About
Dr. Joe Figueroa brings more than 25 years of clinical, academic, and military medical experience to his role at James Clinic's Ankeny, Iowa location. He earned his DO from Des Moines University, completed an internship at Des Moines General Hospital, and finished his Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Michigan State University and Ingham Regional Medical Center. He then pursued a fellowship in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine at Des Moines University, adding a refined manual skill set to his rehabilitation foundation.
Dr. Figueroa holds board certification in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. He also carries international certification in the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM), a precise manual therapy framework for identifying mechanical drivers of pain and restricted movement. His career includes 22 years as an Assistant Professor at Des Moines University and service as a Staff Physiatrist and Assistant Chief of PM&R at Madigan Army Medical Center as a commissioned US Army officer. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Dr. Figueroa treats neck, back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot dysfunction, along with overuse injuries, mobility restrictions, and performance limitations.
Education & Training
Medical School
Des Moines University (DO)
Residency
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Michigan State University / Ingham Regional Medical Center
Fellowship
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Des Moines University
Additional Training
Internship: Des Moines General Hospital; Assistant Professor at Des Moines University (2002–2024); Former Staff Physiatrist & Assistant Chief, PM&R, Madigan Army Medical Center; commissioned US Army officer
Certifications
Languages
English, Spanish
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Figueroa right for?
Dr. Figueroa is an excellent fit for patients dealing with persistent musculoskeletal pain that has not responded to standard treatment. Athletes and active individuals managing overuse injuries, performance limitations, or movement dysfunction benefit from his rehabilitation and FDM expertise. Patients with neck, back, shoulder, hip, knee, or lower extremity problems will find his assessment unusually detailed. Spanish-speaking patients appreciate his ability to conduct full clinical consultations in their preferred language.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Figueroa treats a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions including neck, mid-back, and low back pain, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, and foot dysfunction, headaches with musculoskeletal drivers, recurrent strains, overuse injuries, mobility restrictions, and performance limitations. He also addresses postural and gait issues through detailed movement pattern analysis.
The Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is an internationally recognized manual therapy framework that identifies specific distortions in the body's connective tissue as drivers of pain and restricted movement. Dr. Figueroa holds international certification in FDM and uses it as a core part of his musculoskeletal assessment and treatment.
Yes. Dr. Figueroa holds board certification in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. He also carries international certification in the Fascial Distortion Model.
Dr. Figueroa performs Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT), FDM evaluation and treatment, and trigger point injections. He also develops personalized exercise prescriptions and return-to-performance strategies based on detailed movement analysis.
Yes. Dr. Figueroa has extensive experience with training-related pain, performance limitations, and injury recovery. His background in rehabilitation medicine and manual therapy makes him well suited for competitive and recreational athletes seeking to return to full function.
Yes. Dr. Figueroa is fluent in both English and Spanish and conducts full clinical consultations in either language.
Dr. Figueroa served as an Assistant Professor at Des Moines University from 2002 to 2024. He also served as a commissioned US Army officer and held the role of Staff Physiatrist and Assistant Chief of PM&R at Madigan Army Medical Center. He has received multiple teaching honors, osteopathic mentoring recognitions, and a military commendation.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026