Finally, a Doctor Who Treats the Root Cause — Not Just the Symptoms
If you’re exhausted, frustrated, or feeling trapped by thyroid issues, IBS, chronic fatigue, or unexplained symptoms — you’re not alone. Most patients who find us have already tried the conventional route. They’ve seen multiple doctors, been told their labs are “normal,” and still don’t feel right.
Local care in Carmel, IN | Telehealth nationwide
Functional Medicine
Local & telehealth nationwide
In-Person Care
Carmel, IN clinic for hands-on treatment
Free Consultation
Schedule your 15-minute intro call
THE MEDICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND
When Your Symptoms Don't Fit Into a Simple Diagnosis
Patients come to us at different stages of their health journey. Some already have a diagnosis and are seeking more effective solutions, while others are still searching for answers, unsure why their body isn’t functioning as it should. No matter where you are, we meet you where you are and help make sense of what’s happening in your body.
Some patients are dealing with internal symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalances — that haven’t been clearly explained. Others are struggling with physical pain, nerve issues, or joint limitations that affect daily life. Our goal is to uncover the root cause of your symptoms and create a personalized plan that restores your health, energy, and vitality so you can feel like yourself again.
Conditions We Work With
Patients come to us at different stages of their health journey. No matter where you are, we meet you there.
Functional Medicine (Local + Telehealth)
Musculoskeletal & Neurological-Focused Services
MEET DR. GAFKEN
Hi, I’m Dr. Gafken
The Doctor that Delivers Thoughtful, Comprehensive Care Designed Around You
Neurometabolic Solutions
“For too many people, doctors treat symptoms instead of the person behind them. If you’re tired of dealing with low energy, gut issues, thyroid imbalances, neuropathy, or chronic joint pain—and feeling like no one truly gets it—it’s time for a different experience. My mission is to listen, investigate, and guide you toward real healing.
“Either through functional medicine or utilizing advanced therapies for nerve and joint health, I help patients restore their energy, reduce pain, balance hormones, and regain confidence in their bodies. Every plan is personalized, evidence-based, and rooted in compassion.”
- Credentials & Expertise: Functional Medicine Doctor, Chiropractic Neurologist, Functional Medicine lecturing all across the US, Certified in Shockwave, Class IV Laser, Spinal Decompression
- Philosophy: “Healing starts with understanding — and treating — the root cause”
- Telehealth for functional medicine: Distance is no longer an obstacle. No matter where you live, if you have a phone and internet connection we can work together.
A Different Way of Looking at Chronic Health Problems
Most healthcare treats symptoms, not the root cause. We do things differently. Using functional medicine combined with targeted therapies, we uncover why your body isn’t functioning — whether it’s thyroid, gut, hormonal, or metabolic issues — and create a personalized plan to restore energy, clarity, movement, and vitality.
Most of the patients Dr. Gafken works with are not looking for quick fixes. They’re looking for clarity. So if you’ve been told everything is “normal” but still don’t feel right, you’re not alone. Fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, joint pain, and thyroid imbalances often signal deeper patterns that basic testing misses. We use advanced, precise, and comprehensive testing to understand your unique biology, then integrate internal health optimization to deliver real, lasting results.
You don’t have to keep guessing or living with unresolved symptoms. Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
Is This the Right Fit?
This approach works best for patients who:
- Have already tried conventional care and want a deeper investigation
- Are willing to engage in testing and make real lifestyle changes
- Are dealing with complex, multi-system symptoms — not a single acute issue
- Want to understand why their body is doing what it's doing, not just what pill to take
This may not be the right fit if you:
- Are looking for a quick prescription to manage symptoms
- Need emergency or acute care
- Want answers without testing or protocol adjustments
We’re direct about this because the right match matters — for you and for us.
Real Patients, Real Hope
Two Ways to Work With Dr. Gafken
Functional Medicine (Local & Telehealth)
For internal symptoms like fatigue, digestive issues, thyroid or metabolic imbalances. We use advanced testing to uncover root causes and guide a personalized plan.
In-Person Care (Carmel, IN Only)
For physical concerns like neuropathy, knee pain, sciatica, or spinal issues. Care includes hands-on treatment, targeted therapies, and structured plans to reduce pain, improve movement, and restore function.
How The Functional Medicine Process Works
Latest on the Blog
What Is Functional Medicine and How Is It Different?
A patient-friendly guide to understanding the root-cause approach to chronic health — and how it differs from conventional medicine.
The Gut-Brain Connection: Why Digestion Affects Everything
Your gut and brain are in constant communication. When one suffers, the other usually follows. Here’s what that means for your health.
Why Your TSH Is ‘Normal’ But You Still Feel Terrible
Standard thyroid testing only scratches the surface. Learn what markers actually matter and why a normal TSH doesn’t mean your thyroid is fine.