These are some Frequently Asked Questions. Feel free to call us if you have any additional questions that need answering.
+ What separates you from other Chiropractic offices?
The foundation of training that the doctors at Be Optimal utilize is Applied Kinesiology. Applied Kinesiology focuses not only on the physical aspect of our health, but also the bio-chemical or functional state as well as the emotional state of the patient. By taking this holistic approach, the doctors utilize many different techniques and modalities to get to the root cause of dysfunction, establishing true healing that is catered to each patient.
+ What types of patients do you treat?
We see patients from newborns to individuals in their 90's! We are truly a family practice, and welcome patients of any age and with varying health challenges. We meet people where they are and help them achieve their health goals. Whether experiencing low back pain, allergies, athletic injury, anxiety, or simply desire for yourself and your family to be well, holistic chiropractic care can help.
+ How Does Chiropractic Adjusting Work and Why Do We Need It?
Chiropractic adjustments work by assisting your body’s nervous system to re-establish communication. If nervous system communication is interrupted, it’s difficult for your body to maintain balance. It’s just as difficult to continue a conversation when there is a dropped call on your cell phone. If you’ve ever jammed a finger you know that its’ joint swells up and makes it difficult to move your finger. What most of us instinctively do is pull on the finger in an attempt to ‘un-jam’ our finger. Chiropractic works in a similar way. Instead of jammed fingers, it’s a spinal misalignment. However, when there is a spinal misalignment it interferes with the spinal nerves, your body’s central communication network. If nervous system communication is interrupted it’s difficult for your body to maintain balance.
+ How many sessions will I need?
We all want to feel better yesterday. The truth is that nature has her own time table. There are no short cuts in healing. Everyone is different and healing is an evolutionary journey. It is a constant process of awakening to your fullest potential…on all levels. After our initial treatment, we will assess what is specifically needed to help you achieve your health goals. There is no ‘cookie cutter’ approach so each session will be catered to your individual intentions and needs. It is also important to note that lifestyle changes are necessary to improve your health and wellness. If you continue doing exactly as you have been, likely the same result will continue over and over again. There is no magic wand that makes you well. It is a choice made by you. Anyone who promises to have you healthy in a specific time without you making any effort…we say, run the other way!
+ Do you take insurance?
The question is does your insurance take us? Our chiropractors are ‘out of network’ and as a courtesy will print a claim form for you to send in and for potential direct reimbursement. There are so many different insurance plans with various benefit packages that it’s difficult to predict coverage without calling your insurance company. We have chosen to be a ‘cash-based’ practice because it allows us to spend more time, energy and focus on health to each individual.
+ How long should I see a Chiropractor?
When it comes to your health the choice is always up to you. You don’t have to see a chiropractor for the rest of your life, just like you don’t have to see a medical doctor or dentist for that matter. The choice is up to you. Chiropractic is preventive health. It helps you have greater capacity to handle stress. Once you know how good you can feel and can handle life’s challenges with more ease, it’s hard NOT to choose to get regular appointments even if it is 4 times per year. This can be compared to getting the oil changed in your car. You don’t wait until the engine is burning on the side of the road to decide that an oil change would have been a great idea. At that point, it costs a lot more time and money to get things to where you want and need them…and you STILL need that oil changed. It would have been much easier to just get the oil changed in the first place. You want your body to run for you like a machine??…you have to take care of it.
+ What do you charge for your services?
Please contact the office for the current fee schedules.
+ What if I don't think I need Chiropractic care but I don't know what service to start with?
We are a unique health care destination and understand that your health journey is an investment in time, energy, and money, on your part and ours. The best way to learn about who we are and what we do is to attend one of our “Dinner with the Doctors” Health Classes in person, hosted by one of our doctors. These are free and offered twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6:30pm. To show our appreciation for your attendance, we offer a 25% discount for your initial new patient chiropractic appointment.
Register For A Health Class Here
Since we are not a typical Chiropractic practice, we strongly encourage attending a health class to be certain our approach resonates with you.
+ What does an initial new patient Chiropractic appointment look like?
An initial Chiropractic appointment is 1 hour you will need to fill out our New Patient History Forms. Follow up appointments are usually 30 minutes. To schedule as a new patient, we require an initial one-hour appointment with a 50% deposit, and three, 30-minute, follow up appointments. We take all major credit cards, cash and check.
+ Do you consult with patients outside of the Chicago area?
Yes, we work with many individuals virtually from both near and far to support people through challenges of all types. We do this with phone or zoom. To get started, you would call or email to schedule yourself with one of the physicians.
+ How long do I have to take supplements?
The simple answer: There is no cookie-cutter approach…every-body is different therefore a perfect plan will be discussed with each individual based on the body’s needs, your intention for your health and what will bring you to the most optimal state of wellness.
The longer answer: There are so many nutrients missing from our diet even with a perfect eating plan because our soil is stripped of nutrients. We are also exposed to environmental toxins whether we are aware of it or not. The fact is, it takes at least 13 months for our whole body to regenerate so being on supplements to support detoxification and rebuilding for at least a year is really smart. Certain supplements might be something you choose to do for your lifetime as preventative, while other supplements/vitamins may only be needed for a month or two. We educate you and together we come up with the best plan for your health.
Be Optimal is a place to Become Your Best You…so it isn’t just about getting you out of a symptom state. We are here to help you to reach a state of health and vitality.
+ Isn't my health determined by my genes?
Yes and no. Your genes give your body the blueprint for construction. Some genes are like light switches that get turned on or off. Your family history will indicate which possible diseases are most likely to present when there is imbalance. However, simply because you may carry the gene does not necessarily mean that the gene will get turned on and come into play. There are many lifestyle factors that influence whether a gene gets turned on from a dormant place. Bruce Lipton’s book “Biology of Belief” is wonderful at explaining this in more depth.
+ What is homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a non-toxic form of energy or vibration medicine. Homeopathy is a system that works by assisting the individual with highly diluted substances with the aim of triggering the body’s natural system of healing. The philosophy is: Like with Like. Homeopathy is based on the principle that you can treat ‘like with like’, that is, a substance which causes symptoms when taken in large doses, can be used in small amounts to treat those same symptoms. For example, drinking too much coffee can cause sleeplessness and agitation, so according to this principle, when made into a homeopathic medicine, it could be used to treat people to sleep and relax. This concept is sometimes used in conventional medicine as well. For example, the stimulant Ritalin is used to treat patients with ADHD. Also, sometimes small doses of pollen are given to people experiencing allergies to desensitize the allergy. However, one major difference with homeopathic medicines is that substances are used in ultra high dilutions, which makes them non-toxic.