute.

Dr. Gerken loves helping women throughout pregnancy. His focus isn’t strictly pain relief, but improving the overall function of the pelvis and soft tissue structures surrounding the uterus. This optimizes labor and delivery. Once the baby has arrived, Dr. Gerken focuses on helping mothers to regain their health and strength while breastfeeding. He is happy to work hand-in-hand with your Doula or Midwife.

Because of his extensive training and experience with children, Dr. Gerken is the perfect chiropractor for newborns. His gentle technique and the structural work on infants through the mouth can help correct cranial problems quicker than with chiropractic alone. Dr. Gerken comfortably works with newborns and conditions such as: torticollis, GERD, colic, inability to latch strongly to the breast, TOT (Tethered Oral Tissue) and cranial molding problems.

Education
Donald graduated from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1995. His heart has always been with newborns, infants, children and families. He served as a DAN (defeat autism now) doctor while working simultaneously to further his education. His affiliation with the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) led him to complete his Webster Certification in 2003. He completed his certification through the Academy of Chiropractic Family Practice and the Counsel of Chiropractic Pediatrics in 2006 and went on to complete his diplomat in 2008. Additionally, Donald completed his certification in CranioSacral Therapy through the Upledger Institute in 2009 and his diplomate in 2010. A longtime advocate of nutrition he has studied nutrition all his life, completed over 26 classes, weekend seminars and meets monthly with other like-minded individuals to remain up to date on the latest studies and information.

Experience
Donald started working with patients in 1994. He completed his internship in Old Town San Diego where he fell in love with Chula Vista and purchased a practice with his wife in 1996, where he practiced on Telegraph Canyon Road until 2002 when the practice moved to Bonita road. In 2015 the practice moved to its current location in Eastlake. He has always worked in family practice and loves the opportunity to help women optimize their pregnancy, delivery and recovery as well as maximize baby’s development.

Outside the Office
Donald enjoys swimming, pickleball, running and biking.  He’s active in his church and enjoys bible study.  He’s the father of three grown kids and has been married to his wife since 1996.  He enjoys cooking and perfecting new recipes, especially recipes from other cultures and countries.  His “Lactation Cookies” are a sought after commodity that even fathers love to eat, when mothers are not looking.